Murphy’s law for Laois as Kilkenny claim Leinster minor crown

KILKENNY 1-18 LAOIS 0-8: Alan Murphy fired 10 points as Kilkenny claimed their first Electric Ireland Leinster MHC title since 2010, following a 13-point victory over Laois at Croke Park on Sunday.

The sides traded early points, as Liam Blanchfield and Aidan Corby swapped scores, but once Michael Kenny fired the only goal of the hour, in the third minute, Kilkenny never trailed in this game.

Seven points from Murphy helped Kilkenny take a 1-11 to 0-5 lead at the interval, with Aidan Corby, Darragh Cripps, Ciaran McEvoy and Joe Campion doing their best to keep Laois in touch.

Kilkenny were denied of a goal before the break after Laois keeper Enda Rowland pulled off a superb save from a Kevin Kenny shot.

The O’Moore’s in their first final for 23 years were always going to be up against it, with Pat Critichley’s charges battling bravely in the second half.

Kilkenny moved 13 points clear entering the final quarter, and although Laois held the Cats scoreless over a seven-minute spell, Kilkenny finished strongly with scores from James Maher and Luke Scanlon.

KILKENNY: D Brennan; J Tyrrell, E Cody, C Wallace; J Maher (0-1), J Stanley, D Joyce; N Mullins, C Ryan (0-1); L Blanchfield (0-2), G Kelly, K Kenny (0-1); D O'Connor, M Kenny (1-0), A Murphy (0-10, 0-8 free, 0-1 65). Subs: V Teehan (0-2) for Kelly (8 mins); J Walsh for M Kenny (half-time); E Kenny for K Kenny (44 mins); L Scanlon (0-1) for Mullins (54 mins); C Delaney for Ryan (57 mins).
LAOIS: E Rowland; G Dunne, R Mullaney, E Cuddy; D Palmer, C McEvoy (0-2, 0-2 65s), R Delahunty; L O'Connell, C Stapleton; J Lennon, L Bergin, A Corby (0-2); D Cripps (0-1, free), J Campion (0-1), S Bergin. Subs: C Collier (0-1) for L Bergin (39 mins); M Kavanagh (0-1, free) for Cripps (39 mins); K Bergin for S Bergin (50 mins); R Broderick for Lennon (51 mins); J Delaney for O'Connell (57 mins).
Referee: John Keenan (Wicklow)