FIELDING eight of the senior side which lost to Donegal in last Sunday's National League quarter final, Wicklow's under 21 footballers qualified for the quarter finals of the Leinster championship with a comprehensive victory over Laois at O'Moore Park, Portlaoise, yesterday.
The visitors opened the scoring with a point after five minutes from Shane O'Neill, but the home side took the lead with two quick points. Ten minutes into the game Wicklow full forward Stephen Byrne blasted home a great goal. However, two minutes later Laois were back in the lead when Danny Doogue shot a fine goal. Laois led 1-3 to 1-2 at the end of the quarter.
The second quarter saw some great football from both sides. Wicklow regained the lead with two points and then five minutes before half time Laois regained the lead with a good goal by Chris Conway. However Wicklow finished the half the stronger, and a brace of points by Keith Byrne left the sides level at the break, Laois 2-4, Wicklow 1-7.
Wicklow began the second half in great style, and after an earl> exchange of points, Shane O'Neil gave them a lead they were never to lose with a food point.
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