TRIBE SEE OFF' HOSTS

GALWAY'S dominant first 35 minutes gave them the right to go through the second 35 on cruise control in Birr yesterday.

- BY KEVIN EGAN

Conor Whelan hit a late 1-1 that could be seen as putting gloss on the scoreboard.

However, the other way of looking at it is that 1-21 to 0-18 after 69 minutes flattered an Offaly side that waited until their chance of an upset was long gone before dialling up their dogged side.

The home team had a strong breeze at their backs in the opening half, and still Galway had things all their own way.

Daithi Burke and Cillian Trayers were imperious in defence, Colm Molloy, Jason Rabbitte and Aaron Niland all looked good up front, and there was no way back for Offaly at 0-9 to 0-6 behind.