Cork v Offaly - Cork hurlers player ratings

PATRICK COLLINS: Will be frustrated to have been beaten three times but made a flying save to deny Oisín Kelly before blocking another attempt from the Offaly poacher which would’ve cut the gap to three. 7 

NIALL O’LEARY: Followed Dan Bourke outfield as he roamed around O’Connor Park. Had two early shots, one of which he converted, but was pinned back in the second half when Offaly pressed up. 6 

EOIN DOWNEY: Kept a close eye on Eoghan Cahill and Offaly’s rotating cast of full-forwards and charged out with a couple of good balls. 6 

SEÁN O’DONOGHUE: Handled plenty of ball but made a couple of mistakes for Oisín and Eimhín Kelly goal chances. Used his power advantage to keep on top of Charlie Mitchell. 6 

TIM O’MAHONY: Assisted three points, including a pair for Declan Dalton, and provided his usual commanding presence under puck-outs. 7

ROBERT DOWNEY: The threat of a black card perhaps factored into why Oisín Kelly got past the centre-back for his goal chance but he bravely dived in to block an Eimhín Kelly shot in the second half. 7 

Robert Downey of Cork in action against Eoghan Cahill of Offaly during the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship preliminary quarter-final match between Offaly and Cork at Glenisk O'Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

MARK COLEMAN: Tallied four wides, albeit half-hooked for one of those, and a casual pass coughed up a point. Made better use of the ball when supplying the inside forwards. 6 

CIARÁN JOYCE: Took on a midfield role after his hamstring injury and won a couple of pointed frees in a quiet outing. 6 

DARRAGH FITZGIBBON: Continued his fine scoring form with three points from four shots to take his summer tally to 0-17 in five games. 7

DECLAN DALTON: Four points from seven shots in a fairly productive outing from the long-range shooter. Did plenty of hard work until his late withdrawal. 7 

SHANE BARRETT: Forced Offaly to switch their centre-back as Barrett caused all sorts of problems. Brilliantly took his goal for a 1-4 tally, won a pointed free, and laid on a point for Darragh Fitzgibbon before being called ashore. Cork’s best performer. 8 

CONOR LEHANE: A first recall since the defeat to Waterford, Lehane assisted 1-2 in the first half. Booked early in the second and had a couple of passes intercepted but also got a score and won a pointed free. 6 

PATRICK HORGAN: Closed the gap on TJ Reid in the all-time scoring charts to 10 points with a 1-10 haul here. Worked his goal well with Brian Hayes and was denied twice more by Mark Troy. 8 

Offaly vs Cork: Offaly goalkeeper Mark Troy and Patrick Horgan of Cork

ALAN CONNOLLY: Targeted by Offaly after his League hat-trick and turned over twice in the opening minutes. Never got to the pitch of the game and was the first to be subbed off. 5 

BRIAN HAYES: Charged through to slot the opening goal inside three minutes with a fine batted finish and teed up Horgan for his goal. Fouled when he had another goal on his radar. 8 

SUBS:

SHANE KINGSTON: Slotted a point as he roamed to hunt possession. 6 

LUKE MEADE: Not the same impact as against Tipperary but always looking for work. 6 

PÁDRAIG POWER: Keen for involvement on his return from a shoulder injury but missed two shots. 6 

JACK O’CONNOR: His hard work helped to free the sliotar for Robbie O’Flynn’s goal. 6 

ROBBIE O’FLYNN: A short but successful cameo capped with a goal. 7