Tullamore won their 29th Offaly senior football championship title this afternoon in horrendous conditions at Glenisk O'Connor Park.
In what was a low-scoring affair 'The Blues' came out on top winning on by 1-5 to 0-06.
The crucial goal was scored by Luke Plunkett after only fourteen minutes when 2021 All-Ireland U20 winner Cormac Egan made a fantastic run forward with the ball, before handpassing to his teammate who finished to the net calmly.
#GAABEO 14 nóim@ferbanegaa 1-01@tullamoregaa 0-01
Cúl don Tulach Mhór! - Luke Plunkett leis an gcríoch!
Tullamore go back in front following Plunkett's goal!@Offaly_GAA
BEO/LIVE ar @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/fR4Ap1uiCF— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) September 24, 2023
John Furlong wins MOTM award as Tullamore win Offaly title
The Man of the Match award went to John Furlong, who was also on that U20 All-Ireland winning team just over two years ago.
John is a grandson of Martin who is the only Offaly footballer to ever win three All-Ireland senior football championship medals in 1971, 1972 and 1982, a year in which the prolific shot-stopper also won the footballer of the year award.
"It's amazing now, I'll be sore tomorrow but I'm happy we managed to get over the line," John Furlong said after the win.
"When you get near the end, you just have to throw everything at it and hope it comes off, thankfully it did today."
#GAABEO Lán Ama
"It was hard to look on last year but you have to get over yourself and work to next year"
Is é John Furlong Laoch na hImeartha inniu i ndiaidh taispeáinteas den scoth in aghaidh An Féar Bán.@tullamoregaa | @Offaly_GAA
BEO/LIVE ar @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/dZk5RvhUEh— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) September 24, 2023
Martin, who is now 77 and living in New York, was back in Tullamore for the big game and proudly watched his grandson from the stands.
"He's here for it, he'll be delighted," John added.
"He's a true blue so it means everything to him. For him to come home for it is very special."
24 September 2023; Tullamore joint captains Michael Brazil, left, and Declan Hogan lifting the cup after the Offaly County Senior Football Championship final match between Ferbane and Tullamore at Glenisk O'Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile
Tullamore last won the title in 2021 having been defeated in last year's decider by Rhode, a game which Furlong missed due to injury.
"It was hard to look on last year but you kind of have to get over yourself and work for next year.
"We won today so we'll celebrate."
Tullamore will be in action next in the Leinster provincial championship next month.
SEE ALSO: Dublin's 2013 All-Ireland Winners: Where Are They Now?
Kevin McManamon, Jim Gavin, Denis Bastick and Darren Daly. Photo credits: Sportsfile
