The sun shone and the rain fell in intermittent waves but there was no sign of lightning striking twice in Portlaoise last night as Kilkenny made short work of an outclassed Laois side in this Bord Gáis Leinster U21 final.

Raging hot favourites Laois were given the fright of their hurling lives by neighbours Carlow in this exciting Leinster Under-21 championship semi-final at Dr Cullen Park last evening.