LAOIS/SF Final: Recently appointed manager Mick O'Dwyer was an interested spectator at the Laois county final yesterday. The game itself was disappointing with Portlaoise the underdogs, sweeping to their 22nd county title.

Twenty-four hours earlier Portlaoise had won their 21st minor title and their side included Peter McNulty who came on as a substitute yesterday to win his third championship medal this year, having earlier helped the juniors win their title.

Portlaoise laid their foundations for victory in the opening half and Ian Fitzgerald struck for a goal after five minutes. Colm Kelly then netted for St Joseph's but then Fitzgerald, the tormentor in chief, sent a perfect pass to the unmarked Colm Parkinson and he scored Portlaoise's second goal. Parkinson added two fine points to leave his side 2-8 to 1-3 at the interval and they maintained their advantage in the second half.

PORTLAOISE: M Nolan; M McNulty, P Phelan, B Gaynor; C Byrne, M Brophy, E Bland; T Conroy, K Fitzpatrick; C Parkinson (1-2), C Murphy (0-1), B McCormack; A Fennelly, I Fitzgerald (1-8), D Mullins. Subs: P Malone for D Mullins; N Fitzpatrick for B McCormack; T Fitzgerald for M McNulty; P McNulty for C Murphy.

ST JOSEPH'S: R Butler; G Rowan, F Lacey, T J Rowan; L Kealy, T Kelly, J Higgins; J Murphy, N Garvan; L Stapleton, T J Dempsey, Michael O'Brien (0-2); S Kelly (0-2), Mark O'Brien (0-1), C Kelly (1-1). Subs: B Dempsey for J Murphy; C George for L Stapleton.

Referee: Eddie Whelan (Killeshin).