Parkinson sets up final clash

O'Byrne Shield (SF) Semi-final/Laois 2-17 Wicklow 2-12: Two goals by the experienced Colm Parkinson set up Laois for a final…

O'Byrne Shield (SF) Semi-final/Laois 2-17 Wicklow 2-12:Two goals by the experienced Colm Parkinson set up Laois for a final clash with Kildare in the O'Byrne Shield after they beat Wicklow by five points at Aughrim yesterday.

Laois went seven points ahead in the first quarter, and it was not until the 17th minute that Wicklow opened their account with a point from midfielder Jacko Dalton. Tony Hannon gave the home side hope with a goal, but Wicklow still found themselves trailing by double scores - 1-2 to 0-10 - at half-time.

Wicklow had the advantage of the wind in the second half and they took took full advantage, landing five points on the trot from Thomas Walsh, Seánie Furlong, John McGrath and two by Paul Earls which brought the sides level (1-7 to 0-10) after 10 minutes of the second half. However, Laois replied through a Ross Munnelly point in the 15th minute while a minute later Colm Parkinson scored the first of his two goals for a six-point lead.

Wicklow staged yet another rally and a point by Paul Earls was followed by a goal by sub Derek Daly to level the game at full time (2-10 to 1-13).

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Daly put Wicklow in front for the first time in extra-time, but Laois hit back. Points by Parkinson, Michael Tiernan and Peter O'Leary left them leading by two. Daly replied with another point, but Parkinson sealed victory for Laois with a late goal.

WICKLOW: M Travers, T Burke, D Power, B McGrath, Nicky Mernagh, D O hAnnaidh, P Dalton, JP Dalton (0-1), T Walsh (0-2), J McGrath (0-1), T Hannon (1-0), S Hurley, D Odlum, S Furlong (0-1), P Earls (0-5). Subs: D Daly (1-2) for Hurley, Tommy Gill for Furlong.

LAOIS: M Nolan, C Ryan, D Hogan, R Stapleton, D Murphy, D Rooney, P McMahon, P Clancy (0-1), K Meaney, R Munnelly (0-2), M Tierney (0-5), D Strong (0-1), D Brennan (0-4), B Quigley (0-1), C Parkinson (2-1). Subs: P O'Leary (0-1) for McMahon, B McCormack for Strong, C Kelly for Hogan, B Sheehan for Clancy, P Lawlor (0-1) for Munnelly.

Referee: S Doyle (Wexford).