Laois longing ends after 57-years

Laois 2-13 Kildare 1-13

It provided a fitting climax to a marvellous contest which featured two controversial sending-offs inside the opening 20 minutes, a remarkable recovery by Kildare when they were down to 13 men and an admirable display of character by Laois at the finish. Pure theatre and who better to direct the winning performance than the mighty Mick O'Dwyer.

The game was just three and a half minutes in motion when Kildare lost influential midfielder Alan Barry. He got a first yellow card (along with Pauric Clancy) for an off-the-ball incident spotted by the linesman. The second yellow and then red was for a heavy frontal tackle. Without question it was harsh and for the challengers a bombshell.