Dublin captured the 2009 Cadbury's Leinster Under 21 Football Championship title yesterday after overcoming a brave challenge from Laois in Portlaoise by three points to lead them to their eight provincial crown. Despite being held scores for a 14-minute spell in the second-half, the Dubs rallied in the latter stages of the game with half-forward Dean Kelly kicking the vital points that ensured victory. It was the would-be winners that raced out of the traps for this decider with Dean Rock, Kelly and Paddy O'Connor all raising white flags, which saw them open up a 0-5 to 0-1 after 22 minutes. Laois had a glorious chance after 12 minutes to knock the stuffing out of the visitors when Jason Moore was threaded through on goal but the corner-forward blasted his chance on goal just wide of the post. Instead the O'Moore men had to rely on points from Donie Kingston to keep them within four points of their opponents at the interval. Jim Galvin's side men were lively again from the throw-in and singles from O'Connor and Paddy Andrews saw them move six clear before Laois looked to stall them. Unanswered points from Kingston (2), Simon Shortfall, Zach Tuohy and John O'Loughlin saw the home side come with a pair of points of their opponents towards the closing stages, but the Dubs held firm to seal their eighth Leinster title as the final whistle sparked major celebration from the capital's contingent at O'Moore Park. Tweet

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