Dublin coast to easy victory

Dublin's under-21 hurlers showed great potential when they swept Laois out of the Leinster championship in this one-sided quarter-final at Dr Cullen Park yesterday evening.

Dublin's senior players, Thomas McGrane, Emmet Carroll and David Sweeney, figured most prominently in this big win. McGrane shot six points, Carroll bagged 3-1 from play, while David Sweeney had a fine game in midfield and contributed a point.

All six Dublin forwards scored and they had the game as good as won by half-time. Dermot Daly's 39th-minute goal completely demoralised Laois as Dublin swept to a semi-final meeting with Leinster champions Wexford.

Dublin: D Maguire; A De Paor, D Spain, R Breen; T Moore, L Ryan, S Callinan; S Byrne, D Sweeney (0-1); D Daly (1-0), J Martin (0-1), T McGrane (0-6); E Carroll (3-1), K Horgan (1- 4), S McDonald (0-1). Subs: S Ryan for Moore, R Farrelly for Byrne and D Foley for McGrane.

Laois: D Brown; B Lowry (0-1), P Cuddy, T Phelan; E Ging, Pat Mahon, J Cahill; J McEvoy (0-1), P Bennett; J Kilmartin (0-3), Patrick Mahon (0-1), E Meagher (0-1); T Doran, J Coogan (0-1), R Dooley. Subs: R Cuddy for Coogan, R Delaney for Bennett and L Wynne for Patrick Mahon.

Referee: P Neary (Kilkenny).

Offaly's under-21s were given a sterner challenge than they expected before they overcame Kildare 2-22 to 1-17 at Newbridge yesterday evening. The winners took an early lead with two points from top scorer Killian Farrell in the opening minutes.

Kildare rallied midway through the second half when Colm Buggy pointed. Four unanswered points followed before Farrell eventually lifted the siege.

Kildare managed a late goal, but, once again, Offaly replied.

Offaly: B Mullins; U McGuckin, E Maher, R Devery; B Whelehan, G Hanniffy (0-1), T Spain (0-1); M Murray, E McGuinness; C Cassidy (0-2), M Hand (1-1), K Farrell (1-11); D Franks (0-2), G Oakley (0-4), P Carroll.

Kildare: P Ryan; S Gleeson, R O'Malley, A Carr; S Brown, R Spain, A Walsh; N Callaghan, A Flaherty; C Buggy (0-2), T Carew (0-12), A Dunney; B Byrne (0-2), T Spain (1-1), J Gleeson (1-1).

Referee: E Morris (Dublin)