Leinster MFC Semi-final/ Laois 2-16 Offaly 1-8: Laois minor footballers are through to their third provincial decider in four years. At Portlaoise on Saturday they swept aside the challenge of the beaten finalists for the last two years, Offaly.
The visitors got off to a dream start with a goal inside 10 seconds from full forward Daniel Currams followed by a quick point. Laois took time to settle but a magnificent long range point from defender Conor Boyle sparked off a massive recovery and with centre forward Donie Kingston in dazzling form they soon overhauled the Faithful. Kingston shot five superb points within 15 minutes and further points from Conor Meredith and Kieran Farrell saw Laois ease in front.
Laois piled on the pressure after the interval as they opened their second- half account with a point from Kieran Farrell. Ten minutes into the half Brian Smyth's goal finished off a well-executed move before substitute James Doyle's goal ended the game as a contest. Laois will now face neighbours Carlow in a first final meeting between the sides in two weeks' time.
LAOIS: M Webster; R Kehoe, J Mulhare, J O'Connor; K Lillis, C Boyle (0-1), Z Touhy; S Ramsbottom, J O'Loughlin (0-1); K Farrell (0-1), D Kingston (0-5), B Smyth (1-2); S Miller, C Meredith (0-5), E Kelly; Subs: J Doyle (1-1)for Miller; I Whelan for Smyth; C Delaney for Meredith; B Glynn for Touhy; D Lowry for Ramsbottom
OFFALY: I Duffy; D Murphy, D Hales, M Young; B Geraghty, G Dunne, D Brady; C Egan, R Allen; N Dunne (0-6) M Mangan (0-1), B Kelly; S Pender, D Currams (1-0), B Lonergan; Sub: A Sullivan (0-1)for Pender
Referee: P Daly(Westmeath)
