Laois 3-11 Offaly 2-13:Laois's Evan Carroll hit two goals in the space of 10 minutes midway through the half to give his side a commanding lead which was added to with points by Evan Costelloe and Dan Dunne.
Offaly kept in touch with points by Stuart Cullen, Peter Cunningham and Ciarán Hurley leaving the half-time score 2-6 to 0-7 in favour of Laois.
Laois restarted with points by Evan Costelloe and defender Dan Dunne but Offaly hit back with Peter Cunningham, Barry Cushen and Aaron McDonagh. The referee awarded Offaly a penalty after 48 minutes which was converted by Derek Hanlon and the margin was reduced to two points. Laois secured victory when a good movement was finished to the net by Kevin McGrath but Offaly never gave up and a last-minute goal by Ciarán Hurley caused a few anxious moments for the Laois.
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