Martin Murphy Savouring O'Dempsey's Clash In Laois Decider

There's 4km between the two clubs who'll meet in this year's Laois county final.

A parish derby in Laois is exactly what supporters of both Portarlington and O'Dempsey's want according to Port boss Martin Murphy.

Murphy saw his side progress past Portaloise in a tense re-run of last year's final to book their place in this season's decider.

The semi-final promised to be box office and that's how it transpired.

The sides were locked together throughout.

Portarlington came late with a wet sail but have Scott Osborne to thank for their place in the final who made a game winning save from Kieran Lillis in injury time.

While O'Dempsey's were impressive winners over Courtwood in the county's other semi final earlier on Sunday afternoon.

They managed to maintain an early advantage until the final whistle.

A few minutes in to the second half Courtwood threatened to close that gap. They actually got to within two after a Niall Dunne free but that's as good as it got for them.

Matthew Finlay and Mark Barry contributed massively to the O'Dempseys scoring. Barry more in the first, Finlay in the second.

They're back in a county final for the first time since 2018 while Courtwood's run ends at the last four.

Portarlinton now has a chance to win three county titles in a row for the second time in their history and their manager says he's happy the opponents are from just down the road:

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