OFFALY footballers cruised into the semi final of the O'Byrne Cup when they crushed a shadow Meath side in Tullamore. In a scrappy game, watched by 2,000 spectators, Offaly were never behind.

Points by Vincent Claffey, Peter Brady, Ciaran McManus, Finbar Cullen and Roy Malone swept the home team into a five point lead within seven minutes of the throw in.

Meath recovered, and were back in the picture by half time thanks to a 26th minute goal by full forward Eamon Gibney following a defensive blunder. Offaly led by just two points, 0-8 to 1-3, at the break.

Meath substitute Peter McMahon pointed on the resumption, but Offaly moved into a higher gear, helped by two goals in the space of a minute by Claffey and Brady.

The home team then strung together seven points and completely dominated the second half.