Offaly captain Dan Bourke lifts the James Nowlan Cup after the oneills.com All-Ireland U-20HC final victory over Tipperary at UPMC Nowlan Park, Kilkenny. Photo: Ray McManus/Sportsfile
At a meeting of the GAA’s Central Council sometime in the 1930s, Offaly’s commitment to participating in both Leinster football and hurling championships was commended by the province’s secretary Martin O’Neill.
Success eluded Offaly in those years. It would be 1960 before they won their first provincial senior football title and 1980 before the hurling title came their way. But O’Neill, a Wexford man who refereed All-Ireland finals in his time, wanted to recognise dedication to promoting both codes.
