After a scheme developed by the Gaelic Athletic Association in the 1970s to encourage the playing of hurling in non-traditional counties, Offaly was one of the first teams to benefit.

Limerick looked set to win their first All-Ireland title since 1973 until Offaly staged one of the greatest comebacks of all time, scoring two goals and five points in the last five minutes.

The match was a repeat of the previous year's final; however, not only that but a win for Kerry would give them an unprecedented fifth consecutive All-Ireland SFC title.

Kerry were winning by two points with two minutes to go when Séamus Darby came on as a substitute and scored a critical goal.

[citation needed] Notable players include soaring star award winners[4] Karen Brady, Elaine Dermody, Audrey Kennedy, Michaela Morkan, Fiona Stephens, and Arlene Watkins.