Limerick man leads Offaly to dramatic Leinster U20 hurling success

LIMERICK man Leo O'Connor led Offaly to a thrilling 1-21 to 0-22 Leinster U-20 final success over Wexford at Netwatch Cullen Park on Wednesday night.

The Leo O'Connor-managed Offaly side was claiming just their sixth provincial title at the grade and the newly-crowned Leinster champions will meet Cork in the All-Ireland final on May 27.

Former Limerick hurling star O'Connor led the Offaly minor hurling side to Leinster glory last year when defeating Laois 0-21 to 0-13 for the county's first Leinster Minor Hurling Championship title since 2000. However, Offaly's All-Ireland final dreams were shattered by Tipperary in the most dramatic finale.

O'Connor was appointed Offaly minor hurling manager in 2020.

A talented hurling in his playing days, O'Connor had come on as a sub during Limerick's 1994 All-Ireland senior hurling final defeat by Offaly when he scored the scored the Shannonsiders' final point in that never to be forgotten decider.

Prior to his move to Offaly, O'Connor played a key role in the development of Limerick hurling. He has managed Limerick county teams at every level up to U-21, guiding them to the Munster U-21 title in 2011 and his work with the Limerick development squad system has helped put the foundations in place for their recent success story.