Under the lights in Croke Park, Offaly may have been forgiven for a tentative start to this year's National League.
Facing off against Pat Gilroy's Dublin hurlers, big performances in Croke Park were generally considered a thing of the past for the Faithful county.
Offaly’s first win at Croke Park since 2005 championship relegation play-off semi-final v Antrim.
It’s their first league win at Croke Park since the 1991 final v Wexford, when they won the competition for the only time. #GAA— Pat Nolan (@pat_nolan) January 27, 2018
Although such stats are slightly skewed by their irregular appearances in Croke Park, Offaly laid down a marker tonight that Dublin will as quickly wish to forget.
Dominant throughout, Kevin Martin's side were not adverse to picking off some very impressive scores against a Dublin side with everything to prove; this sideline cut from Oisín Kelly demonstrative of the confidence felt amongst the players.
22: Dublin 0-05 | Offaly 0-08.
What a score from @Offaly_GAA's Oisín Kelly. Sublime sideline cut!
Live now on eir sport 1! #AllianzLeagues #MatchNightLive pic.twitter.com/hrg0GS8gaR
— eir Sport (@eirSport) January 27, 2018
While Dublin will almost certainly improve as the league progresses, the leaders at half-time looked to be enjoying themselves - they were five-points ahead at the break.
Although it was expected that Dublin may kick back in the second-half, it was Martin's men who continued to raise the stakes - Shane Dooley putting away a penalty after some desperation among the Dublin full back line.
Shane Dooley steps up for an Offaly penalty! pic.twitter.com/GVOoPnIWkl
— The GAA (@officialgaa) January 27, 2018
It only spurred his side on; Colin Egan landing this monster point from his own half to extend Offaly's lead.
A great long range score from Offaly’s Colin Egan! pic.twitter.com/UI1aPl5G6D
— The GAA (@officialgaa) January 27, 2018
With the game looking beyond Dublin, an Offaly sub in Liam Langton really put the icing on the cake with a very determined finish - he wasn't going to be stopped.
WATCH: Offaly goal!
Dublin 1-14 | Offaly 2-20. Liam Langton with an instant impact at Croke Park. Offaly in control.
Live now on eir sport 1! #AllianzLeagues #MatchNightLive pic.twitter.com/yqWT6wl3vE
— eir Sport (@eirSport) January 27, 2018
Needless to say, there was plenty of congratulations extended toward the victors and their eventual 2-25 to 1-15 win.
A hugely impressive win for Offaly hurlers in Croke Park...The spirit, commitment & skill shown will warm the hearts of their success starved supporters. Can't begrudge them!!
FT. #Offaly 2-25 #Dublin 1-15— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) January 27, 2018
Some win for Offaly hurlers regardless of the time of year.
— John Pidgeon (@jonnypmayo) January 27, 2018
That was one serious display by Offaly hurlers tonight. Great intensity and skill. Last point from Oisin Kelly was like a blast from the past.
— Kevin Corrigan (@kevcorrigantrib) January 27, 2018
It would bring you back @Offaly_GAA brilliant v @DubGAAOfficial wonderful hurling skills on display #KeepTheFaith
— Michael Glennon (@MicilGlennon) January 27, 2018
You can see a quick run down of the highlights collated below.
WATCH:
Full-time highlights as Offaly produce a fantastic display to beat Dublin in the opening game of their #AllianzLeagues campaign. #MatchNightLive pic.twitter.com/htupD6lINv— eir Sport (@eirSport) January 27, 2018
