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A strong second quarter display ensured Laois secured their Liam McCarthy Cup status for 2009 following a comfortable ten-point victory over Carlow at Dr. Cullen Park on Saturday.
Laois half-forward Willie Hyland top-scored for Niall Rigney's charges with 1-5, in a game which the hosts started strongly, but Laois' battled hard to lead from the 14th minute, once Hyland sent home their first goal of the hour from a 21 metre free
All-Ireland SHC Relegation Playoff
Laois 4-18
Carlow 3-11
Further Laois goals from Dayne Peacock and Tommy Fitzgerald helped Laois to a 3-11 to 1-5 interval lead, and although Carlow found the back of the Laois net in the second-half, through Craig Doyle and substitute Des Murphy, the visitors held out for victory.
The Christy Ring Cup champions began this game brightly and led by 1-1 to 0-1 after five minutes, thanks to a Mark Brennan goal, but Laois kept in touch and once Hyland penetrated the back of the Carlow net, it paved the way for the Midlanders to exert their dominance.
Laois launched a strong defensive display with good work from half-back's Michael McEvoy and John A Delaney, but Carlow kept in touch through centre-half-forward Colin Hughes who converted three first half points, including two from placed balls.
Carlow were unlucky not to penetrate the back of the Laois net in the 24th minute, with Craig Doyle bearing down on goal, but Laois goalkeeper Patrick Mullaney was well-placed to deny the Erin's Own clubman.
Laois held Carlow scoreless in the final 12 minutes of the opening half, as they added 2-5 without reply, to ensure a 12-point gap between the sides at the break.
Jim Greene's side began the second half in strong fashion, with Doyle sending home a 39th minute goal, but Laois responded well with Dayne Peacock in superb form hitting two excellent points from play to ensure a 3-13 to 2-6 lead.
Carlow's centre-half back Shane Kavanagh kept Carlow in contention, with some fine long-range points, and although Carlow finished strongly at the finish with 1-2 in injury-time, including a Des Murphy goal, it was mere consolation against a Laois side who were always in control.
Laois Scorers: W Hyland 1-5 (1f); D Peacock , T Fitzgerald 1-2 each; N Holmes 1-1; J Brophy 0-3 (1f); J Walsh, J Phelan 0-2 each; C Delaney 0-1.
Carlow scorers: C Doyle 1-2; M Brennan 1-1; C Hughes (2f), S Kavanagh (65, 2f) 0-3 each; D Murphy 1-0; R Foley, S Murphy 0-1 each.
LAOIS: P Mullaney; D Maher, C Healy, B Campion; C Coonan, M McEvoy J A Delaney; J Phelan, J Walsh; C Delaney, E Holohan, W Hyland; T Fitzgerald, J Brophy, N Costello. Subs: N Costello for Delaney (49); N Holmes for Fitzgerald (55); J Rowney for Holohan (60); S Hanlon for Peacock (69)
CARLOW: D Miley; A Gaule, D Shaw, J Rodgers; E Coady, S Kavanagh, P Kehoe; D Roberts, A Brennan; R Dunbar, C Hughes, M Brennan; B Lawler, R Foley, C Doyle. Subs: S Murphy for Dunbar (HT); K English for Lawler (HT); J Hickey for Hughes (51); D Murphy for English (65); D Byrne for Gaule (69)
REFEREE: Denis Richardson (Limerick)
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