Bank of Ireland Championships: Offaly win by four points

Offaly 1 - 13 Laois 0 - 12

Offaly footballers passed their first test of the 2001 Bank of Ireland Leinster Championship with a hard earned victory over Laois at Croke park.

Having led 1- 0 to 0-8 at half time - the goal arising from an excellent Vinnie Claffey finish one minute into injury time - the score rocked Laois who have been the dominant side up until then.

Offaly may have been flattered by their half-time lead, for Laois corner forward Chris Conway, shot a 23rd minute penalty wide.

The Laois second half collapse was unexpected.

The Offaly attack, inspired by the splendid point taking ability of both Gary Comerford and Dinny Claffey, comfortably moved on to the Provisional Semi Final with a deserved 4 point victory.