Mayo dominate Laois to progress to quarter-finals

A haul of 2-09 from Sinéad Cafferky and Sinéad Walsh secured an emphatic home win to ensure Mayo advance to the TG4 All-Ireland quarter-finals.

Victory was never in doubt for the Connacht champions at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, as Mayo enjoyed near total dominance from start to finish against a Laois squad who now bow out of the championship.

The game was delayed as players continued their protest at what they claim are delays from the LGFA, Camogie Association and the GAA and to engage in discussions to develop a charter designed for inter-county players.

With the aid of the wind, Michael Moyles' women started the game with seven points on the bounce.

The impressive Sinéad Cafferky — who lined out without her sister Lisa — finished the half with four points while the equally excellent Walsh struck 1-02.

The hardworking Mayo forwards put Laois under enormous pressure and made life difficult for last year's intermediate champions on their kickouts.

Throughout the first half, Mayo forced 15 turnovers and had several genuine goal chances either blocked or resulting in points.

Laois struggled to create many meaningful scoring opportunities and didn't get the scoreboard moving until Mo Nerney and Anna Healey pointed after 14 and 18 minutes.

Mayo continued with their unrelenting work ethic and it was no surprise when they got the opening goal when Deirdre Doherty sent a 40-yard pass into the isolated Walsh, who turned and delivered a fine finish to the net.

It was all Mayo again at the start of the second half, with Doherty landing a free before Cafferky rattled the net after receiving a pass from Shauna Howley.

Walsh had to settle for only a point from two goal chances as Mayo cruised home with a second-half haul of 1-06.

Laois