Laois survive mighty test from Carlow

Raging hot favourites Laois were given the fright of their hurling lives by neighbours Carlow in this exciting Leinster Under-21 championship semi-final at Dr Cullen Park last evening.

Laois, winners over defending provincial champions Dublin in the quarter-final, knew they were in a battle when Carlow grabbed the first four points of the game, with a brace from Marty Kavanagh being supplemented by white flags from Ross Smithers and midfielder Craig Wall.

Wall had a great chance of a Carlow goal in his side’s first attack when one-on-one with goalie Eoin Fleming but his kicked effort drifted wide.