half goals, but Offaly kept snapping at their heels. For the crucial equalizing goal, Pat O'Connor (Coolderry) sent up the right wing where Ronald Byrne (Lusmagh) doubled on the ball to send to Eugene Coughlan. Coughlan gathered and passed over his head to Joe Dooley, who coolly netted a low shot. Offaly won out by 2-16 to 3-11, to reach only their second League Final. On 24 April 1988, Offaly went down to Tipperary in what was still a thrilling and memorable League Final. Eugene Coughlan was the only Offaly forward to score from play, in contrast to Tipp's spread of scoring forwards. Joe Dooley lined out beside Joachim Kelly at midfield. Aidan Fogarty did well on Nicholas English. Corner back Martin Hanamy (St Rynagh's) consolidated his first team status, as did Michael Duignan (also St Rynagh's) when he was brought on. Mick Coughlan at centre back was having a great game on Donie O'Connell, then he was injured and replaced by PJ Martin. Tipperary were up by 2-13 to 0-8 when Eugene Coughlan finished to the net. A couple of minutes later Mark Corrigan fired a second major when Joachim Kelly was brought down; and Ken Hogan's goal survived other close calls. Tipperary lifted the siege and themselves added 1-2, for a final score-line of 3-15 to 2-9. In the Leinster Senior Hurling Semi-final, Offaly looked in trouble for long spells against Dublin, but had the skill and experience to win by 2-13 to 2-10. The Offaly goals were scored by Joe Dooley and Declan Fogarty. Offaly had given much to ponder ahead of their ninth consecutive Leinster Final appearance, this time against Wexford. On 10 July 1988, Offaly showed grit, character and great passion to seal their fifth Leinster Title, by 3-12 to 1-14. Mick Coughlan's inspirational catches epitomized the superiority of the defence. Eugene Coughlan's height at the edge of the square caused the Wexford rearguard much anxiety, while Joe Dooley's two goals made him top scorer. The subsequent All Ireland Semi-final on 7 August 1988 resulted in defeat to Galway (Galway 3-18, Offaly 3-11). The Tribesmen picked off points from everywhere and 3-14 of their total came from play (compared to Offaly's 2-5). Even so, a brace of Pat Delaney goals brought Offaly right back into contention in the closing stages; but they failed to tack on the points. Seir Kieran, Senior Hurling Champions 1988 Seir