Kerr hits hat-trick as Down run riot against Laois in Tailteann Cup semi-final

Four goals in each half comfortably sealed Down's passage to the Tailteann Cup final against a disappointing Laois side in Croke Park.

Wing-forward Liam Kerr bagged a hat-trick in the rout as Down adapted spectacularly to their surroundings in another signal of progress under Conor Laverty's stewardship.

The first four goals came in the opening 17 minutes and Billy Sheehan’s side were visibly stunned with that early onslaught.

Down gripped the game and duly enjoyed the cat-and-mouse affair from that point onwards. Tactically astute, and full of confidence, Down’s lines of running sharpened with every passing minute.

Down manager Conor Laverty was happy with his side's composure in front of goal as they raised eight green flags against Laois to set up a #TailteannCup rematch against Meath in the final #GAA pic.twitter.com/Sgmzc0VgxW

It only took Kerr 51 seconds to blaze the trail for Laverty’s men. And with that punishing strike, Laois were never able to get a foothold in the game.

Mourne captain Pat Havern quickly added a neat point and well-taken goal. A low drive past Killian Roche typified Down’s no nonsense approach.

As the clouds darkened and thunder cracked, Kerr fortuitously added a second. Shealan Johnston turned as soon as he took his wayward effort for a point. The off-target shot hit the post and Kerr reacted quickest, kept his composure and slotted it home.

Three minutes later Danny Magill all but wrapped the tie up. With the lopsided scoreline at 4-02 to 0-01, there would be no way back for the Leinster men.

Down's Liam Kerr completes his hat-trick early in the second half