Laois steamroll Down to secure first victory in Joe McDonagh Cup

The Laois senior hurlers are up and running in the Joe McDonagh Cup following an emphatic victory against Down in O'Moore Park this afternoon.

Willie Maher’s charges scored seven goals, including a hat-trick from Stephen Bergin, as they ran out 31-point winners in the end. After losing to Offaly last week, Laois had to win to keep their interest in reaching the final alive – and they certainly did that.

Laois played against the wind in the first half but that didn’t bother them one bit as they finished it 17 points to the good. Down’s biggest problem was their propensity to concede goals and give away goal chances – with Laois taking four of the seven they were presented with.

And their other problem was their shooting as they hit 12 wides in total in the first half.Laois were 0-5 to 0-1 ahead when their first goal arrived in the tenth minute.Aidan Corby’s shot flew into the air and was fumbled by the Down defence where Stephen Bergin pounced but keeper Stephen Keith denied him. The rebound cames to Willie Dunphy, who would moments later go off injured, and he finished well.

Down replied with points from Liam Savage and Tom Prenter but Laois’s second goal came at the midpoint of the half. Stephen Bergin worked really hard to eventually force the ball to Stephen Maher and he scored from close range.

Laois continued to tag on points and then scored two goals either side of the 30th minute. The first came when Fiachra C-Fennell was allowed to run the pitch before finding Stephen Maher who found sub Tomas Keyes and he finished at the second attempt.

And then the second of these arrived when Paddy Purcell wheeled away from the defence and picked out Stephen Bergin to score. Chris Egan replied but further Laois points left them 4-12