1989, which proved to be the margin of victory in the end (Offaly 3-15, Kilkenny 4-9). Mark Corrigan's personal tally of three goals and seven points (0-5 from frees) was the main feature of this match. The Cats hit back for three late goals, but Offaly ended the 1980s as they had begun them – by hanging on for their sixth Leinster Title in ten years. The second Offaly v Antrim All Ireland Senior Hurling Semi-final took place at Croke Park on 6 August 1989. In what was the shock result in hurling in the 1980s, Antrim won by 4-15 to 1-15. Ger Coughlan of Kinnitty lined out despite the tragic death of his brother Seamus (a former member of the team) in a drowning accident in Winchester, New York. Each of the team wore a black armband. Eugene Coughlan and Mark Corrigan started for Offaly despite carrying injuries. Even so, it seemed to be business as usual for much of the way, and the Midlanders reached the interval with a 1-10 to 1-6 lead. Antrim switched their burly full forward Ciaran Barr to centre forward, where he grew in influence. Offaly had not envisaged the Glensmen getting a run on them at this stage. Aidan McCarry and Olcan "Cloot" McFetridge swooped for the late goals that buried the Faithful County. In a spur-of-the-moment gesture, Offaly formed a guard of honour as the Glensmen were leaving the pitch. Tipperary would be the opposition in the Final (having narrowly overcome a Galway team still reeling from the so-called "Keady Affair"). Playing in their first All Ireland since 1943, Antrim failed to reproduce what they had shown against Offaly, and lost by 4-24 to 3-9. Kilkenny were the heavy favorites in the following year's Leinster Semi-final, played at Croke Park on 17 June 1990. Instead, Offaly – coached by Paudge Mulhare, with selectors Tony Murphy, Andy Gallagher, Mick Spain and Willie Gorman – won by 4-15 to 1-8. Now 33, Eugene Coughlan was once again in cool command, denying Liam Fennelly so much as an inch of space or a point on the board. 18-year-old Brian Whelahan likewise kept DJ Carey out of contention. Two other relative newcomers, Michael Duignan and Johnny Pilkington, also epitomized Offaly's never-say-die spirit, although it was the goals from veterans Danny Owens, Joachim Kelly and Pat Cleary that really signified the rout of Kilkenny. The Faithful County