It is difficult to be other than dismissive of this match as a serious contest. The arrival of the first of four goals in the fourth minute of the match gave ample evidence of what was to come and although Meath seldom changed out of bottom gear, there was 17 points between the teams at the end.

One could only admire the relaxed manner in which recently-appointed Laois manager Tom Cribben accepted the defeat. "We haven't trained as a team so far, but we will get together on a regular basis before Christmas and things will surely improve," he said. For Meath the match will not have provided their selectors with much information. There last match, against Monaghan who scored only two points, was also a no-contest.

Nevertheless, the nucleus of Meath's side for next summer is in place with the defence virtually decided. The fact that the forwards provided 3-7 of the total - only a goal and two points from placed balls - suggests that things may be coming together in this area as well.

The manner in which Jody Devine tortured the Laois defence suggests that his place in the side may be guaranteed. Others in the attack to impress were Ned Kearney, who scored four splendid points from play, and Richard Kealy, who scored 1-2.

Meath's opening goal showed up the flaws in the Laois defence. They contrived to twice surrender possession before Paul Shankey, Richard Kealy and Graham Geraghty set up Devine for a superb goal.

When Kealy was fouled by two Laois defenders after 19 minutes, Geraghty drove the ball firmly past Fergal Byron from the penalty. Meath's third goal arrived 10 minutes into the second half with Ollie Murphy finishing off a Devine-inspired move. The fourth came almost on the call of time when Geraghty, raiding forward once again, had his first-time shot blocked by Byron only for Kealy to drive the rebound home. All of the three Laois points came from Michael Lawlor frees.

Meath: C Sullivan; M O'Reilly, D Fay, H Traynor (0-1); P Reynolds, G Geraghty (1-0, pen), D Curtis; N Crawford, N Nestor (0-1); N Kearney (0-4), J Devine (1-1), P Shankey; R Magee (0-1, free), R Kealy (1-2), O Murphy (1- 0). Subs: V Reynolds (0-1, 45) for R Magee (46 mins), J Farrelly for P Shankey (46 mins), D Hunt for Nestor (50 mins).

Laois: F Byron; E Delaney, D Rooney, C O'Keeffe; C Parkinson, N Collins, G Lawlor; D Sweeney, N Garvan; M Lawlor (0-3, frees), M Rooney, T Kelly; S Kelly, K Fitzpatrick, D Doogue. Subs: M Rooney for D Sweeney (half-time), R McEvoy for Collins (48 mins).

Referee: E Murtagh (Longford).