Laois and Cork go head to head

May 01, 2007
The 2006 semi-final is now the 2007 Final as another epic battle is expected between Cork and Laois in the Cadbury U21 Football Championship. Cork certainly have the experience of last years final to draw on, but after running them to a replay in last year's semi and with a large chunck of a victorious minor side of four years ago, Laois will be looking to secure yet another underage honour on May 5th in Semple Stadium in Thurles. An ill tempered affair at Hyde Park saw a power-packed second half display prove pivotal as Laois booked their place in this year's Cadbury's All-Ireland Under 21 FC final after recording a 0-11 to 0-6 win over Mayo. Mayo's journey for a second All Ireland title effectively ended when wing-back Colm Boyle was sent off early in the second period for a second yellow card offence just after Barry Moran was stretchered off injured. Cork recorded a hard-fought victory over Ulster champions Armagh in their semi-final at Portlaoise. The Rebels looked to be coasting to victory early in the second half, but Armagh then suddenly came to life by scoring six unanswered points to leave the Munster kingpins hanging on for the win and finally to take the victory by one point. This year's Cadbury U21 Football Final looks certain to provide a feast of open attacking football, with both of these teams been familiar with each other it should prove a close game. Match practice may just tip the scales in favour of the Leinster side as Laois have played a total of five championship matches accounting for Wicklow, Louth, Westmeath and Offaly before taking on Mayo while Cork have beaten Limerick, Waterford and Tipperary before seeing off Armagh. Cork will be looking to the likes of Goulding and Goold to demonstrate their scoring ability and spearhead their attacks while Laois will expect big performances from MJ Tierney and Donnie Brennan if they are to secure this years Cadbury U21 Football Championship. The final Cadbury Hero of the Match Award will be presented at the Final on Saturday, with the Cadbury Hero of the Future being named on the 31st May. Members of the public are encouraged to log on to www.cadburygaau21.com to vote for their favourite player. Cadbury Hero of the Match Awards to date: Waterford v Cork - Fintan Goold Offaly v Meath - Paul McConway Westmeath v Laois - Brendan Quigley Tipperary v Clare - George Hannigan Galway v Mayo - Tom Cunniffe Fermangh v Monaghan - Benny McKenna Sligo v Roscommon - Enda Kenny Armagh v Derry - Gareth O'Neill Mayo v Roscommon - Pierce Hanley Cork v. Tipperary - Fintan Goold Laois v Offaly - Cahir Healy Monaghan v Armagh - Stefan Forker Mayo v Laois - Michael Tierney Cork vArmagh - Fintan Goold

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