GRAIGUECULLEN 5-09 PORTLAOISE 1-09
NOT since St Joseph’s beat them by 12 points in 1968 have Portlaoise suffered such a heavy defeat in a minor final.
Graiguecullen arrived to O’Moore Park brimming with confidence and rightly so. When the same teams met in the u14 final the margin was 12 in favour of Carlow border team and two years earlier they beat Stradbally Parish Gaels by 13 in the u12 and in u16 the margin was similar.
In the second half of the semi-final they shot 2-12. On Friday last they hit 3-3. The game was only warming up when big Daryl Hayden plucked a perfect pass and from close range sent a screamer past the Portlaoise keeper and a point by the same player was the signal for what would follow.
Martin Staunton opened the Portlaoise account from a placed ball but ten minutes into the game the Portlaoise defence was carved open again and Danny Alsybury laid on the perfect pass for Hayden and from close range he gave the keeper no chance.
Portlaoise knew they were in trouble but solving their defensive problem was easier said than done. They managed to stifle the attackers but then found their way blocked at the other end where Robbie Fleming was supreme.
Dale Byrne and Hayden added points but Portlaoise hit a point from Staunton. Indeed he might have added a goal but for a magnificent block by Fleming and after Hayden pointed again Portlaoise enjoyed their best spell.
Tom Wright pointed before Staunton shot a brilliant goal after a poor kick out by Graiguecullen and either side of the goal Staunton added good points leaving the half time score 2-6 to 1-5 and Portlaoise were delighted to go in only four points in arrears.
Kevin Whelan was replaced by Ciaran McEvoy for the second half and he opened the scoring from play and Portlaoise were a transformed team with full back Andrew Dowling now spearheading the attack.
Portlaoise should have had an equalising goal when David Seale fired a rasping shot that the keeper did well to deflect out for a 45.Graiguecullen were looking nervous as Portlaoise were winning everything but a disputed line ball favoured Graiguecullen and suddenly the game was turned into a procession by the boys in green and red.
Barry Regan fed the Hayden and he was dragged to the ground for a penalty which Dale Byrne fired home with nonchalant ease.
Portlaoise introduced Dean Cullen and the 16-year-old converted three close in frees but at the other end it was all about Hayden. Dale Byrne delivered an inch-perfect pass and the lanky Hayden got a touch with his fingertips to deflect it over the advancing keeper.
Conor Byrne and Danny Alsybury added points but the loudest roar from the large Graiguecullen following was reserved for goal number five. Ten minutes remained when Jamie Bolton dropped in a huge ball and again Hayden got a flick for a carbon copy goal game well and truly over.
Not since 1966 had any team registered five goals in a Laois final and it was no surprise that Daryl Hayden was named man of the match.
Graiguecullen were simply awesome but credit Portlaoise for making a real contest for more than 40 minutes and they will be back.
Brian Allen paid tribute to both teams for a sporting contest and all credit to referee Brendan McCann in charge of his first final 21 years after he won his only medal in the grade.