Nervous finish, but Laois hold on

RUMOURS of Laois’ demise would appear to be slightly premature it seems, despite the last 20 minutes in Donnycarney yesterday when Sean Dempsey’s side almost let an 11-point lead slip through their fingers.

It is just two years since the midlanders pushed Dublin to the pin of their collar in a provincial final but they made the trip to the capital on the back of an indifferent league campaign and stalked by doubt.

Familiar criticisms made the journey with them. Too light. Too inconsistent. With only three of their 2003 Leinster-winning team starting, another negative was added – too inexperienced.