Leinster MHC: Offaly, as expected, progressed to a Leinster semi-final meeting with Wexford as a result of a hard earned victory over neighbours Laois at Portlaoise on Saturday.
Laois dominated the opening exchanges, and fine points from Damian Bergin, John Brophy and Jimmy Dunne saw them lead 5-3 after 20 minutes.
Offaly then produced a great rally, and points from Derek Molloy and Declan Cordial had them level just before half-time.
On half-time a line ball by Joe Bergin was finished by Derek Molloy for the game's goal and this proved the difference at half-time when Offaly led 1-5 to 0-5.
Laois were the dominant side again in the second half, but although they narrowed the gap on numerous occasions to two points, Molloy's goal separated the sides at the final whistle.
OFFALY: D Molloy (1-2), D Cordial (0-2), E Lee, J Bergin, J Keane, D Hayden, G O'Grady (0-1 each).
LAOIS: D Bergin (0-5), J Brophy (0-2), B Fitzgerald, J Dunne (0-1 each).
