Offaly manager Emmet McDonnell

Offaly into Fitzsimons Cup final

Former Ballinabrackey manager Emmet McDonnell got his term as Offaly boss off to a winning start yesterday in the Gaeil Colmcille-promoted Fitzsimons Cup at Grangegodden. Offaly proved too strong for Louth in the first semi-final and won convincingly by 4-12 to 1-15. Newly-appointed Louth manager, former Armagh footballer, Aidan O'Rourke used the game to have a look at some new players and will be back in Kells next week for the Shield final against either Meth or Cavan. The sides were level, Offaly 1-7 to Louth 0-10 at the interval, but Offaly dominated the second-half for a merited victory. Offaly will play the winner of today's Meath v Cavan semi-final in the decider next Sunday. Offaly - A Mulhall; S Pender, P McConway, M Varney; D Bradley, D Kelly, R Allen; R Dalton (0-1), B Connell (1-0); W Mulhall, A Sullivan (0-4), E Carroll (1-0); B Allen (0-1), N McNamee (2-6), N Dunne. Louth - K Brennan; G Conneely, B Mulligan, J Faulkner; J Quigley, D O'Brien, C Rafferty; R Carroll (0-1), B White; A McDonnell (0-1), J McEneaney (0-4), P Sheelan (0-2); R Moore (0-2), K Rogers (1-2), C Byrne (0-3). Referee: Joey Curley (Moynalty)