Wexford 2-22 Laois 1-13:On a weekend that saw the loss of one of their all-time greats when Paudge Kehoe passed away, Wexford gave their new manager, John Meyler, plenty to cheer about at Rathdowney yesterday.
A defence-splitting move saw Wexford full forward Pat Doran score a fine goal to send them to a 1-10 to 0-9 interval lead.
James Young's goal from a free early in the second half gave Laois some hope but when Doran crashed home his second goal the result was not in doubt.
The winners face holders Kilkenny in next Sunday's final.
WEXFORD: D Flynn; C Lawlor, R Kehoe, P Roche (0-2); PJ Carley, K Rossiter, M Travers (0-1); D Lyng (0-2), R McCarthy (0-1); M Jacob (0-7), E Quigley, M Doyle (0-1); M Jordan (0-2), P Doran (2-0), R Jacob (0-6). Subs: T Mahon for McCarthy, T Waters for Doyle, J O'Connor for Carley.
LAOIS: P Mullaney; B Campion, C Healy, K Fitzpatrick; C Dunne, J Young (1-6), J Walsh; J Fitzpatrick, S Dollard; W Hyland (0-3), JJ McHugh, J Brophy (0-3); P Russell (0-1), T Fitzgerald, N Costelloe. Subs: Séamus Dwyer (0-1) for Dunne, E Jackman for Costelloe.
Referee: Brian Gavin (Offaly).
