Tullamore caused a sensation by defeating five-in-a-row chasing Birr in yesterday evening's Offaly SHC semi-final at O'Connor Park. Tullamore..1-17 Birr.2-12 The Blues will now contest their first final since the mid-1960s against the winners of today's second semi-final between Coolderry and Kilcormac/Killoughey after this amazing victory over the four-time All-Ireland club champions. Many people will see this result as an end of an era for Birr, who have dominated the Offaly club scene for so long and were bidding for their ninth county title this decade. Favoured by a strong wind in the first half, Tullamore led by 0-11 to 1-4 at half-time thanks to scores from Shane Dooley, Francis Kerrigan and Ger Treacy. The Birr goal was scored by Darragh Molloy. Birr set about reducing the deficit after the restart, but a brilliant kicked goal by Edwin Finnerty midway through put Kevin Martin's charges back in the driving seat at 1-14 to 1-8. Birr rallied with frees from Barry Harding and a Stephen Brown goal to draw level but, crucially, they could never get their noses in front, and Tullamore sealed a famous victory with late points from free-taker Dooley and Shaun Martin. Scorers - Tullamore: Shane Dooley 0-11 (0-7f); Edwin Finnerty 1-1; Francis Kerrigan 0-3; Kevin Martin, Ger Treacy 0-1 each. Birr: Simon Whelahan 0-6 (0-3f f); Gary Hanniffy 0-3; Darragh Molloy 1-0; Barry Harding 0-2 (0-2f); Dylan Hayden 0-1. Tweet

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