The Harps make history in Laois as Portaferry extend Down dominance

Portaferry's Eoghan Sands. INPHO

The Harps claimed their maiden Laois senior hurling championship title with a comprehensive 2-23 to 0-13 victory over Camross in Portlaoise on Sunday.

Ross Deegan’s first-half goal helped The Harps to establish a 1-11 to 0-8 interval lead before Justin Duggan’s second-half major put the result beyond doubt.

Ken Hogan’s side completed a remarkable turnaround after losing to Camross in the opening round, winning their next seven games to secure a historic breakthrough at senior level in the O'Moore County.

Meanwhile, Portaferry were pushed a bit closer by Ballygalget in the Down senior hurling final at Pairc Esler, where it finished 2-28 to 2-17.

Ballygalget held a narrow 2-12 to 1-13 lead at half-time after goals from Ciaran Mulligan and Cathal Coulter kept the sides in close contention.

Daithi Sands helped Portaferry regain control after the restart before Eoghan Sands struck a crucial goal following Jordan Doran’s dismissal for Ballygalget. The champions pulled away in the closing stages to complete a fifth successive county triumph, inflicting Ballygalget with a third consecutive final defeat.