Thirty years since the famous “five-minute finale”

04 September 2024

Joe Dooley of Offaly was chased by Dave Clarke and Ciaran Carey of Limerick in the 1994 All Ireland Hurling final.

Today marks the 30th anniversary of Offaly’s famous victory over Limerick in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling final.

With Treaty County legend Eamonn Cregan in their corner, Offaly looked destined for certain defeat when they trailed 1-11 to 2-13 by Tom Ryan's Limerick with five minutes remaining at Croke Park on September 4, 1994. But a goal by Johnny Dooley from a 20-yard free kick – which the club management instructed him to shoot over the goal – proved to be the catalyst for a sensational Offaly comeback.

Joe Quaid had barely kicked the ball out when he was beaten for the second time by a strike from substitute Pat O'Connor. Limerick were left in shock as the Faithful added a further five points in a storming finish – including three from an exhausted Billy Dooley.

Thirty years since the famous “five-minute finale”