Laois to meet Kildare in Leinster final

Laois will meet Kildare in the Leinster football final after knocking a jittery Dublin off their perch at Croke Park this afternoon…

Laois will meet Kildare in the Leinster football final after knocking a jittery Dublin off their perch at Croke Park this afternoon, emerging 0-16 to 0-14 winners.

Mick O'Dwyer's young side, who have flattered to deceive in recent years, displayed plenty of self-belief on this occasion, taking the game to the Dubs from the outset and refusing to let the reigning Leinster champions settle.

Midfielder Padraig Clancy controlled the centre of the park, where an ineffectual Ciaran Whelan went missing in action, and the mobility of the Laois forwards caused problems for the Dublin defence throughout.

Only full-back Paddy Christie and substitute Tomas Quinn emerged with any credit from the Dublin ranks, while Laois treated the 57,000 fans at headquarters to a dazzling display of teamwork, their passing and movement leaving their opponents chasing shadows.

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Dublin did threaten to make a fist of it in the closing stages, bridging the gap to just two points, but when the final whistle sounded no-one could deny Laois were worthy winners.

Earlier, Offaly's hurlers ended Dublin's championship aspirations with a relatively comfortable 1-20 to 1-14 win.

After a tight first half, Marty Morris's side lost touch with their more experienced opponents with Mossy McGrane standing out for the Faithful County.

A Michael Carton goal gave Dublin some hope but when player Neville Coughlan netted for Offaly with seven minutes on the clock the game was up for Dublin.

Elsewhere, Tyrone breezed into the Ulster football final this afternoon after defeating Antrim at a canter. The league champions sent Antrim into the qualifying series with a 1-17 to 1-9 win.

After a bright opening, including a converted - if somewhat dubious - Kevin Madden penalty, Antrim faded badly at Casement Park and were lucky not to lose by a greater margin.

Having survived Antrim's early onslaught, Mickey Harte's side, with Peter Canavan in imperious form, simply stepped up the pace and were able to keep Antrim at arms length throughout.

Corner-forward Owen Mulligan capped a fine performance with a goal midway through the second-half.

In Tralee, Kerry progressed to the Munster final with a comprehensive 0-25 to 1-10 win over Tipperary at Austin Stack Park.

Paidi O'Se's side dominated for the duration - they led by 10 points at the interval - and their All-Ireland credentials were never tested by Tipp, who only ever threatened through All-Star forward Declan Browne.

Nevertheless, the match did provide some useful target practice for the Kingdom and the appearance of Mike Frank Russell, who scored four points after coming on as a substitute, bodes well for the summer.

Kerry will face Limerick, who beat Clare by 2-14 to 0-12, in next month's final.

GAA results

All-Ireland hurling qualifying series

Offaly 1-20 Dublin 1-14

Leinster football semi-final

Dublin 0-12 Laois 0-14

Ulster football semi-final

Tyrone 1-17 Antrim 1-9

Munster football semi-finals

Kerry 0-25 Tipperary 1-10

Clare 0-12 Limerick 2-14