Laois GAA hurlers left reeling after Antrim onslaught in Belfast

Laois’ fight for survival in Division 1B became even more difficult after a heavy defeat to Antrim in Corrigan Park on Sunday afternoon.

A win would have secured their status, but instead, they now face a daunting task against Carlow and Dublin to avoid the drop.

Antrim 4-22

Laois 0-21

The game started at a frantic pace, with Antrim hitting four points in as many minutes, including one from Gerard Walsh just ten seconds in. Laois had early chances through Paddy Purcell and Mossy Keyes, but both missed the target. Walsh doubled his tally before Conor Johnston and James McNaughton (free) pushed Antrim into a four-point lead.

Aaron Dunphy finally got Laois off the mark with a well-taken point, but Antrim continued to pick off scores with ease. Keelan Molloy and another McNaughton free stretched their advantage before Fiachra C-Fennell responded for Laois. However, disaster struck from the next puck-out as McNaughton fired a goal past Cathal Dunne, putting Antrim firmly in control.

Laois briefly rallied with a Dunphy free and a superb solo score from Purcell, but McNaughton kept punishing their errors, knocking over three frees in succession. Dunphy did manage a long-range free of his own, but it was a case of one step forward and two steps back as McNaughton took his tally to 1-6 inside 22 minutes. Mossy Keyes notched Laois’ sixth point, but Antrim responded instantly through McNaughton (free) and Ryan McCambridge.

A hammer blow quickly cancelled out Dunphy’s fourth of the game, Antrim’s second goal. Eoghan Campbell delivered a pinpoint pass to Johnston, who finished past Dunne with one hand. Joe Maskey followed up with a brilliant long-range score, and with seven minutes still to play in the half, Antrim led by 12. Late points from Antrim's Cormac McKeown and McCambridge and Laois' David Dooley, Laois staring at a 2-16 to 0-9 deficit at the break.

Laois emerged with more intent after the restart, matching Antrim score for score in the early stages. Purcell and two Podge Delaney frees were answered by McNaughton (two frees) and Walsh. Antrim almost bagged a third goal, but Molloy hit his ground strike wide. Laois substitutes John Lennon and Cormac Byrne made an impact with a point each, but Johnston kept Antrim ticking over. Keyes and Dunphy were both denied by Antrim goalkeeper Ryan Elliott, with Dunphy converting both 65s. However, the gap remained unmanageable.

Antrim showed no mercy in the closing stages. McNaughton added a point before dealing the killer blow, a second goal to cap a superb individual performance. Moments later, Molloy blasted home a fourth goal for Antrim, putting the result beyond any doubt. Laois’ Mark Dowling forced another save from Elliott, tipping his shot over the bar. Jer Quinlan grabbed his only point, but Antrim still had the final say as Campbell fired over their last score in the 72nd minute.

Laois managed two late points from Dunphy, one from a free, but the damage was long done. The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive 4-22 to 0-21 defeat, leaving Laois in a precarious position.

While Antrim remain in danger, Laois must now beat Carlow and Dublin to save themselves, anything less, and they’ll be the ones dropping to Division 2A. With injuries mounting and confidence low, survival now looks like an uphill battle.