Leinster SFC: Kingston goal seals Laois win
Stephen Attride and Dean Healy in action at O Moore Park.
Leinster Senior Football Championship First Round
Laois 3-16 Wicklow 0-18
By Cian O'Connell at O’Moore Park, Portlaoise
Donie Kingston bagged the insurance goal as Laois survived a tricky test against a determined Wicklow outfit at O’Moore Park.
Wicklow contributed handsomely to an entertaining encounter, but Laois struck two second half goals to set up a Nowlan Park Leinster quarter final clash with All Ireland champions Dublin on June 4.
Following a disappointing spring the opening quarter brought some encouragement for Laois, who edged 1-6 to 0-3 ahead.
A threatening Laois full-forward line featured Gary Walsh and Donie Kingston, who caused Wicklow plenty of bother.
Walsh drilled a delightful ninth minute goal that was a significant boost for Laois, but Wicklow were defiant.
Paul McLoughlin, John McGrath (free), and Rory Finn all kicked points narrowing the gap as Wicklow enjoyed a productive burst.
As the interval approached Laois replied with Kingston, John O’Loughlin, and Gareth Dillon rifling over smashing scores.
A fine Dean Healy point on the stroke of half-time meant Wicklow, who had battled impressively, trailed by 1-10 to 0-8 at the break.
Four Wicklow scores in a row from the influential Finn, Paul Cunningham, John McGrath, and substitute Anthony McLoughlin ensured the margin was cut to the minimum.
Ross Munnelly during Laois Leinster SFC clash against Wicklow.
But Wicklow were then rocked leaking 1-2 inside a five minute spell which put Laois in a commanding position once more.
Replacement Ruairi O’Connor blasted a 46th minute goal for Laois, who moved 2-12 to 0-13 in front moments later.
Wicklow, though, remained gutsy as a flurry of points brought them back to within two points of Laois late on.
With the issue delicately poised Kingston had the craft to manufacture sufficient space to net the decisive goal in the 66th minute.
**Scorers for Laois: **D Kingston 1-6 (2fs), G Walsh 1-1, E O'Carroll 0-4 (2fs), R O'Connor 1-0, R Munnelly 0-2 (1f), J O'Loughlin 0-1, G Dillon 0-1, P Cahillane 0-1.
**Scorers for Wicklow: **R Finn 0-6 (4fs), D Healy 0-2, J McGrath 0-2 (1f), P Cunningham 0-2 (2fs), P McLoughlin 0-1, A Murphy 0-1, D Hayden 0-1, P Byrne 0-1, A McLoughlin 0-1, J Crowe 0-1.
**Laois: **G Brody; S Attride, M Timmons, P Cotter; D O'Connor, D Strong, G Dillon; J O'Loughlin, B Quigley; N Donoher, P Cahillane, E O'Carroll; R Munnelly, G Walsh, D Kingston.
Subs: R O'Connor for Munnelly (36 mins), M Campion for Donoher (36 mins), K Meaney for Campion (48 mins), A Farrell for Dillon (55 mins), E Keane for Walsh (60 mins), J Farrell for O'Carroll (66 mins).
Wicklow: R Lambert; P McLoughlin, C Hyland, A Murphy; D Healy, S Kelly, C Murphy; R Finn, N Gaffney; D Hayden, J McGrath, M Kenny; P Byrne, P Cunningham, M Lennon.
Subs: A McLoughlin for Gaffney (36 mins), D Woods for Kenny (39 mins), P O'Connor for McGrath (43 mins), J Crowe for Murphy (50 mins), S Thompson for Byrne (57 mins), G Allen for Lennon (66 mins).
**Referee: **F Kelly (Longford).
Tickets for the June 4 Leinster SFC quarter-final clash, Dublin v Laois, at Nowlan Park will be available from Monday morning, May 16 at 8am on GAA.ie
