A historic night for the GAA saw Laois claim victory over neighbours Carlow at Cullen Park on a scoreline of 3-13 to 0-12.
There had been plenty of debate and discussion about the merits of playing a game on a Friday night, but in front of a crowd of 4,606, the home supporters went home disappointed after a bright start to the game.
After just 10 minutes the home side led by 0-04 to 0-01 with the aid of a strong breeze and this was extended to 0-06 to 0-2 with Brendan Murphy the stand-out performer with some well-taken scores.
Laois however grew into the game and began to take a stranglehold at midfield, with a 50 metre solo goal from Padraig McMahon leaving the away team trailing by just the bare minimum at half-time, 0-08 to 1-04.
David Conway celebrating his goal tonight
Justin McNulty’s began the second half in superb fashion, scoring 1-3 without reply, with David Conway and Colm Kelly also raising the green flag during the second period.
Laois could even afford to miss a number of scoreable chances as they eased to a 10 point victory in the finish, with light fading quickly at Dr. Cullen Park.
A little dark #GAA pic.twitter.com/73RBBC3vJw
— John Fogarty (@JohnFogartyIrl) June 28, 2013
An impressive win for McNulty’s men as they head into the next round of the All-Ireland qualifiers , but for Anthony Rainbow, his first season in charge of Carlow has ended far sooner than he would have liked.
