Honourable defeat best Laois can expect

The giddy reaction in the capital when Dublin’s name was paired with that of Laois last weekend was only heightened with the realisation Pat Gilroy’s side will face Mayo or Down in the semi-final should they do their jobs this evening.

Let’s face it, they should. Dublin have beaten today’s opponents by an average of over nine points on the last three occasions they have met in championship, even if that should reduce come 9pm.

Even Laois manager, Justin McNulty, admits a kind draw has opened the path this far for a team that was on its knees after relegation to Division Two and defeat to Longford in Leinster and yet they have undoubtedly improved since.