In 1985 Delaney captured a fourth Leinster title as Offaly retained their provincial dominance. The subsequent All-Ireland final saw Offaly take on Galway for the third time of the 1980s. In an exciting game which saw a Joe Dooley goal being disallowed, Offaly captured the victory on a score line of 2-11 to 1-12. Not only had Delaney captured a second All-Ireland medal but he was also presented with an All-Star award. Delaney retired from inter-county hurling shortly after this victory.