Offaly lose to Laois

Offaly, Laois and Down ended up with three wins each and a playoff was needed to decide the final placings. Down got straight to the final and Offaly had home venue against Laois in the playoff. The game was played in Kinnitty on Sunday last and Offaly were confident after their victory over Laois two weeks ago at the same venue. Offaly were without Karen Nugent who was injured and Natalie McCabe started at full forward with some positional changes elsewhere.

Offaly got off to a great start with an Aoife Corrigan goal on 3 minutes after some good work by Natalie McCabe. Laois were working hard and pointed from play by Trish Cuddy. It was end to end camogie and Natalie McCabe pointed and Laois replied likewise. It was 15 minutes before the next score as the teams battled away and Laois edging it at centre field but it was Tina Hannon who pointed from play on 25 minutes. Laois pointed a free by Louise Mahoney and Siobhan Flannery pointed a 45m free to leave the half time score Offaly 1-3 Laois 0-3.

Laois had wind advantage now but it was Siobhan Flannery who pointed well from play after collecting a good pass from Michelle Davis who was doing well in the half forward line keeping the ball moving on the ground. Then Laois hit with two well take goals from the stick of Maggie Hogan within 3 minutes of each other. Jean Brady was introduced for Natalie McCabe and straight away won a free which Siobhan Flannery pointed. Laois were winning the loose balls now and Offaly had no answer to the strong attacking play of the Laois forwards.

Louise Mahoney added two points one from a free and Debbie Flynn

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