The midfielder's goal ensured that Clare took a 2-9 to 1-5 lead against a brave Laois side, and this helped them kill off the home side's challenge but Tony Considine's men will certainly have to up their game considerably if they are to account for beaten Munster finalists Limerick on 29 July.

Laois' defensive brilliance and Clare's inaccuracy in the first half (nine wides) ensured that the homeside were just three points in arrears at the half-time whistle, despite Clare pressing hard in the second quarter.

The game upped a gear after the restart with Laois being awarded the first free of the half within the opening minute after a foul on halftime substitute Barry Fitzgerald and freetaker in chief James Young had no hesitation in planting the ball past a crowded Clare goalmouth and to the roof of the net.

Suddenly the sides were level but Clare struck back with a goal of their own at the opposite end through Barry Nugent. Laois rallied well in the closing stages but the Banner lads had done enough and scores from Young (3) and Joe Fitzpatrick were mere consolation.

LAOIS T Doran; C Fitzpatrick, M McEvoy, C Healy; John Walsh, M Whelan (0-1), J Fitzpatrick (0-1); James Walsh; D McGill; T Fitzgerald, B McEvoy, J Brophy (0-2); D Bergin, J Young (1-7, 1-4 frees), E Jackman Subs W Hyland for Jackman, half-time; B Fitzgerald for Bergin, half-time; R Young for James Walsh, 49 mins; J Prior for Fitzpatrick, 56 mins; M Bermingham for John Walsh, 64 mins
CLARE P Brennan; G O'Grady, F Lohan, A Kilmartin; A Markham, J McInerney (0-1), B Bugler; B O'Connell (0-1), C Lynch (1-0); D O'Rourke (0-1), D McMahon (0-5), J Clancy; N Gilligan, B Nugent (1-3), D Quinn (0-3, 0-1 free) Subs D O'Connell for O'Rourke, half-time; A Quinn for Gilligan, 56 mins; P Vaughan for Markham, 67 mins; D Shannon for McMahon, 69 mins; B Loughnane for Lynch, 69 mins Referee Johnny Ryan (Tipperary)