On this day: 40 years since Offaly hurling made the Leinster breakthrough
July 13, 2020
Offaly captain Padraig Horan goes to collect The Liam MacCarthy Cup after beating Galway in 1981 ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
The 13 July 1980 was a landmark day for Offaly as they claimed a first ever Leinster SHC title.
It was the Faithful County’s first provincial final in eleven years with Kilkenny and Wexford contesting every Leinster decider in the 1970’s.
The Model and Cats met in the 1980 semi-final with Offaly winning through on the other side of the draw.
Given little chance ahead of the decider, Offaly stunned their illustrious opponents 3-17 to 5-10 with Padraig Horan climbing the steps of the Hogan Stand to raise the Bob O’Keeffe Cup.
The Midlanders would lose out in the All-Ireland semi-final before winning the All-Ireland title in 1981.
TweetOn this day 40 years ago @Offaly_GAA created history winning first ever Leinster senior hurling title. Here is my father's programme autographed by those Offaly mould breakers @officialgaa @KilkennyCLG @BirrCLG https://t.co/qNMYq5eJsO pic.twitter.com/6XnVKRF8Tm
— Alan Walsh (@Dingero) July 13, 2020
