The Mike Quirke era of Laois football began with a defeat in the opening round of the O’Byrne Cup against neighbours Offaly on Saturday.

Goals from Michael Doran and Dan McCormack ultimately separated Laois from Westmeath in a gripping tie in Mullingar last night.

Diarmuid Whelan struck a magnificent 10 points as Laois ended Kildare’s reign as Leinster and All-Ireland U20 champions at the first stage in St Conleth’s Park last night on Tuesday evening.