Offaly 3 - 13 Dublin 0 - 5
Without wishing to take anything from Offaly's fully merited win, this was probably Dublin's most disappointing performance for some time.
Aided by the strong breeze in the first half, Dublin dominated for significant periods but had little to show for their endeavours. Several examples of poor decision-making and wrong shot selection cost Dublin scores and by half-time they had totted up 8 wides.
Dublin should have had a score on the board in the first minute but the opportunity for a tap over point was missed and first blood went to Offaly seconds later when Elaine Dermody pointed a free in the 2nd minute. Siobhan Flannery extended the lead four minutes later.
Despite these early set-backs Dublin regained control with Louise O'Hara playing a stormer at centre-back. Áine Fanning raised the home side's hopes with a fine point in the 9th minute and Aoife Kelly pointed well in the 11th minute from a possible goal chance.
For the next 10 minutes Dublin had the upperhand. Danielle Smith and Catriona Power were strong and forceful in defence but Dublin were unable to put the moves together to yield scores and on too many occasions took the wrong option. Matters werent helped when Sarah Ryan appeared to be incorrectly blown up after a great catch put her in the clear for a shot on goal.
Offaly on the other hand hit two crucial blows in as many minutes when Rachel Brennan flicked home a goal in the 25th minute to be followed a minute later when Dublin lost possession and the resultant pass put Tina Hannon in for a second green flag.
To give Dublin their due they closed the half positively when Ali Twomey took a fine point from a pass from Áine Fanning. Ali then turned provider when setting up Aoife Kelly for her second score to leave Dublin trailing by 2-2 to 0-4 at the break.
Dublin made a strong start to the second half with Lizzie McSweeney introduced in defence but as in the first period, the first score came from the stick of Elaine Dermody. Mairi Moynihan fired over a fine point from a difficult free in the 32nd minute but it took a brilliant block by Louise O'Hara to deny Tina Hannon a second goal.
Hover three placed balls on the trot by Elaine Dermody put the midlanders 2-6 to 0-5 clear by the 50th minute and when the same player goaled in the 46th minute the door was firmly shut on a Dublin comeback.
From there to the finish Offaly's confidence grew in leaps and bounds and the hammered home a resounding with some a string of excellent scores.
Next up is a difficult trip to Cork in two weeks time.
Dublin: Hannah McInerney, Catriona Power, Gráinne Quinn, Elaine O'Meara, Eimear McCarthy, Louise O'Hara, Danielle Smith, Alison Maguire, Aisling Carolan, Mairi Moynihan (0-1), Aoife Kely (0-2), Áine Fanning (0-1), Aoife Bugler, Sarah Ryan, Ali Twomey (0-1)
Subs: Lizzie McSweeney, Emma Whyte, Claire Rigney, Eva Marie Elliott, Aisling Maher.