The cuddy clan, a name long associated with hurling excellence in Laois, was to the fore again yesterday when Castletown scored a tremendous victory over Dublin champions O'Toole's in this semi-final at Nowlan Park.

Three Cuddys dominated the scoring, and shot 2-7, as Castletown qualified for their first provincial final in which they will meet Offaly champions Birr. The Cuddys made their mark during the opening half as the Dubliners were hit hard. The winners built up an interval lead of 2-5 to 0-3, with Denis Cuddy shooting 1-3, his namesake Matty netting the goal and Paul shooting two points.

After the turn, the wind-assisted Dublin champions tore into their opponents, and troubled them seriously. Damien Hernon and Paul Donohoe had early points in the second half to get them going. Then goals from Kevin Flynn, in the 39th and 41st minutes, sliced the difference to only a point, 2-5 to 2-6, and suddenly Castletown were in a real dogfight. The eventual winners needed inspiration from some quarter. They got it from lively wing forward Patrick Phelan who dashed up the right wing before shooting a crucial goal. Subsequently, the losers cut the difference to a pair of points, but Laois deservedly held on.