Former Laois senior kingpins Ballyroan-Abbey will face Meath's St. Ultan's in the Leinster intermediate club football final following their respective semi-finals wins over St. Brigid's and James Stephens. Ballyroan, who lifted the Laois senior title two years ago and lost the Leinster club senior decider to Eire Og after a replay in 1992, overcame Offaly champions St. Brigid's 2-7 to 0-7. County star Michael John Tierney, who returned home from Hong Kong to help Ballyroan win the county final a month ago, scored 2-5 in a virtuoso display. Both his goals came in the first half, at the end of which the Laois side led 2-2 to 0-6. Points from Tierney and John Madigan extended their advantage after the restart and there was no way back for their Croghan opponents, who relied heavily on David Egan for scores. In the other semi-final at Larchfield, St. Ultan's emerged as comfortable 2-10 to 0-3 winners over James Stephens, who included Kilkenny hurlers Jackie Tyrrell, Eoin Larkin and Brian McEvoy among their ranks. The home side led early on thanks to points from Niall Tyrrell and David McCormack, but St. Ultan's never looked back after Gary Gorman netted in the 12th minute. They went on to led 1-5 to 0-3 at half-time and, despite missing two penalties in the second half, settled the issue in the 48th minute when Paul Murray grabbed their second goal. Tweet

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