Laois SFC final/Portlaoise 0-15 EMO 0-7: In a very disappointing final at Portlaoise yesterday, Portlaoise claimed their 23rd title and completed a senior championship double for the first time since 1991. In perfect weather Emo, who last appeared in the final 10 years ago, looked as if they would put up a serious challenge.

Darren Stronge opened the scoring with a point after four minutes but Craig Rogers equalised almost immediately.

Then, after 13 minutes, Portlaoise captain Colm Parkinson gave his side a lead they would never surrender. Ian Fitzgerald added two points and Parkinson and Barry Fitzgerald added one each before Kenneth Lawlor scored Emo's second point in the 25th minute. At half-time Portlaoise, with the aid of a slight breeze, led 0-6 to 0-2.

On the resumption Kenneth Lawlor added his second point for Emo but Parkinson quickly replied.

Michael Fennelly, who had been introduced by Portlaoise at half-time, scored two fine points. Rory Moore replied for Emo but Peter McNulty answered at the other end.

Darren Stronge narrowed the gap to six points with five minutes remaining but in the closing minutes Portlaoise took control as Peter McNulty and Brian and Kevin Fitzpatrick pointed.

PORTLAOISE: M Nolan; T Fitzgerald, C Byrne, E Bland; B Mulligan, C Healy, A Fennelly; M Delaney, K Fitzpatrick (0-1); B McCormack, I Fitzgerald (0-3), C Rogers (0-1); P McNulty (0-3), C Parkinson (0-3), B Fitzgerald (0-2). Sub: M Fennelly (0-2) for Delaney.

EMO: M Kirwan; J Kirwan, B O'Connor, N Wheeler; P Kirwan, D Brophy, G Brophy; M Carney (0-1), E Stronge; D Stronge (0-2), R Moore (0-1), D Gorman; P Lawlor (0-1), K Lawlor (0-2), D Lawlor. Subs: M Lawlor for Gorman, B O'Toole for P Kirwan, B Kirwan for J Kirwan, J Stronge for Carney, K Finane for M Lawlor.

Referee: M Deegan (Stradbally).