All this changed in 1980 when Offaly recorded a sensational 3-17 to 5-10 victory over All-Ireland champions Kilkenny in the Leinster final.
This victory allowed Offaly a straight passage into the All-Ireland final where Galway provided the opposition.
The men from the West failed to score for the final 23 minutes of the game, allowing Offaly to capture a 2-12 to 0-15 win.
Kilkenny remained on top in 1983, however, Offaly bounced back in 1984 to win the Leinster title for the third time.
Offaly's favourites tag turned out to be completely unjustified as Cork swept them off the field on a score line of 3-16 to 1-12.
This victory allowed Offaly to advance directly to the All-Ireland final where Galway provided the opposition.
The following year he added a sixth Leinster medal to his collection, however, the subsequent All-Ireland semi-final produced one of the biggest hurling shocks of all-time.
The significance of Antrim's victory was not lost on the Offaly team, who provided a guard of honour for the Ulstermen as they left the field.
1991 began well as Offaly captured their first National League title; however, Fogarty played no part in that victory.