Offaly forward Niall McNamee is expecting a “huge buzz” in the county after they defeated Longford at O’Connor Park to book a Leinster quarter-final date with Westmeath.
The home crowd witnessed the Faithful County register their first provincial win since 2007 to avenge successive defeats to the same opposition over the last two years.
Niall Smith scored the crucial goal and was one of 11 different scorers for Pat Flanagan’s side on the day. The 2006 All Star nominee said it was great to get back to winning ways
“It’s great to get the win,” McNamee told RTÉ Sport. “It’s great for the supporters. A huge crowd came out to support us today and it’s lovely to be back in Tullamore and it’s great to get the win.
“We felt we left it behind us last year and a lot of work has gone in over the last 12 months to get us back here. We’re just grateful to get over the line. This day has been coming a long time.”
McNamee is in his 14th season at senior level, but starved of success in recent years, he underlined the importance of the victory for the current squad.
“I’ve got a good few of them [Leinster victories], but it’s a few lads’ first win,” he said.
“That’s just been kind of hanging over us. We’ve been playing well over the years and just couldn’t get close to teams, a point here or there. Over the last two years we’ve been putting in a lot of work and lads have been getting fitter and stronger.”
Next up will be a trip to Westmeath on 12 June and McNamee, who hit four points from play, is eagerly looking forward to next month’s clash.
“Lads will only get more confidence from this. There’s going to be a huge buzz in the county for the next few weeks leading into the quarter-final.
“It’s a huge local rivalry and it’s going to be another great day out for the supporters.”
