Laois 1-10 Carlow 0-9LAOIS WERE grateful to Parnells player Michael John Tierney who proved an inspired substitution at O'Moore Park on Saturday.

In an intense opening half Carlow were the better team but they missed several opportunities.

Points from JJ Smith, Brian Murphy and Dan St Ledger put Carlow 0-3 to 0-1 ahead after 10 minutes but Laois points by Brendan Quigley and Colm Kelly left the minimum separating the teams after 15 minutes.

Laois’s Damien O’Connor then floated a great pass to John O’Loughlin, who tapped home the game’s only goal and the provider O’Connor then put three between the teams after 20 minutes.

Carlow hit back with three great points to draw level, 1-4 to 0-7, at the interval. Ross Munnelly regained the lead for Laois but Carlow were back in front courtesy of points from Brian Murphy and St Ledger and although they would not score again they were very much in contention with six minutes remaining.

Laois were level after 50 minutes thanks to John O’Loughlin. But the introduction of Tierney proved pivotal as he scored four great points as the visitors kicked four unbelievable wides in a row.

Carlow manager Luke Dempsey announced he was stepping down from his position after the game.

LAOIS: E Culliton; C Healy, K Lillis, J Kavanagh; D Strong, K Meaney, C Boyle; B Quigley (0-1), J O'Loughlin (1-1); D O'Connor (0-1), C Begley, G Walsh; R Munnelly (0-1), P Clancy, C Kelly (0-2): Subs: D Conway for G Walsh (28 mins), P Cahillane for D Strong (45 mins), MJ Tierney (0-4) for C Kelly (50 mins).

CARLOW: T Reilly; P Murphy, C Lawlor, B Kavanagh; K Nolan, B Lambe, T Bolger; Brendan Murphy, D Foley; Brian Murphy (0-4), D St Ledger (0-2), E Ruth; JJ Smith (0-3), S Gannon, D Hayden; Subs: K Jackson for Brian Murphy (59 mins), P McElligott for T Bolger (70 mins).

Referee: S Doyle (Wexford).