Portlaoise march on

PORTLAOISE’S run towards a fifth consecutive Laois SFC title moved a step closer on Sunday evening as they overcame a dogged Stradbally side to book their place in the final.

The reigning champions have been tested more often than in previous seasons, but their second-half performance yesterday hinted at a side coming into their best form. Stradbally fought the good fight but Portlaoise’s strength eventually told.

In a closely-contested first half, Stradbally drew first blood thanks to a long-range point from Padraig Langton. Portlaoise took their time to settle, but hit back with a couple of points and midway through the half still held that slender one-point lead.