Portlaoise 3-12 Seneschalstown 1-6:LESS THAN three days after being crowned Meath champions for the fourth time in their history, Seneschalstown found Portlaoise a bridge too far in this one-sided Leinster championship meeting.
Portlaoise lined out without influential half forward Zach Tuohy who, after playing in the opening round against Mattock Rangers, departed to take up a position in Australia.
His club hardly missed Tuohy because by the eight minute of the throw-in they had posted two wonderful goals from Paul Cahillane and Brian Glynn.
Seneschalstown were slow to settle but eventually got to grips with the Portlaoise midfield and fine points by Brian Sheridan and Shane Clarke brought them right back into contention although they also missed two great goal opportunities.
Stephen Conlon and Peter McNulty traded points but Barry Fitzgerald’s accuracy from placed balls was vital for the home team and at the interval they led 2-6 to 0-5.
Seneschalstown’s Brian Sheridan had missed a great goal chance just before the break.
The Meath champions played with wind assistance on the resumption but Portlaoise got the opening two points before Joe Sheridan opened the visitors’ second-half account after 40 minutes.
Portlaoise hit back and when Peter McNulty placed Paul Cahillane the latter tucked home his second goal to put 13 points between the teams.
The effects of a third game and extra-time began to tell on Seneschalstown and, although they brought on their full quota of replacements, their only other score came 13 minutes from time.
Joe Sheridan’s goal attempt forced a fine save from Mick Nolan but the rebound fell to the inrushing Stephen Sheridan and he made no mistake.
Portlaoise showed their wealth of talent, introducing some very experienced players who contributed greatly when the visitors came at them in the final quarter.
PORTLAOISE: M Nolan; E Bland, K Fitzpatrick, M McNulty; B Mulligan, C Healy, K Lillis (0-1); A Kelly, B McCormack; A Fennelly (0-1), C Rogers, B Glynn (1-2); P Cahillane (2-1), B Fitzgerald (0-5), P McNulty (0-2); Subs. C Boyle for P McNulty (45 mins), P Cotter for Fennelly (46 mins), C Byrne for A Kelly (43 mins), B Smyth for Fitzgerald (49).
SENESCHALSTOWN: D Lyons; P Carey, A Collins, G Sheridan; M Carey, J Cowley, S Sheridan (1-0); J Sheridan (0-1), D Sheridan; G Conlon (0-1), C Macken, S Finnegan (0-1); R Ruddy, B Sheridan (0-2), S Clarke (0-1); Subs: J Byrne for Carey (17 mins), B Clarke for Macken (22 mins). A McCann for S Clarke (39 mins), C Duffy for Ruddy (32), T Ledwidge for Finnegan (57).
Referee: Tom Quigley (Dublin).
