There was a trio of away wins in the O'Byrne Cup this afternoon, as Kildare, Laois and Offaly delivered victories, while neighbours Westmeath and Meath shared the spoils in Mullingar.

Perhaps Johnny Doyle in his prime might have pulled this one out of the fire but at 41 a Leinster JFC final miracle was just beyond him.

There was late drama as Wicklow footballers gave red-hot favourites Kildare a real fright at Netwatch Cullen Park this evening as the Leinster senior football championship got under way before an attendance of 3,800.