Helebert rose to a magnificent display for the Tribesmen, at the price of frees conceded in Johnny Dooley's range. Pat O'Connor, having made a comeback from his leg injuries, led the Galway defence a merry dance. Each of Offaly's rearguard was a tower of strength. Having thus avenged their Semi-final defeats of 1988 and 1990, Offaly were jubilant. However, the celebratory mood was cut short, so far as Clareen and its environs was concerned, by a tragedy off the Wexford coast that same weekend. In the next edition of the Midland Tribune, the Seir Kieran GAA Notes stated as follows: "It was with shock and sadness that the Club and Parish learned of the tragic death in a drowning accident while on holiday in Wexford of David Bach. To his mother, Ann, father, Geoff, and a wide circle of relatives and friends the Club extends its sincerest sympathy." Because Offaly had finished so strongly in all of their games, they entered the All Ireland Final on 4 September 1994 wearing the unwelcome "favorites" tag. Nonetheless, it was Limerick who set the pace, and at times seemed about to overwhelm Offaly. Éamonn Cregan's philosophy of direct first-time hurling, keeping it simple, paid dividends as Offaly had more left in the tank in the dramatic finale. Offaly scored only 1-2 from frees and 2-14 from open play. Limerick's relatively poor return (2-9 from play, 0-4 from frees) was due to Brian Whelahan, Kevin Martin, Martin Hanamy, Kevin Kinahan & co. hunting in packs. Offaly's deft touches and flicks forced Limerick to go the extra mile for their scores. Moreover, having established a half time lead of 2-8 to 1-5, Tom Ryan's team only added five points in the second half. This was indicative of how Offaly gradually started to get to grips. Even so, Limerick's explosive pace and power was such that Offaly needed all of their craft to stay alive. Mike Houlihan's opening point was answered by a goal from Joe Dooley, who pounced on Johnny Dooley's penalty rebound (in Con Houlihan's phrase) "like a hawk on a chicken too far from her mother". This early cushion proved vital, as Damien Quigley twice beat Jim Troy and was only denied a third goal when Brian Whelahan got back in time to hook. Ger Hegarty, Gary Kirby and Ciaran Carey likewise proved a handful, and Cregan chopped and changed until only Jim