Castletown had too much strength and skill for Dublin champions Faughs, and easily won this tie at Parnell Park on Saturday.

Faughs led 2-2 to 0-6 at the break, but were unable to build on it in the second half, forced out for the most part by the determined defence of the Laois champions. The trio of Cuddy brothers played a major role for the Laois club, with twins Paul and David claiming 1-7 between them, and Padraig making a strong impression in the attack. Ger Cuddy, no relation, also shot over three points from the half-back line.

Johnny Small and Denis Kelly took full advantage of some lucky drops of the ball to hit the net twice inside the first half for Faughs. Kelly added point before the interval but that was the end of the Dublin challenge.

In the second half the winners scored six unanswered points as well as a goal from David Cuddy.

CASTLETOWN: S Lyons; M Phelan, J Cuddy, T Phelan; R Delaney, Paul Cuddy (0-4), J O'Sullivan; D Cuddy (1-3), E Dooley; E Kirwan, Padraig Cuddy, G Cuddy (0-3); F O'Sullivan (0-1), P Dollard, P Phelan (0-1). Sub: J Palmer for Phelan (50 mins).

FAUGHS: T O'Mahony; R Boland, L Walsh, T Dooley; C McCann, S Boland, T Murnane; M Fitzsimons, C BRady; J Williams, K McGraths, J Small (1-0); D Kelly (1-1), C Bonar (0-1), A O'Grady. Sub: S Morkhan for O'Grady (42 mins).

Referee: B Kelly (Westmeath).