between Seir Kieran and Shinrone. This play-off was delayed until 9 September 1984. Joe Dooley scored nine points of a 0-14 to 1-5 victory, as Seir Kieran advanced to their first Senior Semi-final since 1954. As crafty and battle-hardened as ever, St Rynagh's overcame a Clareen team who were on top for long periods, but were not fit enough to close it out. Trailing 1-10 to 1-4 in the second half, the Shannonsiders hit an unanswered 1-5 to pip them at the post. Seir Kieran's trainer for 1985 was Pat Spain of Kinnitty, a first-rate hurler during his own playing days. There were four other selectors – Sean Dooley, Tony Murphy, Seamus Kealey and Eugene Coughlan. Their first round encounter with St Rynagh's, on 28 April 1985, reversed the verdict of the previous Autumn (Seir Kieran 2-10 St Rynagh's 0-12). However, Seir Kieran again lived dangerously, before clinging on to a lead they had built up early on. The Midland Tribune editor James "Bud" Burke colorfully described the scene: "The swash-buckling buccaneers from the good ship Seir Kieran boarded the St Rynagh's prize ship on the windy Rath sward and fighting a strong battle they subdued the opposition. However the defending St Rynagh's lads rallied and looked like repelling all boarders but Seir Kieran held on and finally hoisted the Jolly Roger." This remained the pattern during Seir Kieran's four subsequent wins in the championship – over St Saran's (2-8 to 2-3); Shinrone (3-7 to 1-7); Drumcullen (3-8 to 2-9); and a (not yet fully amalgamated) Kilcormac/Killoughey team (2-11 to 2-4). The Semi-final took place on 29 September 1985, and Seir Kieran at last defeated Coolderry when it mattered (1-13 to 0-13). Jimmy Connor's goal and several fine Joe Dooley points put them into their first Senior Final in one third of a century. As with Drumcullen in 1952, however, they encountered a Kinnitty side who were not to be denied their three-in-a-row of Offaly Titles. Paddy and Mark Corrigan scored a combined 3-12 of Kinnitty's 3-18, and Seir Kieran only scored 2-8 in reply. It was a chastening experience for the black and amber; but it was clear that their longer-term graph was still pointing upwards. The disappointment was partly assuaged by the All Star Awards won by Eugene Coughlan in both 1984 and 1985 – the first such accolades to come to Seir Kieran. Coughlan was also awarded