Lively Laois put down a marker

Laois 1-13 Meath 0-9

There was not even a hint of it happening after Meath's best spell had them level at half-time.

In truth, Laois always looked in a different class and emphasised it in the most convincing fashion with a powerful second-half display which indicated a steady progression from last year under Mick O'Dwyer's inspired management.