Offaly are back-to-back Leinster U20 hurling champions after a dramatic decider at O'Moore Park on Wednesday night.
Leo O'Connor's Offaly side won last year's final against Wexford, and this year's championship saw them up against Dublin in Portlaoise seeking back-to-back success for the first time since 1992.
It was to be a night to remember for the Faithful County, as they ran out three-point winners over the Dubs.
The conclusion to the game was a chaotic one, with a pitch invasion forcing a two-minute delay in stoppage time as Offaly defended a six-point lead.
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Offaly retain Leinster U20 hurling title v Dublin
Adam Screeney was the scoring star for Offaly on Wednesday night, contributing 0-09 of their 1-18 total en route to Leinster U20 glory.
Offaly were ahead 1-07 to 0-08 at the break, thanks in no small part to Shane Rigney's neatly taken goal on 20 minutes, and they would slowly extend that advantage over the course of the second half.
20 nóim, #DUBvOFF @DubGAAOfficial 0:07@Offaly_GAA 1:03
Cúl! A leithéid de cúl faighte ag Shane Rigney!👊
Offaly's number 10 is the first to react after a line ball causes chaos in the Dublin defence!
BEO/LIVETG4 AR @TG4TV 📺
#GAABEO @EirGrid pic.twitter.com/k6QkddMgib— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) May 22, 2024
When the clock ticked into the red off the back of a Dan Bourke free, Offaly found themselves 1-18 to 0-15 up - and some of their ardent support couldn't contain their excitement.
Dozens of fans prematurely poured onto the pitch, forcing a two-minute delay to the game's conclusion as stewards moved desperately to clear the pitch.
When the game resumed, Dublin's Conn Rock clattered home a cracking goal to make the finish even nervier. As the clock went past 64 minutes, the Offaly fans were practically on the pitch again - and the final whistle brought a sea of green, white, and gold pouring onto the O'Moore Park pitch.
Great to see @Offaly_GAA hurling on the rise again. The county's supporters love this under-20 team. #GAA pic.twitter.com/6KsNo7opMe
— Damian Cullen (@Damian_Cullen) May 22, 2024
Speaking at full-time, Laoch na hImeartha Adam Screeney said the team had "unfinished business" in the upcoming All-Ireland decider, having lost out in last year's decider to Cork.
To win one Leinster championship in Offaly is absolutely huge. To have a bunch of lads come back-to-back in the Leinster championship...it hasn't been done in a long time. It's absolutely incredible.
As we all know, Nowlan Park, what a venue. Everyone around the country knows that we have unfinished business in Nowlan Park. Either Tipp or Cork next Saturday...we'll be absolutely raring to go.
Offaly will face the winners of the Munster final in Nowlan Park on Saturday June 1st, with throw-in at 7:15pm.
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