Laois shoots through to Shield final

WICKLOW 2-12 LAOIS 2-17, Aughrim (aet)

A goal from Colm Parkinson in the first half of extra-time shot Laois through to an O'Byrne Shield final against Kildare on February 10.

This afternoon's semi-final at Aughrim went the way of the O'Moore men. Portlaoise clubman Parkinson was in superb form and also kicked Laois' only goal in normal time to give them a 1-13 to 1-7 advantage with 20 minutes remaining.

However Wicklow never gave up hope and held their opponents scoreless as they cut the gap to the minimum. Derek Bailey goaled and a brace of points followed from Paul Earls, one from play and the other a free.

Former Carlow player Thomas Walsh then proved to be Wicklow's savour as his point levelled the contest with two minutes remaining.

Although there were ample opportunities for both sides to snatch a match-winning point, it failed to materialise and extra-time ensued.

Liam Kearns' charges edged ahead in extra-time, helped by the introductions of Billy Sheehan, Paul Lawlor and Colm Kelly, brother of Laois' former All-Star Tom.

Laois led by 1-16 to 2-11 at half-time in extra-time and pulled away in the final 10 minutes thanks to Parkinson's second goal, set up by a Lawlor pass, which put the seal on the win.