The dominance of Laois at minor football level continued in a semi-final that, in stark contrast to the turgid preceding match, was full of flowing football. Based on yesterday's showing, Laois must be strong favourites to retain their title when they meet Dublin. Smart full forward Brian McDonald is a key to Laois's chances.

While Kildare may have lacked the star quality of a player such as McDonald, they missed nothing in spirit. Four of their forwards weighed in with contributions to the scoreboard. Terry Rossiter and Colm Reilly, in particular, found holes in the Laois defence.

Soon after half-time, substitute Colm Byrne was alert to McDonald's superbly threaded pass to smash the ball past Donal Flanagan with his first touch.

Laois: J Graham; R Jones, B Gatynor, C Clear; A Fennelly, P Leonard, B McCormack (0-1); B Fitzpatrick (0-1), J Behan (0-1); K Kelly (1-3), J Moran, P Clancy (0-1); M Clancy, B McDonald (0-4, 1 free), B O'Connell. Subs: C Byrne (1-0) for P Clancy (h.t.); J M McDonald for Moran (39 mins).

Kildare: D Flanagan; N Keena, A Flood, N Byrne; S Whyte, P Moolick, M Wright; D Cafferty (0-1), S McKenzie-Smith; B Myles (0- 2), R Sweeney (0-1), T Rossiter (1-4, 3 frees); C Reilly (0-3, 1 free), D Winders, D Ownes. Subs: K Donnolly for Ownes (20 mins), S Kelly for Sweeney (51 mins), C Cuddy for Whyte (53 mins).

Referee: P O'Toole (Longford).