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Laois Defy Odds To Scare Cats On Proud Night In Defeat

Wednesday, 14 July 2021 07:49

The O'Moore county were massive underdogs in this one.

If there was a script for this Bord Gais Leinster U-20 hurling quarter-final beforehand, nobody told Laois. 

The O'Moore county entered this contest with their opponents 1-20 favourites to advance but Laois would lead this one for large periods in a display which will give great hope to both supporters and senior management that many of this team will be able to take the next step. 

Midfielder Thep Fitzpatrick along with James Duggan and Tadhg Cuddy led the way in the opening period as Laois roared back from conceding an early goal. 

They combined for 0-10 of Laois 0-11 in the first-half, leaving them with a one point advantage at the break.

The third quarter would prove decisive as Kilkenny rattled over a number of scores to wrestle back the lead by the second half water break, 1-12 to 0-14. 

Laois were having to work harder for their scores now and as the cats unloaded a strong bench that depth began to show. 

Kilkenny tapped over a further three without conceding themselves and suddenly with seven remaining they had a six point advantage, 1-17 to 0-14. 

The O' Moore men still didn't know they were beaten however and had a number of goal chances that didn't come to fruition in a variety of ways until Mark Hennessey won a penalty that was duly converted by substitute Dan Delaney. 

It set up a tense finish as Laois probed for that elusive equalising green flag but it was not to be. 

Ollie Haley's men exited the championship but do so with massive pride in the jersey and with plenty of talent looking ready for senior hurling in the coming seasons. 

Laois scorers:

Tadhg Cuddy 0-5 (3f), Dan Delaney 1-1 (1pen, 1f), James Duggan 0-4, Ciaran Byrne/Thep Fitzpatrick both 0-2, Gearoid Lynch 0-1

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