Walsh Cup wins for Antrim, Laois and DIT

Antrim, Laois and DIT picked up wins in the Walsh Cup, while Armagh and Wicklow were victorious in the Kehoe Cup following today's hurling action across Leinster.

At Mullingar, substitute PJ O'Connell was Antrim's hero as the Saffrons gained a 3-12 to 2-11 win over Westmeath.

O'Connell scored 1-4 in the final quarter as the visitors held off a determined Westmeath challenge.

Antrim led by 1-5 to 0-5 at half-time, with Michael Armstrong picking off a first half goal for Dinny Cahill's side.

Darren Hamill struck a second Antrim goal on the restart, before goals from Brian Smyth and Alan Devine helped Westmeath take the lead for the first time on a 2-7 to 2-6 scoreline.

However, Kevin Martin's men were unable to match Antrim in the closing stages. Key player O'Connell was introduced with 10 minutes left and quickly turned the game in Antrim's favour.

Everything O'Connell touched turned to a score. His goal and four points, coupled with a late Armstrong point, ensured a four-point win for Antrim and a quarter-final clash with Dublin.

Meanwhile, Laois were forced to dig deep before emerging as 0-24 to 2-14 victors over UCD at Rathdowney this afternoon.

Willie Hyland top-scored for the hosts with 11 points in a game which saw UCD grab two second half goals.

A wind-assisted Laois led by 0-13 to 0-5 at half-time, with Hyland, John Purcell, James Walsh and Matthew Whelan all on target.

Tipperary's Noel McGrath and Conor Allis kept the students in contention, with UCD finding their rhythm in the second half.

A Walter Walsh goal cut the deficit to a point in the 48th minute. Laois pressed ahead, but a James Foley goal tied the game a 2-13 to 0-19 win five minutes remaining.

However, Laois hit back with unanswered points from Hyland, Purcell, Whelan, and John Brophy to take the spoils.

At Dr Cullen Park, DIT fought their way to a 2-17 to 1-13 triumph over Carlow. Ballyboden St. Enda's Paul Ryan was in excellent form for the students.

In the Kehoe Cup, Armagh edged IT Carlow in a high-scoring encounter which finished 5-17 to 3-21 in their favour. It was also a tight tussle in Swords where Wicklow battled to a one-point win over Fingal - 2-15 to 1-17.