Offaly bid to create a slice of hurling history

Offaly will be bidding to create a slice of history when they face Cork in this Sunday's eagerly awaited All-Ireland Under-20 hurling final in Thurles.

Following a thrilling win over Wexford in the Leinster decider, Offaly are now aiming for their first All-Ireland hurling success in either the U21 or U20 grade.

The Faithful County previously contested three All-Ireland U21 finals, only to be denied by Tipperary (1989), Galway (1991) and Waterford (1992, after a replay). The grade was changed to U20 from the 2019 championship onwards.

A number of players on this Offaly team captured the imagination of supporters by playing a key role in the county's Leinster minor success last year. Offaly overcome neighbours Laois in front of a large crowd at O'Moore Park in the 2022 Leinster minor final and went on to defeat Clare in Thurles, before an agonising defeat to Tipperary in the All-Ireland decider.

Limerick native Leo O'Connor was the team manager for that minor success and he has continued his Midas touch after moving up to the U20 job. Birr and Offaly hurling legend Johnny Pilkington, twice an All-Ireland senior medal winner himself, is part of O'Connor's management team.

The Offaly U20 team is captained by Kilcormac/Killoughey's Charlie Mitchell, who has also featured prominently for the senior team this year.

With Offaly eventually losing out to Carlow after extra-time in last Saturday's dramatic Joe McDonagh Cup final, the midlanders will be hoping for better fortune this Sunday. The sense of anticipation is building across Offaly as the team prepares to face a Cork side who were impressive winners in the Munster final.

Sunday's final at FBD Semple Stadium has a throw-in time of 3pm, and it will be televised live on TG4. It will be preceded by the All-Ireland minor hurling final between Galway and Clare (1pm).