Underdogs Laois only just denied

Armagh 0-15, Laois 0-13

Mick O'Dwyer's talented side distinguished itself once more, but never quite managed to reach the level of the Leinster final performance.

Instead, it was Armagh who displayed the greater capacity to win when the game was finely balanced nearing the three-quarters stage. And, appropriately in view of his outstanding play in the second half, a 50th-minute score from midfielder Philip Loughran preceded a period of dominance which was to ultimately prove decisive.