DUBLIN HAVE QUALIFIED for their third consecutive Walsh Cup final, in which they’ll play Galway next Saturday evening.
The Dubs were 2-18 to 1-11 winners against Laois in this afternoon’s semi-final at O’Moore Park, while Galway overcame Carlow at Netwatch Cullen Park on a 2-18 to 0-15 scoreline.
A goal from Conal Keaney helped Dublin into a 1-9 to 0-6 lead at the interval in Portlaoise, and they extended their advantage to 11 points within seven minutes of the resumption.
But Laois were soon back in the game. Zane Keenan goaled from a penalty and then Dublin had Michael Carton red-carded following an off-the-ball incident.
With the momentum now behind Laois, the hosts reduced the gap to just four points by the 56th minute — 1-15 to 1-11.
However, Dublin finished strongly and didn’t concede again for the remainder of the game. With three minutes of normal time remaining, Eamonn Dillon scored Dublin’s second goal to wrap up a ten-point win.
Elsewhere, Galway played the majority of their Walsh Cup semi-final against Carlow with 14 men after an off-the-ball incident in the fifth minute saw Andy Smith shown a red card.
Carlow led for the majority of the first half but Galway eventually edged ahead. A goal from Padraig Brehony was the difference between the teams at half time as the Tribesmen took a 1-9 to 0-9 advantage in at the break.
Marty Kavanagh had a chance to bring the sides level midway through the second half when Carlow were awarded a penalty, but his effort went narrowly wide.
Jonathan Glynn put the result beyond doubt with Galway’s second goal in the 67th minute, and the visitors ran out nine-point winners.
The Walsh Cup final between Galway and Dublin will be played at Croke Park (5.00pm) next Saturday, 7 February, as the curtain-raiser to the Allianz Football League Division One game between the Dubs and Donegal.
