Fitzpatrick timing perfect as Portlaoise retain crown

Portlaoise 2-08 Arles-Killeen 1-08

The champions had too much for a dogged Arles-Killeen side that led by four points early in the second half. They couldn’t hold that lead, however, and a fortuitous goal for Portlaoise from Kevin Fitzpatrick midway through the half swung the game in their favour. Arles-Killeen will be left to rue a second half which produced just two points, as they struggled to fight back when Portlaoise started to go through the gears.

Portlaoise almost had the perfect start when Craig Rogers was played through after a little over a minute, but his close-range effort was well saved.