Joe Bergin scores 16 points as Offaly retain Walsh Shield after extra time in O'Connor Park

Offaly 0-22 D.I.T. 1-14 Offaly retained the Walsh Shield after extra time in O'Connor Park on Sunday in front of a small crowd of faithful supporters.  The game's highlight was without doubt the performance of Seir Kieran' Joe Bergin who was outstanding scoring 16 points 10 from play and 6 from frees.  The game was quite tight in the first half with both defences playing well.  Offaly welcomed back David Kenny at full back who put in a very good afternoon as ttdid centre back Chris Mc Donald.  Brian Watkins and Stephen Wynne also performed well at the back as DIT were ever pressing in the first half.  DIT scored the only goal of the game in the 13th minute from Kilkenny's Paudge Phelan and it was points from Michael Verney (1), Dermot Mooney (2) and Joe Bergin (5) that kept the faithful within a point at the break.  DIT came out pressing again in the second half but Offaly never gave up.  James Rigney was introduced and scored a fine point and also played well.  The game deserved to end in a draw at the end of normal time 1-12 to 0-15 as neither side deserved to lose.   In Extra time however, Offaly completely took control with Bergin again scoring from all angles and Brendan Murphy also scoring 2 fine points to see Offaly retain the Walsh Shield on a scoreline of Offaly 0-22 DIT 1-14.   Scorers: Joe Bergin (0-16 6f), Brendan Murphy (0-2), Dermot Mooney (0-2), James Rigney (0-1), Michael Verney (0-1)   Offaly team Eoin Kelly, Brian Watkins, David Kenny, Stephen Wynne, Barry Harding, Chris Mc Donald, Brian Mulrooney, Conor Mahaon, Michael Verney, Colin Egan, Derek Molloy, Mark Morkam, Brendan Murphy, Joe Bergin, Dermot Mooney. Subs used: James Rigney, Thomas Carroll, Ger Healion, Rory Hanniffy