IT WASN'T quite as easy as the scoreline suggests, but under strength Galway still finished far too strong for Laois in their Division One clash at Kenny Park, Athenry, on Saturday evening. The result guarantees the winners a place in the quarter finals, while Laois, already relegated, remain without a win in this year's League campaign.

Injuries and club commitments forced Galway manager Cyril Farrell to plan without many regulars, but he still fielded an impressive lineup. They met stiff opposition for much of the game against a physically strong Laois side who were only three points behind with a quarter of an hour to go.

However, two goals in the space of three minutes from corner forward Rory Gantley gave Laois too much to do and from there to the finish Galway widened the gap to finish convincing winners.

Laois, due to play Offaly in the Leinster Championship on June 8th, started well, showing plenty of spirit, and they got a great boost when Bill Maher and Noel Delaney combined for the latter to net an opportunist goal. Justin Campbell got one for the home side and with Kevin Broderick and Rory Gantley in scoring mood, it was 1-9 to 1-4 in favour of the home side at the break.

Laois restarted in determined fashion and points from Declan Conroy and David Cuddy gave them hope of springing a shock. They were still in contention at the three quarter stage when 1-11 to 1-8 behind, but young Gantley then struck two killer goals in quick succession to settle the issue.

Galway are now guaranteed a place in the quarter finals and could even go directly into the semi finals depending on other results.