It was a case of déjà vu for Mick O'Dwyer and his Laois team, losing in the first round of the O'Byrne Cup for the second year in succession against Longford.

There was only one team in it at the Dromard Club grounds, as Longford inflicted a 20-point defeat on their midland rivals.

First-half goals from Paul Barden and Jamesie Martin set Longford on their way, and they led by 2-7 to a solitary point at the break.

Chris Conway and Pádraig Clancy had early second-half scores for Laois, but Longford were soon back in top gear.

Four goals in the space of 12 minutes from David Blessington, Niall Sheridan, Trevor Smullen and David Barden saw Longford lead by 23 points with only 15 minutes remaining.

Indeed, the home side could afford to replace five of their stronger performers in the closing stages, as Laois tagged on three late points from Tom Kelly (2) and Colm Parkinson.

Longford now face a home quarter-final clash against Meath next Sunday.

LONGFORD: D Sheridan; S Carroll, C Conefrey, B Sheridan; A O'Connor, D Ledwith, S Lynch; L Keenan, F Coyle (0-1); M Kelly (0-2), D Blessington (1-1), B Barden (1-3); J Martin (1-1), N Sheridan (1-0), T Smullen (1-0). Subs: D Barden (1-0) for Sheridan (50 mins); M Lennon for Kelly (53 mins); P Ross for Lynch (53 mins); A Dalton for P Barden; J Kenny for Conefrey (63 mins)

LAOIS: M Nolan; T McDonald, C Ryan, P Dwyer; D Brennan, D Rooney, K Fitzpatrick; P Clancy (0-1), D Miller; B Brennan, D McEvoy (0-1), C Parkinson (0-1); P Lawlor, D Sweeney, C Conway (0-1). Subs: T Kelly (0-2) for Miller (27 mins); G Ramsbottom for D Brennan (half-time); J Higgins for B Brennan (half-time); M Dunne for Lawlor (half-time).

Referee: S Carroll (Westmeath)