Keenan stars as Laois win bad tempered affair

Carlow 1-10 Laois 1-16

Zane Keenan turned in a virtuoso display as Laois completed their league campaign with a 1-16 to 1-10 victory over Leinster rivals Carlow.

Unfortunately for Niall Rigney's charges, with Wexford enjoying a big win over Antrim, they have missed out on a place in the Allianz NHL Division 2 final.

The decider will be contested by Wexford and table toppers Clare at Semple Stadium on Sunday, May 2.

Keenan landed four points to nudge Laois into a 0-9 to 0-3 half-time lead, with Carlow failing to convert a 26th minute penalty.

Both sides lost a player in the early stages of the second half. Carlow midfielder Damien Roberts and Laois defender Conor Dunne received straight red cards for getting involved in an off-the-ball altercation.

Carlow and Laois were certainly keen to register a win this afternoon, as the sides are scheduled to meet again in the Leinster Championship on May 22.

Either side of Keenan's goal, which put Laois into a comfortable 1-12 to 0-5 lead, Carlow had two more players dismissed.

Edward Cody picked up his second yellow for a foul on Neil Doyle, and John Rogers received his marching orders with three minutes remaining.

The Barrowsiders gained some late consolation with a Craig Doyle goal, but Rigney's side ran out deserved winners.