Eight-in-a-row chasing Portlaoise will meet Arles-Killeen in a repeat of last year's final following their respective semi-final wins over O'Dempsey's and Graiguecullen.

The Town were flattered by their 1-12 to 1-6 victory over O'Dempsey's, having trailed for most of the game. Michael Fennelly's goal had O'Dempsey's 1-4 to 0-4 ahead at the break, but they could only manage two points in the second half as the holders stormed back.

The turning point came eight minutes from the time when Craig Rogers scrambled home a goal after Adrian Kelly and Brian 'Bruno' McCormack had both hit the crossbar in an amazing sequence of play.

Zach Tuohy, who will be back in Australia for the final, and McCormack followed up with late points to secure the win for Tommy Conroy's side.

A dominant first half display paved the way for Arles-Killeen's 0-12 to 0-9 victory over Graiguecullen in the other semi-final. With Jason Enright to the fore, the winners led by 0-9 to 0-2 at the break, but had to withstand a second half comeback from their Carlow-border opponents.

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