Maher's charges were three points clear heading in to the closing stages against Carlow.
Laois are left leaning on other teams after they found themselves pegged back to a draw against Carlow in the Joe McDonagh Cup on Saturday.
The O'Moore County twice took commanding second half leads, only to see them melt away again.
Willie Maher's side were seven points clear after 46 minutes, and Carlow fought back.
Fiachra Fennell was then given his marching orders for a second yellow card and still the 14 men of Laois managed to wrest control of the game in the dying stages.
However, their hard won three point lead was wiped away with the last puck of the game after a penalty was awarded to Carlow.
Martin Kavanagh put it away to ensure the points were shared, and Laois manager Maher says his side had tricky moments in the second period but kept fighting:

Our coverage of Laois against Carlow is brought to you by Total Tile Centre Mullingar, Quality First, Service always, talk to our experienced staff to discuss you tiling needs.
Elsewhere,
Kerry were crowned as the Munster under-20 football champions after last night's win over Cork.
Tomas O'Sé's charges enjoyed a 2-12 to 1-6 win at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Kerry will play Sligo in the All-Ireland semi-finals.
The Leinster decider, involving Kildare and Dublin, has a half seven start in Carlow this evening.
Kildare were convincing winners against Laois in their semi final meeting in Portlaoise last week.
The final standings in the Munster Minor Hurling Championship will be confirmed tonight.
The winner of Limerick’s meeting with Cork will finish top of the table, and qualify automatically for the provincial final.
Tipperary and Waterford are out of the running, but meet in Thurles.
James Gormley Named On Irish Squad For FIBA EuroBasket Qualifiers
Portlaoise Panthers Suffer Tough Defeat In Super League
CCFL: St Peter's Extend Their Advantage At Top Of Premier Division
NFL: Relegation Firmly On The Cards For Offaly
Laois "Devastated" By Defeat Despite Delivering "Manliness" - Justin McNulty
Westmeath Ladies Bag First Win Of League Season
Big Camogie Wins for Westmeath and Laois Over The Weekend
Fitzgerald "Relieved" After Squeaking Past Kerry
NHL: Galway Prove Too Strong For Offaly
Former Laois And Offaly GAA Manager Honoured By An Garda Síochána
Athlone Town Make It Two Wins From Two In First Division
Lee Fitzpatrick Scores Try For Ireland U20s In England
NFL: Westmeath Move Closer To Promotion
Shane Lowry Finishes Strong In California
Westmeath Drifter Sets Sights On Success In 2026
Offaly’s Alex Dunne Joins Alpine’s Young Driver Programme
NHL: Laois And Kerry Clash In Division Two
Shane Lowry Cards Opening Round 73 At Genesis Invitational
Athlone Town Aiming For Back To Back League Wins