LAOIS 2-14 DUBLIN 1-14
THIS game was switched to O’Moore Park because of a water logged pitch in Rathdowney and Dublin, making their first competitive appearance since going under to Tipperary by four points in last year’s All-Ireland semi-final, fielded just three of that starting line up.
Laois made four changes from the side that accounted for DIT after extra-time the previous week and in atrocious conditions the visitors surrendered their hard earned title.
Dublin got off to a flyer, opening the scoring with a Ryan O’Dwyer point after 30 seconds.
After Willie Dunphy equalised Shane Stapleton, Dublin’s top scorer edged the champions back in front but three in a row from Willie Hyland put Laois in front and they were never headed after this.
Shane Stapleton and Ciaran McBride sent over two quick points but two from Willie Hyland and an excellent strike by Mick McEvoy gave Laois a two point cushion after 25 minutes.
The turning point of the half saw Willie Hyland place a line ball to Tommy Fitzgerald and he turned his marker to hammer the ball to the Dublin net and at the break the home team led 1-8 to 0-6. Stapleton accounted for four of the Dublin points while Willie Hyland had six to his credit at this stage.
Laois got a dream start on the resumption when Conor Dunne broke up a promising Dublin move and fed Mick McEvoy who placed Tommy Fitzgerald for his second goal and John Brophy put nine between the teams after 40 minutes.
Dublin may not have been treating the result that serious but the introduction of the injured Alan McCrabbe for the second half signalled their intent.
Anthony Daly also sprung Paul Ryan, who accounted for eight points against Tipperary in August, but amazingly when he stepped up to an important free minutes after his arrival he blazed wide of the Laois posts.
Dublin recovered from the early Laois burst and landed six great points without reply but a great goal chance was denied when Joe Fitzpatrick blocked down ten metres from the goal.
Howver, McCrabbe shot a brilliant goal with seven minutes remaining and a point by Stapleton left just two separating the sides with as many minutes remaining.
Dublin were denied a great scoring opportunity in the dying minutes when Darren Maher made a splendid block after he earlier tumbled the Dublin forward on the greasy surface.
Despite Dublin’s best efforts Laois hung on and a late point by Tommy Fitzgerald completed a fine victory for the home team who face Galway next weekend.
When Laois and Dublin met four years ago Laois had a point to spare but on this occasion they might have been even more comfortable at the final whistle.