Orchard power too much for Laois

Armagh 2-17 Laois 1-11

Armagh powered their way through to the All-Ireland SFC semi-finals with a thunderous display at Croke Park.

Laois were totally outclassed by the awesome Orchard men, who recovered from a shaky start to dominate a one-sided contest.

Steven McDonnell signalled a spectacular return to tip form with a 1-5 tally, while Oisin McConville bagged 1-3 as Joe Kernan’s side romped to a last four meeting with either Dublin or Tyrone.

A lively Laois attack stretched Armagh to the limit with an adventurous approach, and fully deserved to be three points ahead midway through the first half.

Ros Munnelly, Billy Sheehan and Barry Brennan all caused problems, and their points made it 0-6 to 0-3.

But Ronan Clarke always had the measure of Laois full back Darren Rooney under the high ball, a method which was to reap rich rewards for the Orchard men.

Clarke thumped over three points from play, and as Armagh succeeded in reversing the early midfield dominance of the Laois, men, the final 10 minutes of the half brought a remarkable turnaround.

A three points deficit was rapidly turned into a five points lead, a staggering eight points turnaround, capped by a wonderful goal.

It was Clarke who majestically flicked another high delivery into the path of Steven McDonnell, who sent a bullet to the net past a helpless Fergal Byron, and at the break, Armagh led by 1-8 to 0-6.

Points from McDonnell, Aaron Kernan, Martin O’Rourke and Paul McGrane opened out a nine points lead, and even when Laois hit back with a Barry Brennan goal, the Ulster champions were unruffled, stuck to their system and wore their opponents down.

McConville rounded the goalkeeper for a second goal four minutes from the end, and Armagh led by 11 points before Sheehan and Chris Conway hit late consolation points for the Leinster men.