Laois leap to a place in the sun

Laois 0-16

This wasn't the outcome that was generally expected from yesterday's fascinating Bank of Ireland Leinster semi-final in Croke Park, yet, it was entirely predictable on the evidence of the consistency and quality of Laois's play all through. Conversely, weak finishing seriously undermined Dublin's erratic challenge.

It results in the first Laois/Kildare final since 1946 when Laois won their last title and broke a Dublin hoodoo that had lasted for 22 years (and much longer in Croke Park).

What made it all possible was a marvellously disciplined and skilful display which made a mockery of the team's form in the League final defeat by Tyrone and admirable defensive play which denied Dublin three certain goals in the first-half.

Outstanding goalkeeper Fergal Byron made two saves and full-back Colm Byrne another and, in the context of the way Dublin struggled for scores through a first-half that produced ten wides, these moments were crucial. And, behind it all was O'Dwyer's guiding influence.

One of the more revealing statistics which summed up Dublin's day was that they led for only once in the entire game from the time Ray Cosgrove pointed after a mere 20 seconds until Brian McDonald equalised in the 6th minute.

Between then and the 21st minute scores were level on two further occasions, but from there until the full-time whistle, Laois were in the driving seat.

Typical of every team associated with O'Dwyer, they were superbly prepared, physically and mentally, and it was reflected in their confident play at all times, even on the few occasions Dublin threatened a recovery.

Laois settled very early, which was all the more sgnificant since they were defending the Canal End, where a big concentration of Dublin supporters were positioned because of the unavailability of the Hill 16.

Colm Byrne was always comfortable in dealing with the threat from Cosgrove, especially in the air, and the same applied to all of the backs.

And, because they were playing so effectively as a team and gaining much better possession from midfield it meant that Dublin's forwards never really received the type of quality ball they needed to make real progress.

Nevertheless, Cosgrove did have an opportunity of goaling as early as the 9th minute when a kick from Alan Brogan came back off an upright but the chance was lost when Byrne stuck out his foot to divert the shot.

And, even when they did put some good passes together and combine promisingly, Dublin were either denied the space to penetrate or chances were lost through poor shooting.

By the 21st minute they had kicked six wides and were also handicapped by the lack of a quality free-taker to compare to Damien Delaney. He made the most of the chances that came his way despite the fact that was unfairly booed every time.

As the game developed, the inability of Dublin captain Ciaran Whelan and Darren Magee to compete with the Pauric Clancy Noel Garvan midfield combination was all the more significant in terms of lifting their challenge.

And, because Laois were much better at capitalising on their possession in attack, they continued to force the pace.

By the 28th minute they were 0-6 to 0-4 in front and this scoreline wasn't to change before the break. However, it would certainly have but for excellent saves by Fergal Byron from Liam Óg Ó hEinechain in the 26th minute and Tom Mulligan in injury-time.

Those interventions meant that Laois went to their dressing room in buoyant mood and boosted by the knowledge that they would have the wind behind them for the second-half.

In the circumstances, it wasn't a surprise to see them dominate the opening ten minutes and outscoring Dublin by three points to one.

However, after seeing their lead extended to five points by the 46th minute, Laois were forced back on the defensive when Dublin recovered from kicking three early wides by putting over three points in a two-minute period.

It happened at a time when the Midlanders had lost their grip at midfield and Dublin were also more effective at half-forward.

The game was reaching its most competitive phase, when Laois resolve was given its most searching test since the early phase.

Significantly, it was speedy and positive in the form of three scores. The first came from Russ Munnelly, who was to exert a strong influence in the last quarter, impressive centre-forward Mick Lawlor kicked a beauty from a difficult angle and Delaney contributed one from play.

It didn't quite break Dublin's momentum so much as to severely disrupt it, because they were able to come back fighting over the last ten minutes, with the improved Colin Moran putting over a good score and substitute Tom Quinn kicking two frees.

Vitally, however, Cosgrove fumbled a pass from Mulligan when there was the possibility of a game-saving goal.

And, just as importantly, Laois picked off scores which kept their confidence up and, more pertinently, maintained their lead. And, in the final analysis, it was that fiery resistance which really prevented Dublin from coming back.

*Having been a strong critic of Aidan Mangan in the past, it's only fair to credit him with a first-class display. He was firm, assured and always in control.

Scorers: Laois D. Delaney 0-4 (0-3 frees); R. Munnelly 0-3 (0-2 frees); P. Clancy, B. McDonald, G. Kavanagh and I. Fitzgerald 0-2 each; M. Lawlor 0-1.

Dublin: A. Brogan 0-3; R. Cosgrove 0-3 (0-2 frees); T. Mulligan 0-3 (0-1 free); T. Quinn 0-3 (0-2 frees); S. Ryan and S. Connell 0-1 each.

LAOIS: F. Byron; A. Fennelly, C. Byrne, J. Higgins; D. Rooney, T. Kelly, K. Fitzpatrick; P. Clancy, N. Garvan; R. Munnelly, M. Lawlor, G. Kavanagh; I. Fitzgerald (capt.), D. Delaney, B. McDonald. Subs: H. Emerson for Fitzgerald (53rd minute); S. Kelly for Delaney (64th).

DUBLIN: S. Cluxton; B. Cahill, P. Christie, P. Griffin; P. Casey, J. Magee, C. Moran; C. Whelan (capt.), D. Magee; T. Mulligan, S. Ryan, B. Cullen; A. Brogan, R. Cosgrove, L. Og O hEineachain. Subs: T. Quinn for O hEineachain (second half); S. Connell for Cullen (42nd minute); C. Goggins for Casey (56th); D. Homan for Ryan (59th); D. O'Callaghan for Cosgrove (65th).

Referee: A. Mangan (Kerry).

*Attendance: 57,615.