The following year Offaly proved that their victory wasn't a fluke as the team retained the Leinster title. This victory allowed Delaney's side to advance to their first-ever All-Ireland final. For the second year in-a-row Offaly faced Galway in the business end of the championship. The game was a close affair with Galway leading by six points at one stage. Galway failed to score for the last twenty-three minutes as Johnny Flaherty handpassed the winning goal for Offaly. It was the county's first All-Ireland title. Delaney's performance throughout the championship failed to earn him an All-Star award; however, he was named as the Texaco Hurler of the Year.