Offaly qualify for All-Ireland shield quarter final

Electric Ireland All Ireland Minor A Shield Championship

Carlow 0-7, Offaly 1-15

After losing their opening match to Laois, Declan's Murray's team travelled to Fenagh on Sunday knowing that they needed to overcome the hosts to keep their hopes alive in this year's Championship.

In truth, once the game got underway Offaly never seemed in danger of losing the tie. Kate Pilkington hit two points for Offaly to open her team's account and while Carlow responded with a point of their own, that was as close as the game would be. A goal from Sarah O'Rourke in the 14th minute gave Offaly an extra cushion and while Carlow hit two quick points, Offaly closed out the half with three points without a reply from the hosts to leave the half time score reading Carlow 0-3, Offaly 1-8.

The Carlow management will have been pleased with their team's start to the second half when they hit two points but they were quickly cancelled out by a Kate Pilkington free and a point for Issie Gleenson and after that the game was over as a contest.

The win will see Offaly move on to the All Ireland Quarter Final where they will take on Waterford. They will have the luxury of having the match played at a home venue after being on the road for their two matches in both the Leinster and All Ireland Championships.

Offaly team: Caoimhe Spain, Saoirse Liffey, Sarah Costello, Sadbh King, Jasmine Bennett, Niamh Daly, Karla Mannion, Ciara Walshe, Lucy Lowry, Kate Pilkington, Niamh Sheehy, Kayla Lawlor, Chloe Gath Hollywood, Sarah O’Rourke, Isabella Gleeson

Offaly subs: Lucy Flynn, Aine Rigney, Aoife Burke, Sinead Gleeson, Katie Fogarty, Grace Cleary, Ellie Lawlor, Georgia O'Brien, Allie Wynne

Offaly scorers: Kate PIlkington 0-7 (3 frees and 1 penalty), Niamh Sheehy 0-4 (1 free), Issie Gleeson 0-3), Sarah O'Rourke 1-0, Chloe Gath Hollywood 0-1