Offaly 1-10 Meath 0-10:For the first time since 1995 Offaly are through to the Leinster under-21 football final following a deserved victory over Meath in O'Connor Park, Tullamore yesterday.

The inclusion of Ken Casey in the home side's line-up followed the reduction of his six-month suspension to four weeks. His presence afforded the home side a huge boost - and he scored three points.

Offaly led at half-time by 0-8 to 0-5. A goal from Conor Mahon four minutes into the second half proved to be the decisive score of the hour.

Meath battled back, and two points by Cathal O'Dwyer and a single from Rory Maguire brought them back into contention. That effort was not sustained, however, and poor finishing cost them several scores.

OFFALY:D Bracken; E Byrne, R Dalton, G Grehan; S Lonergan (0-1),P McConway, J Keane (0-1); N Smith, C Mahon (1-2); N Darby (0-2),R Connor, A Lynam; W Mulhall (0-1),T Coughlan, K Casey (0-3). Subs:G Hickey for Lynam (27 mins), J Rafferty for Mulhall (49 mins), R Brady for Hickey (57 mins), D Corbett for Coughlan (62 mins).

MEATH:M Ahern; A O'Brien, R Hatton, P Howard; N McMahon, J Kelleher, T Skelly; K O'Reilly (0-1),B Meade; C Kelly, P Smith, R Maguire (0-1); C O'Dwyer (0-3), J Queeney (0-1), C Ward (0-4, two frees). Sub:S O'Rourke for Kelly (40 mins).

Referee: P Knell(Lough).