In the aftermath of their narrow win over Dublin, a result that sees them close in on a return to the top flight of the Allianz Hurling League, Neil McManus credited the work that Offaly have put in rising through the ranks.
Dan Ravenhill's monster point from a free deep in his own half, seven minutes into stoppage time, dramatically secured Offaly's third win from four outings in Division 1B. The Faithful now head the standings and look on course to join the big guns in 2026.
Speaking on Allianz League Sunday, former Antrim star McManus was full of praise for the work that manager Johnny Kelly has presided over since he first got involved with the midlanders in 2019, saying that "it's remarkable". He also hailed the character shown in edging past the Dubs.
"When you think they were beaten semi-finalists in the Christy Ring in 2020. They then won it in 2021 and then won the Joe McDonagh last year and now they are going to be one of the top seven teams in the country next year.
"It looks like they have one foot in the final here. Full credit to them and the job that they've done as a county, you have to credit this group of players and Johnny Kelly because they went to Croke Park and played a Dublin team who were favourites.
"They won it right at the death and they fought hard for it in the last ten minutes, winning the exchanges that needed to be won. Big scores from very young men got them over the line and it's really encouraging."
Offaly are on the cusp of a return to hurling's top flight after beating Dublin, a 'remarkable' achievement says @Neilmcmanus88, with @JoeyCan88 adding that Dublin's Conor Burke will be disappointed at seeing red
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) February 23, 2025
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Joe Canning felt that Dublin were part authors of their own downfall, this after midfielder Conor Burke was sent off on 65 minutes, with the 2017 All-Ireland winner adding that the complexion of the game changed thereafter.
"It got the game going because for long stages it was a case of 'we score, you score'. It was a deserved red card and he knew straight away it was a bit silly and realised 'what am I after doing?' He can have no complaints; he struck with the hurl. You can't turn around and give a dig like that.
"The game came into life then. I don't know whether it was the crowd coming in for the football, but it was low intensity and guys getting scores whenever they wanted. Dublin were in cruise control and will wonder how they lost it. Offaly, in fairness, stayed with it. They got the last three our four scores and were fully deserving winners."
