Laois triumph in O'Byrne Shield decider

A strong first half display helped Laois capture the Bord na Mona Shield title for the third time as they beat Wexford 1-15 to 1-6 at Wexford Park.

Earlier in the competition against Carlow it was an early goal from Peter O'Leary which set the tone for a Laois victory, and once again the O'Moore men were goal hungry early in this contest.

Portlaoise's Paul Cahillane got the wind-assisted visitors off to a flying start, firing home a goal inside the opening five minutes with Justin McNulty's charges opening up a 1-5 to 0-2 lead after 25 minutes.

Wexford bounced back with a goal before the break, but Laois continued to show strongly, with David Conway claiming four points in the opening 35 minutes as they led by 1-9 to 1-3 at the interval.

Ben Brosnan bagged much of Wexford's first half tally and again was vital to the Slaneysiders on the restart. However, scores from Ross Munnelly and Darren Strong pushed Laois seven points clear.

Laois led by 1-12 to 1-5 with 14 minutes remaining and held out until the finish, with Damien O'Connor and substitute Stephen O'Leary adding late scores.

After the game Kevin Meaney accepted the Shield on behalf of the victorious Laois team.