Limerick’s Leo O’Connor guides Offaly to first Minor title in 22 years

The Faithful county proved too strong for Laois in the decider last night.

Limerick native Leo O’Connor has guided Offaly to the Leinster Minor Hurling title for the first time since 2000.

Offaly picked up their first title in 22-years at the expense of Laois in a novel final in O’Moore Park as they ran out 0-21 to 0-13 winners.

Against Laois, who were seeking a first triumph since 1964, Offaly held a two point lead at the break in front of over 12,000 supporters.

But O’Connor’s men kicked on in the second half with the Limerick native clearly emotional in the wake of a famous win.

“Absolutely over the moon. I know what they have put in and the work they have done. It’s brilliant for the county.

“It’s only one step on the ladder. We’ll enjoy tonight, get them in and go again.”

During his playing days with the Limerick seniors, O’Connor was on the wrong side of an All-Ireland final defeat to Offaly, the infamous ‘five minute final’ of 1994.

As a coach, he guided the Limerick U21s to a Munster title in 2011, after they defeated Cork after extra-time in an epic encounter in the Gaelic Grounds.

A number of that side went on to win All-Ireland honours including current members of the senior side in Declan Hannon and Graeme Mulcahy.

For the Offaly minors, they had to do it the hard way to win back the Leinster title that eluded them since the first year of the new millennium, winning fives game on the trot to secure provincial honours.

O’Connor’s side join Tipperary in the All-Ireland semi-finals where they will meet one of Galway, Laois or Clare.