After securing promotion from Division Four, Laois were chasing promotion to the Sam Maguire series.
Down are worthy winners of the Tailteann Cup according to Laois manager Justin McNulty.
The Men from Mourne dominated large tracts of their meeting with the McNulty's side in Croke Park on Saturday to seal a 0-14 to 2-6 victory.
Laois stayed in the contest with two crucial goals from the boots of Seamus Lacey in the first half, and Mark Barry at the death in the second.
McNulty says the subsequent scramble in front of the Down goal could have led to a famous win:
Coverage of the Tailteann Cup Final is with thanks to Mulhall Supervalu, Mulhall Meats and Mulhalls restaurant, Portlaoise and Laois Leisure, Portarlington and Portlaoise where children's Summer swim courses & camps are now booking.
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