Offaly 3-8

Cavan 0-4

TWO goals within the first three minutes of the second half of this Junior B semifinal moved Offaly easily into the decider next Sunday, where they will meet Donegal. While the first half was low scoring, the second was all Offaly as they return to a county final just a week after their hurlers clinched their second title in two years.

It was all Offaly to begin with a brace of points from Danny Leady and Brendan Moran setting the tone. They were pushing Cavan back on their heels with relentless pressure. The shooting was a little off but they were building chances.

The best move of the early going was a five player one that ended with Tom Rosney in possession on the top of the square. He made no mistake for a five-point lead.

Cavan rebounded to the task at hand. They pulled points back from Declan Fitzpatrick and Paul Galligan. Galligan's was a brilliant score as he faded across the 45 before chipping over.

Their defense, while living dangerously, started to settle, with Kevin Shalvey and Michael Smith having timely clearances at the back. When Fitz added a third point from a free when Ogie Shannon was fouled it was a two point Offaly lead.

Cavan continued to press as the half ended, but wides hurt them. Ollie Harten was showing in the full forward line, with Galligan enjoying the freedom of the 50. They were unable to add to their account, however, as the half arrived.

Offaly broke the game open with a two goal burst in the first four minutes of the second half. Vinnie Gavin scored a lovely individual effort when he sauntered in from the 40 and tapped home easily.

Leady followed it with a net shaker when he pulled down a cross field pass from Gavin. Points from Moran (a free), John Madden (a straight up shot on the run) and another Gavin point off set a lonely Galligan score to make the scoreline 3-5 to 0-4 on the 11th minute, and Offaly were on their way to the final.

Cavan had a chance to recover and cut the deficit when Paul Mohan bore in on goal. He shot straight at John McGinley who saved, but Mohan was fouled in the follow up.

The kick was taken by Fitzpatrick, but he also shot straight at McGinley who had the easy task of saving with the foot. It needed to be much more and wasn't for the Breffni Boys.

Madden and John Fitzpatrick added further scores for Offaly as they cruised to the finish line with the fire in the game disappearing as Cavan realized their fate.

Offaly will be delighted to have the opportunity to go for another title. John McGinley made a couple of very important saves, although the penalty was poorly struck. Mike Maher was excellent in the full back line, and he made some very good runs up the field. John Fitz, Thomas Rosney, Brendan Moran and Danny Leady did well. Vinnie Gavin and John Madden were outstanding of the bench.

Cavan never got to the races in the second half. Michael Smith, Brian Dennehy, Declan Fitz and Paul Galligan were their most prominent.

Offaly: 1 John McGinley, 2 Liam Greenan, 3 Kevin Curran, 4 Mike Maher, 5 Brian Delaney, 6 John Fitzpatrick (0-1), 7 Steven Clancy, 8 Brian Fingleton, 9 Thomas Rosney (1-0), 10 Liam Sullivan, 11 Mark Dolan, 12 John Coughlin, 13 Damien Curran (0-1), 14 Brendan Moran (0-3), 15 Danny Leady (1-0). Subs John Madden (0-2), Vinnie Gavin (1-1), Enda Egan.

Cavan: 1 Kevin Shalvey, 2 Eddie Travers, 3 Michael Smith, 4 Niall Tackney, 5 Gary Fitzpatrick, 6 Steven Smith, 7 Finbarr Daly, 8 Shane Smith, 9 Brian Dennehy, 10 Ogie Shannon, 11 Declan Fitzpatrick (0-2), 12 Paul Mohan, 13 Rory Lavery, 14 Paul Galligan (0-2), 15 Sean Brady. Subs: Ollie Harten, P.J. Smith, Danny McKenna.

Referee: Fergus Daly (Tyrone).

Man of the match: Thomas Rosney (Offaly).