Offaly pulled clear in the second half to beat Laois by eight points.
By Liam White
OFFALY are the 2022 Leinster Minor Hurling Champions after overcoming spirited neighbours Laois in front of a sell-out crowd in O’Moore Park in Portlaoise last night.
The Faithful men led throughout most of the match and ran out winners by 0-21 to 0-13.
In a powerful team performance there were huge standout displays from Cillian Martin, Dan Ravenhill and Ter Guinan, while Kilcormac/Killougheys Adam Screeney led the scoring with 0-10 (0-09 from frees).
Laois, who overcame both Wexford and Kilkenny in previous rounds, never gave up and in spite of defeat still remain in the hunt for All-Ireland honours.
Laois now enter a round-robin phase with Galway and Clare to decide the two semi-finalists that will join Tipperary and Offaly.
Offaly Manager, Leo O'Connor, is delighted with the win but says they need to have eyes on a bigger prize:
Just under 12,500 supporters travelled to O'Moore Park for an occasion which had a carnival atmosphere for long stages.
Chair of Offaly GAA, Michael Duignan, has praised everybody involved in getting such a big crowd to Portlaoise last night:
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