Dublin have defeated Laois on a scoreline of 2-31 to 0-23 at Croke Park this evening, earning a place in the Leinster semi-final as the hurling championship made its long awaited return.
With the round-robin format abandoned this year due to the condensed nature of the season, this was a must-win game for both sides. It was also something of a grudge match, with Laois producing a shock victory over the Dubs in last year's All-Ireland provincial quarter-final.
Once the ball was thrown in this evening, a repeat of that result never seemed likely. Dublin were the better team right from the off, with their performance powered by the Donal Burke.
Burke was absolutely immense in the first half. He would enter the interval with a personal tally of 1-9, scoring all but seven of Dublin's points.
The highlight was undoubtedly his goal. It came in the 24th minute, with the corner forward picking up the ball outside the Laois 45-metre line before producing a powerful run and finish into the bottom corner.
Take a look at this.
Top class run and GOAL by Donal Burke for @DubGAAOfficial pic.twitter.com/aVamD4jy8d
— The GAA (@officialgaa) October 24, 2020
With Dublin leading by seven points at halftime, it seemed like Laois would be up against it in the second half.
That proved to be the case, with Mattie Kenny's side coming straight out of the break to tag on a few more points to their
Laois attempted to eat away at what became a sizeable Dublin lead, and while they did pull it back somewhat, they struggled to get the goal that would have gotten them within touching distance.
Incredible long range score from Patrick Purcell for @CLGLaois pic.twitter.com/b45Lr0ccrW
— The GAA (@officialgaa) October 24, 2020
A couple of long-range efforts from Enda Rowland got Eddie Brennan's side to back within six points, but it soon became clear that's as close as they would get.
Dublin started to stretch out the lead once more, with Burke producing another trademark run to knock over this score in the last ten minutes.
Fantastic run and point by Donal Burke for @DubGAAOfficial pic.twitter.com/kiKBr9ZQw2
— The GAA (@officialgaa) October 24, 2020
He would finish the game with a personal tally of 1-15, as his side ran out 14-point winners.
Last year's Joe McDonagh Cup winners have no had their involvement in this year's championship brought to an end.
Dublin will now advance to the Leinster semi-final, where Kilkenny await them. That game will take place on Saturday, October 31st, the of a double bill in Croke Park. Throw-in will be at 3.45pm, with Wexford facing Galway in the second game.
SEE ALSO: A Tribute To Offaly's Greatest Fan, Mick McDonagh
