IT COULD well prove to be "a ripper of a League", as predicted by Tipperary manager Len Gaynor. But, should teams be fortunate enough to secure the sort of giveaway goals witnessed by the 7,000 crowd in Nenagh yesterday in an otherwise great match, Division One points will not be all that difficult to find.

Tipperary conceded two of the goals, and goalkeeper Brendan Cummins had a nightmare game. His Offaly counterpart, David Hughes, saw his worst fears realised in just over 20 seconds play when a 65 yard free by impressive Tipperary wing back Brian Gaynor somehow spilled gently over the goal line off Declan Ryan.

Offaly's decision to play against the breeze having won the toss now seemed a little unwise. It seemed an even greater mistake after nine minutes when Tipperary eased into a seven point lead, 1-5 to 0-1.

But then a long delivery by Johnny Dooley, which looked to be in safe keeping as Cummins rose to lefch at the left post, was dropped. Michael Duignan had the simplest of tasks with the tapin.

The unfortunate Cummins was to experience even worse in the second half. His attempted clearance was blocked down just six metres out and Duignan was again on hand to take advantage by tapping home.

Goals of this kind were incongruous in a match full of energy, passion and skill. To add to the intrigue, the teams were level on seven occasions.

Offaly took the lead for the first time minutes after the restart, when their man of the match, Johnny Dooley scored a free for a 1-9 to 1-8 lead.

Tipperary's commitment was never in doubt, even after they had lost their two best forwards. Johnny Enright had to retire with a leg injury after 25 minutes, and Michael Cleary with a head injury just before the end of the first half.

But the Tipperary defenders were more effective as individuals than as a unit. They allowed John Troy, in particular, too much scope. Troy swapped places early on with Joe Dooley and played most of the match at centre forward.

Len Gaynor, it could be said, was on the wrong end of a decision plotted by a student of his. Offaly manager John McIntyre was a Tipperary player during the 1980s, when Gaynor was part of the management team.

McIntyre's aim is to instil "greater battling qualities" into his side. He was satisfied on this score yesterday.

"Commitment, heart and support were our main ingredients for victory there today," he declared.

Johnny Dooley's accuracy and general sense of positioning was a consistent source of worry for the Tipperary defence. Troy was surely a close second for the man of the match award.

Tipperary supporters were encouraged by the keen eye and striking power of substitute Aidan Flanagan, who gave a flawless display with the placed ball, scoring seven points from as many frees.

Offaly's Brian Whelehan had a fine game at right wing back. The courage of the Offaly defence was epitomised by Shane McGuckin, who stayed on after being struck with an horrendous blow of the sliotar under the right eye. Johnny Pilkington and Ger Oakley performed with confidence and to great effect in midfield.

For Tipperary, Brian Gaynor had an excellent game at right wing back and Conor Gleeson and George Frend in the same line also had inspiring moments. Noel Sheehy, at full back, was very sound. Nobody worked as hard as Brian O'Meara, especially when he moved to midfield in the second half, and Declan Ryan was a real threat to the Offaly rearguard, as was Flanagan.