Castletown won their fourth Laois hurling title since 1995 with two goals inside two minutes early in the second half at Portlaoise yesterday. Camross, seeking a 23rd title, enjoyed their best moments in the opening half. Castletown had a goal from Michael Butler after 10 minutes but Camross recovered to draw level after 25 minutes but in the closing five minutes of the half, David Cuddy shot three unanswered points to leave Castletown ahead 1-5 to 0-5 at the interval.

On the changeover Pat Phelan fired to the net and almost immediately Richard Kingston added a second. David Cuddy converted three more frees and although Camross rallied with two late goals from Damien Culliton the result was never in doubt.

CASTLETOWN: J Lyons; M Phelan, P Cuddy, S Hanlon; R Delaney, C Cuddy, J Palmer; D Cuddy (0-9), O Dooley; P Cuddy, J O'Sullivan, M Butler (1- 0); R Kingston (1-0), F O'Sullivan, P Phelan (1-0). Sub: B Ferns for P Cuddy.

CAMROSS: T Lowry; P Collier, P Cuddy, J Cuddy; F Hogan, T Delaney, T Doran; F Lalor, K Cuddy; R Cuddy, D Keenan (0-1), D Culliton (2-0); B Keenan (0-3), S Cuddy, J Dollard (0-1). Subs: C Moore for R Cuddy. B Lowry for P Cuddy. P Guilfoyle for J Cuddy, P Dooley for J Dollard, P J Cuddy for F Lalor.

Referee: P Moran (Graiguecullen).