Laois are Leinster champions

Laois 2-13 Kildare 1-13

In what was a thrilling game of football with three goals, three sendings-off and a penalty, Mick O'Dywer's Laois emerged victorious by a goal.

Brilliant sunshine greeted both sides onto the field of play with over 60,000 witnessing a memorable event. Early scores from Ian Fitzgerald and Ross Munnelly had Laois out of the traps first with a 0-3 to 0-0 lead by the fifth minute.

Indeed Kildare's first point came only in the 15th minute from the boot of Stuart McKenzie-Smith. He was one of few Lillywhite forwards to prosper today, with Tadhg Fennin kept scoreless and Padraig Nolan's men living off the frees of half-forwards Paddy Murray and John Doyle.

Kildare midfielder Alan Barry was sent off for a second bookable offence in the fourth minute. A quarter of an hour later, Laois' Kevin Fitzpatrick was sent to the line by referee Seamus McCormack for a dangerous tackle on Tadhg Fennin.

Fennin struck Kildare's 14th wide in the 48th minute as they tried to scramble back from the shock of two early second half goals from O'Dwyer's men.

Brian McDonald volleyed home after just 10 seconds of the second period past Enda Murphy and Ross Munnelly repeated 10 minutes later for a 2-8 to 0-8 lead.

More drama was to follow on 53 minutes with a second yellow flashed to Kildare back Mick Wright.

With backs against the wall, Kildare staged an incredible come back as substitutes Glen Ryan and Pauric Brennan added scores to Ronan Sweeney's 59th minute penalty that saw the Lilywhites drew level for the first time in the match.

However, well-taken points from substitutes Donal Miller and Barry Brennan opened the gap again for Laois who held on for the win.