Kilkenny were given a searching time by Laois before emerging eight-point winners in this fast-flowing semi-final at Dr Cullen Park last night. Conditions were perfect for hurling and Kilkenny made the perfect start, scoring 1-6 without reply in the opening quarter and, in the process, threatening to hurl Laois off the park.
But once Laois right corner forward Brian McCormack pointed a 17th-minute free, Laois improved dramatically and went on to strike a clutch of points which brought them right back into the game.
A 28th-minute Kilkenny goal from midfielder Kevin Power put them 2-7 to 0-7 in front at half-time.
In the 43rd minute, Laois scored their goal through left half forward Colm Clear to reduce Kilkenny's leat to five points (2-11 to 1-9). However, Kilkenny regained control of the match in the final 10 minutes to emerge deserving winners. Senior defenders Noel Hickey and JJ Delaney had fine games while Kevin Power, Colin Herity and top scorer Paul Sheehan also impressed.
KILKENNY: D Brennan; JJ Delaney, N Hickey, P Shefflin; K Moore, B Hogan, J Ryall; K Power (1-3), C Herity (0-2); A Barry, B Phelan (0-1), A Fogarty (0-2); B Phelan (1-1), P Sheehan (0-7), E Walsh. Subs: J Morgan for Moore, P O'Brien for Walsh.
LAOIS: K Galvin; L McGrath, L Mahon, O Bergin; J Palmer, R Jones, E Browne; J Phelan (0- 1), B McCormack (0-1); E Dunne, D Keenan, C Clear (1-0); B McCormack (0-9), JP Campion, C Coonan. Subs: T Russell for Dunne, S Dwyer for Campion, P Kavanagh for Keenan.
Referee: D O'Donovan (Dublin).
