'Our lads will be back'

"It's one of these things that happens in sport, isn't it? The joys of sport to be so close and then one or things went against us.

"It's just disappointing but they're a good Offaly team and they'll be back,” the words of Offaly's minor hurling manager Leo O'Connor as he attempted to come to terms with a heartbreaking last gasp All-Ireland Final defeat in Nowlan Park today, on a scoreline of 1-17 to 1-16.

O'Connor described the day as a "phenomenal occasion for the GAA" and that it certainly was as fans packed out the Kilkenny stadium amid huge noise and atmosphere.

However, the late late show which saw Tipperary clinch a goal at death to win by one left Offaly fans shellshocked as the whistle blew for full-time.

Tipperary had fought back from a six-point deficit late in the game to get within two before their dramatic goal in the fifth minute of injury time clinched the title in most dramatic and gut wrenching of circumstances.

Offaly GAA summed the feelings of many in a Facebook post shortly after the match, saying: "Heartbreaking result for Offaly in the All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship final. Our lads deserved success after an heroic display in Nowlan Park. That being said, congrats to Tipperary GAA - our lads will be back".

Meanwhile, details of a homecoming event for the All-Ireland finalists have been released. It is set to take place on Monday, July 4 in Tullamore and Birr.

The team panel and management will arrive in O'Connor Park, Tullamore from 6pm to 7.30pm approx, and St Brendan's Park, Birr from 8pm to 9.30pm.