Offaly, who lead the division, struggled to overcome gallant opponents in an insipid encounter at Tullamore yesterday. The visitors, who have no league points, led on four different occasions in the first half and were only three points behind for a considerable period of the second half.

Trailing by 1-5 to 0-5 at the interval, Limerick missed a great chance to draw level shortly after the resumption when Michael Reidy's penalty was well saved by Padraig Kelly. With most of the Offaly forwards playing poorly, it was left to midfielder Ciaran McManus and wing back Joe Kilmurry to register the decisive goals either side of the interval. McManus's 25th-minute pile-driver put Offaly ahead for the first time, and when Kilmurry's strike increased their advantage to seven points, a comfortable victory appeared likely.

However, Vinny Claffey was Offaly's only forward to score, and a Limerick fightback, inspired by Michael Reidy and John Quane, brought them to within three points with 15 minutes remaining. Attempts by Limerick to record a much-needed goal were thwarted by Padraig Kelly and the home team hung on.

Offaly: P Kelly; D Foley, E Egan, J Brady; J Kilmurry, (1-1), R Mooney, (0-1), F Cullen; J Grennan, C McManus (1-3, two frees); C Quinn, J Ryan, J Greene; P Keelaghan, M Keenaghan, V Claffey (0-4, two frees). Subs: D Connolly for M Keenaghan (53 mins); P Kenny for D Foley (60 mins); B O'Brien for C McManus (62 mins).

Limerick: E Scollard; P Fitzgerald, P Windell, D Sheedy; C Mullane, T McGarry, D Reidy (0-2); J Quane (0-1), J Stokes; P Aherne (0-1), D Murphy (0-2), T Carroll; C Fitzgerald (0-1), N Hunt, M Reidy (0-4, frees).

Sub: C Minehane for C Fitzgerald (63 mins).

Referee: P Fox (Meath).