14-man Laois hold off gritty Antrim fightback to book spot in All-Ireland qualifiers the42.ie - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from the42.ie Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
RTÉ Sport reporter
Antrim will play Liam MacCarthy Cup hurling in 2021 after holding firm at Croke Park to repel courageous Kerry and secure the Joe McDonagh Cup title.
In the fourth and by far most significant meeting of the counties this year, The Saffrons maintained their 100 per cent record over Fintan O Connor s side to return to hurling s top flight.
Strong performances in both the first and third quarters were significant from Antrim s perspective as was the scoring power of Ciaran Clarke who sniped 0-11.
Clarke struck 0-08 from frees while the introduction of talisman Neil McManus in the third quarter following injury was crucial too as the Cushendall man contributed 0-04.