Laois steal dramatic victory to send Jackies down
The O Moore County edged a thrilling winner-takes-all clash as Olwyn Farrells stoppage time goal secured a 2-10 to 2-8 victory against last years beaten All-Ireland finalists Dublin.
The stakes couldnt have been any higher for the Leinster rivals as defeat meant relegation while victory would ensure a top four finish in Division 1.
Two-goal star Lindsey Davey struck after twenty minutes to help Dublin into a 1-3 to 0-4 half-time lead, but the vast majority of the drama was reserved for a breathless second half.
Ten minutes after the restart, Davey had netted again and Dublin looked to be on their way to victory, leading by 2-5 to 0-6.
But with a minute of normal time remaining, Mary Kirwan bagged a priceless goal for Laois and as the game drifted into stoppage time, the sides were level at 1-10 to 2-7.
Farrell hit the lead goal for Laois, but there was still time for more heart stopping action as Gemma Fay struck the butt of a Laois upright six and a half minutes into injury time, after Sinead Aherne had pulled a point back for Dublin.
Dublin were within inches of snatching victory themselves, but relegation to Division 2 is a massive blow to the Leinster kingpins and underlines just how fine the lines are when the top teams are involved.