By Mark Jones
DUBLIN — Even though the staging of the 2000 Offaly hurling final in 2001 gave this game a slightly surreal feel, there was no denying the excellence of Birr’s performance as they stormed to a fifth title in 10 seasons, 3-21 to 1-19 over Seir Keiran.
An irresistible opening which saw them in front by 1-8 to 0-1 at the end of the first quarter put an end to any thoughts of a meaningful contest, but Birr maintained their standards as Brian and Simon Whelahan and Gary Hanniffy piled on the scores.
In fact, it would hard to envision Birr being outplayed by any of three remaining teams in the All-Ireland club hurling championship. On last Sunday’s evidence, Athenry, Sixmilebridge and Graigue-Ballycallan would have to battle to live with Pat Joe Whelahan’s outfit.
"It makes you wonder how we might have done against those teams," mused Whelahan, "but this is the first time we’ve won the title back-to-back, and if we’d won by anything less than 10 points, I’d have been disappointed, to be honest."
Bolstered by the Dooley brothers, Joe, Johnny, Billy and Kieran, as well as Mick and Eugene Coughlan and Kevin Kinahan, it wasn’t as if Seir Keiran were short on experience and ability, but they simply couldn’t cope with the relentless pressure. Paul Molloy was responsible for 1-4, Gary Hanniffy hit 1-5, while Rory Hanniffy added another goal and Simon Whelahan converted four frees.
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