Offaly offers opportunity to manufacture momentum
Waterford's Shane Bennett striking his successful second-half penalty in the win over Limerick.
With a win against Limerick, Waterford will be silently delighted, though they certainly won’t be getting carried away.
That said, ever before that result - looking at the Division 1A campaign, the Déise would’ve circled Offaly at home as their best chance of picking up two points in 2026. To have four points after three games, I’m sure Peter Queally would’ve snapped your hand off - and that is a very reasonable goal at the time of writing.
Waterford were impressive on Sunday at Walsh Park - a place they’ve made a fortress in the league in recent seasons. In the last seven seasons, Waterford have lost just four times in 16 league outings at home. That’s impressive form by any measure.
Reuben Halloran has been the star man so far, while Shane Bennett was excellent against Limerick. Darragh Lyons, Charlie Treen and Jamie Barron have also been bright in the early weeks of 2026. Having Calum Lyons back is a major positive and with many more to return in weeks ahead, competition for places is healthy.
Conor Prunty’s injury was the only downside to the Limerick success, and it’ll be interesting to see who takes the number three shirt against Offaly. Most likely Mairtín Power, who also drew deserved plaudits last time out.
From an Offaly perspective, they performed very admirably against Kilkenny and then got absolutely walloped against Tipperary. If they play like they did against Kilkenny, Waterford will know they’re alive. If they play like they did against Tipperary, then it’ll be a huge opportunity for the hosts.
Flip that coin, if Waterford play like they did against Limerick, then it’s only fair to assume they would have too much for Offaly. If they play like they did against Cork, then it’ll be very far from straightforward.
Adam Screeney, Brian Duignan and Oisín Kelly remain Offaly’s chief threats, but Waterford will also have to keep Eoghan Cahill quiet, the Birr man chipped in with 0-4 against the All-Ireland champions. There are notable absentees from last year’s panel also, a panel which was arguably better - which Waterford had the measure of twice.
Reuben Halloran has 0-50 in five games and Offaly give away a lot of frees, Jason Forde hit 3-10 on his own against them last weekend. If they’re not disciplined, they’ll certainly be punished.
Waterford have a shot in their arm from the Limerick win while Offaly are coming down with a point to prove. They’ll also have circled Waterford as their most winnable fixture, but the ramifications for this one would be big as Waterford would know that any result beyond a potential win on Sunday would essentially guarantee the retention of their Division 1A status.
It probably won’t warrant classic status, but I expect Waterford to have enough to get the job done. Be it 1 point or 10 points, a win is a win and it’s all that counts. This is a great chance to build momentum and shift the mood music for another week or two - I trust that they’ll seize the opportunity.
