Preview: Dublin v Offaly Leinster Senior Football Semi Final

Pic courtesy Des Pearson

By Conor Martin

Dessie Farrell’s Dublin do battle with Offaly in the semi-finals of the Leinster Senior Football Championship this weekend at Croke Park. 

It’ll be the first time the two counties have met each other in the provincial championship since Dublin beat Offaly at this stage by 1-12 to 0-10 back in 2007. 

Dublin’s Leinster journey got off to the best possible start with a 3-19 to 0-12 win over Meath last time out. 

Paul Mannion, Con O’Callaghan and Seán Bugler were the men who raised green flags for the Dubs. 

It was an experienced Dublin out on the Croke Park pitch, which included Ciarán Kilkenny & Colm Basquel, whose contributions as usual were impressive. The game also saw a first appearance of the year for Stephen Cluxton.

Offaly finished sixth in Division 3 of the Allianz Football League, picking up wins against Wicklow and Limerick, a draw and four defeats, with the number of defeats looking very harsh on Offaly given the fact they lost two of said games by just a point.

In last year’s Championship, Offaly had a campaign to remember and beat Longford and Meath before losing to a strong Louth side at this stage of the competition. 

Just like Dublin, Offaly got their Leinster campaign up and running in the quarter-finals and put in a solid showing against Laois, winning by 2-13 to 1-8 & recording their first Championship win over Laois since 2002.

Dylan Hyland, who impressed on a number of occasions in the league, had five points to his name by full-time. Jordan Hayes and Keith O’Neill followed their teammates lead with scores that helped the Faithful County over the line with ease.

You can back the Boys in Blue as we bid to make the Leinster Final by buying tickets here. 

Those not able to get to Croke Park this weekend can watch the action live from 4pm on GAAGO! 

Last five meetings in the Leinster Senior Football Championship Dublin v Offaly

24th June 2007, Croke Park, Leinster Senior Football Championship Semi-Final Dublin 1-12 (15) - 0-10 (10) Offaly

16th July 2006, Croke Park, Leinster Senior Football Championship Final Dublin 1-15 (18) - 0-9 (9) Offaly

17th June 2001, Croke Park, Leinster Senior Football Championship Semi-Final Dublin 1-12 (15) - 0-13 (13) Offaly

31st May 1992, O’Connor Park Tullamore, Leinster Senior Football Championship Preliminary Round Offaly 1-9 (12) - 2-17 (23) Dublin

29th June 1986, O’Moore Park Portlaoise, Leinster Senior Football Championship Semi-Final Dublin 1-10 (13) - 0-7 (7) Offaly