Lethal Laois demolish Down, Westmeath survive with win over Meath

Willie Dunphy and Tomás Keyes scored 2-2 each for Laois in a comprehensive Joe McDonagh Cup win over Down

Willie Dunphy scored 2-2 for Laois. pic ©INPHO/Tom Maher

The Joe McDonagh Cup landscape was completely cleared up on Saturday afternoon, as Laois racked up a comprehensive 4-31 to 0-17 win over Down, while Westmeath cruised past Meath by 1-29 to 0-14 to condemn the Royals to Christy Ring Cup hurling next year.

Willie Dunphy and Tomás Keyes scored 2-2 each for Laois, who scored one point in the opening 13 minutes and 4-8 in the next seven, to completely blow Down out of the water and ensure that they can opt for squad rotation next time out against Westmeath.