Wexford's reign ended by fast finishing Laois

Laois ... 1-12 Wexford ... 0-09: Wexford's reign as Walsh Cup champions, stretching back to 1993, came to an end at Portlaoise yesterday.

Under new manager John Conran, the Slaneysiders looked to be coasting to victory when they led Laois 0-5 to 0-1 after 20 minutes.

The home side settled down and good points from James Young and Fionan O'Sullivan narrowed the gap, but late points from Barry Lambert and MJ Furlong gave the visitors a 0-9 to 0-5 advantage at the break.

Before the changeover new Laois manager Paudí Butler obviously had stern words with his charges and they obviously had the desired effect. Within five minutes of the resumption the sides were level.

Then a good Laois move saw full forward Liam Tynan score the game's only goal.

Paul Cuddy gave Laois the lead for the first time after 15 minutes of the half and from there on Laois dictated matters.

Their defence was a revelation and great points from Tommy Fitzgerald, Pat Mahon and Enda Meagher put Laois comfortably ahead and they now advance to a semi-final meeting with Dublin on Sunday.

LAOIS: K Galvin, L Mahon, Pat Cuddy, T Phelan, C Cuddy, Paul Cuddy (0-1), J Phelan, J Young (0-4), E Meagher (0-1), B McCormack, P Mahon (0-2), E Fennelly, M Dunphy, L Tynan (1-1), F O'Sullivan (0-2). Subs: T Fitzgerald (0-1) for B McCormack, D Culleton for M Dunphy, M McEvoy for E Fennelly, C Coonan for F O'Sullivan.

WEXFORD: P Carley, M Travers, D O'Connor, D Guiney, D Stamp, D Ruth (0-1), P Rossiter, M O'Leary, R Mallon, N Sheil (0-1), D Berry (0-1), MJ Furlong (0-2), B Lambert (0-3), A O'Leary, M Jordan (0-1). Subs: R Barry for A O'Leary, G Coleman for D Berry, R McCarthy for M Travers, K Furlong for D Stamp.

Referee: B Gavin (Offaly).