Offaly's hurlers proved that goals win matches at Croke Park, firing five past Ulster champions Antrim to maintain their Liam McCarthy Cup status for 2006 with a 5-17 to 0-18 victory today.
Brendan Murphy, Brian Carroll, who top-scored with 1-08, and Joe Brady all netted past recalled Saffrons' goalkeeper Gareth Magee in the first half, while a double blast from Michael Cordial wrapped up the win in the second.
Cordial, a nephew of former Faithful great Brendan Keeshan, bagged 2-03 in all as Antrim lost their fourth straight All-Ireland tie this summer.
Despite a five-point haul from Johnny McIntosh, Antrim trailed 3-11 to 0-10 at the break. Carroll hit 1-06 in the opening half, while a 2-06 burst from John McIntyre's side between the fourth and 15th-minute set the tone.
A 40th-minute Cordial goal pushed Offaly 4-11 to 0-11 in front. Credibly, the Saffrons then hit five points without reply, with Brian McFall (0-03), Karl McKeegan and Ciaran Herron on target - reduced the arrears to 0-18 to 4-14, but Offaly mercilessly pushed on again and Cordial's second goal sealed Antrim's
place in the relegation final.
