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Offaly’s boss, John Maughan, admitted that relief was their main thrill, as they survived Carlow’s belated return to Tullamore.
Leading by eight with 13 minutes to play, Offaly’s margin narrowed to two points before a late Cian Farrell score saw them over the line, 3-14 to 0-20, in rainy conditions at O’Connor Park. .
“No doubt about it [we’re relieved]”Maughan told RTÉ Sport.
“We were [eight] points up in the second half and you have to give Carlow a big credit, they kept moving forward.
“They were brave and it’s hard to believe they were fighting in Division 4, but they played great football.
“We are a bit disappointed with our execution, some of the fundamentals disappointed us. It is an aspect of our game that concerns us, from our own expulsions there was also a problem.
“I am delighted that we won the match.”
It was Offaly’s first win at Leinster SFC since 2016 and sets up a quarter-final meeting with Kildare at O’Moore Park next weekend.
“We have to be better, we know that,” added Maughan, who must wait to see how Shane Horan, Jordan Hayes and Aaron Leavy recover from first-half injuries.
“I like the fact that it’s a quick change. I’m glad we’re playing next weekend.
“The momentum is there. There is no pressure for us to go to Portlaoise next Sunday to play Kildare and we will give everything we have.”
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