Laois run riot against the Kingdom

Laois's Conor Sweeney breaking in the Celtic Challenge win over Kerry on Saturday Photo: Denis Byrne
Celtic Challenge Rd 3
Laois 8-25
Kerry 2-12
KERRY arrived early in Portlaoise on Saturday morning to take on Laois in the Celtic Challenge hurling competition. Last time out they received a walk over from Offaly. Last time out for Laois they travelled to the Wicklow Hills and ran out easy winners.
On Saturday they were guaranteed a place in the knock out stages, regardless of the outcome.
From the throw in was obvious that Laois were hell bent on winning and struck for an early goal by Scott Kelly and he would go on to torment the Kerry defence. Centre forward Igor Buglo converted two frees. Further points followed from John Gilbert.
Then just 12 minutes into the game Laois struck for a second goal. This time Bobby McWey was in the right place to rattle the net.
To their credit Kerry stayed in the game. They picked off points by Cian O’Connor and Cody Walsh followed by a well taken goal by full forward Killian Collins.
Laois upped their game and added a point from Paddy Farrell while Buglo struck for a goal.
Just before the interval Laois struck for a fourth goal and this time McWey was the provider, setting up Cian Fitzpatrick and he made no mistake from close range.
Kerry finished the half with good points by Killian Collins and Cody Walsh but at the break Laois led 4-9 to 1-11, Cian O’Connor converting a 65 on the stroke of half time.
Laois made a number of changes at half time and were to have wind advantage in the second half. Jack Mahon opened the scoring with a good point from play.
Kerry responded with a good goal by full forward Killian Collins, but Laois added a point from Bobby Sweeney.

Mountrath man Jack Rice added a further point as did Conor Sweeney while McWey struck for a fifth Laois goal midway through the half.
Kerry never gave up, but their cause was lost, still they had some very skilful hurlers.
Laois emptied their bench in the closing quarter and added goals by Killian James and Dan Bowe. Points were traded between Killian Collins and Scott Kelly.
Great credit must go to the Kerry team and officials who had to depart the Kingdom before 8am knowing they faced an enormous task and who after the game made sure to compliment the Laois team and officials.
SCORERS Laois: Scott Kelly 3-4, Igor Buglo 2-2, Jack Mahon and Bobby McWey 1-3 each, John Gilbert 1-2, Conor Sweeney, Paddy Farrell, Oisin McRedmond, Ben Meade and Cian Fitzpatrick 0-2 each, Evan Stanley 0-1.
Kerry: Killian Collins 2-2, Cillian Foley, Dylan O’Brien-Farrissey and Cody Walsh 0-2 each, Noel O’Sullivan, Michael Heaphy, Jack Shanahan and Brian Reidy 0-1 each.
LAOIS: William Bergin (Borris/Kilcotton); Alan Donoher (Mountrath), Ryan Haslem (Mountrath), Ben Meade (Mountrath); Conor Sweeney (Ballyfin), Oisin McRedmond (Portlaoise), Evin Stanley (The Harps); Paddy Farrell (Colt-Shanahoe), Jack Rice (Mountrath); Scott Kelly (Rosenallis), Igor Buglo (Mountrath), Bobby McWey (Ballinakill/Ballypickas); Cian Fitzpatrick (Camross), Jack Mahon (Mountmellick), John Gilbert (Borris-Kilcotton).
KERRY: Gerard McElliot; Eoin O’Sullivan, Ruairi Walsh, Aiden Beirne; Jack Tannell, Nicky Corridon, Brian Reidy; Jack Shanahan, Noel O’Sullivan; Cian O’Connor, Cody Walsh, Michael Heaphy; Cillian Foley, Killian Collins, Dylan O’Brien-Farrissey.
Referee: Cathal McSteen (Carlow)