Laois 2-13
Offaly 2-10

Aaron Moore's late goal handed Laois their first victory over Offaly in the Leinster MHC since 1972 at O'Connor Park last night.

In what a cracking contest between two evenly-matched sides, extra-time looked to be on the cards until Moore connected with a high delivery to give Conor Clancy no chance in the Offaly goal.

Seamus Plunkett's charges, who were involved in an equally exciting game with Westmeath earlier in the campaign, signalled their intent when full forward Daire Quinlan's fifth-minute goal helped them to a 1-1 to 0-0 lead. The home side had to wait until the 19th minute for Dylan Murray to open their account, but they then hit a purple patch which yielded points from Cillian Kiely and Kevin Dunne, and a goal from Sean T O'Connor.

Kiely also had a penalty saved by Laois 'keeper Enda Rowland as the visitors took a 1-6 to 1-4 lead into the break.

The O'Moore County went three points up on the restart, only for Andrew Connolly to bring Offaly level with their second goal, which followed a penetrating run by Kevin Dunne. The impressive PJ Scully replied with a brace of points for the visitors before the Faithful took the lead for the first time thanks to points from Connolly, Dunne and Kiely.

Laois levelled again before Purcell's injury-time goal saw the O'Moore's progress to the semi-finals in dramatic fashion.

In yesterday's other quarter-final at Dr Cullen Park, holders Dublin romped to a 4-24 to 0-3 victory over Carlow. The defeat completed a miserable week for the Barrowsiders who were also knocked out of the Leinster MFC by Westmeath on Wednesday night. Tweet

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