Galway 6-26
Laois 0-8

Galway manager Ger Loughnane's demand for more ruthless finishing from his players was answered in style at Portlaoise on Sunday as Laois were handed a devastating 36-point defeat.

Niall Healy and Ger Farragher were the chief tormentors, with Healy bagging three first-half goals and Farragher grabbing 2-12, as Galway put behind them the wayward shooting that had marred recent draws with Offaly and Tipperary.

Damien Fox's men came into the NHL Division 1B clash buoyed by last week's surprise defeat of neighbours Offaly.

But this contest was all but over before the crowd had settled in their seats as corner-forward Healy pounced for two goals within minutes of the throw-in.

Farragher goaled amid a welter of points as the Tribesmen piled on the misery for the home side. And Healy snatched his third goal before the break as Galway led 4-13 to 0-4 at the interval.

After a couple of disappointing outings, Iarla Tannion was back in scoring form with 1-2, as the Laois rearguard could find no way of restricting the Galway inside line.

Farragher goaled again and continued to find the range from frees and open play, while Fergal Healy contributed five points as the attacking sextet all seized the opportunity to boost confidence before trickier assignments ahead.

As usual, the impressive James Young produced the main Laois resistance, shooting six points, including four from play, while exciting prospect Zane Keenan showed glimpses of his talent. Aonghus Callinan and Adrian Cullinane continued the scoring spree with Richie Murray joining in the fun with two points from midfield.

The drubbing will represent a setback for the Laois camp after the Offaly performance promised a revival in fortunes. And while the facile victory sends Galway level with Limerick and Tipperary at the top of the division, Ger Loughnane won't have learned a great deal about his side.

GALWAY: J Skehill; C Dervan, T Og Regan, F Moore; S Kavanagh, J Lee, G Mahon; K Hynes, R Murray 0-2; A Callahan 0-2, F Healy 0-5, A Cullinane 0-3; G Farragher 2-12 (6f, 1'65), I Tannian 1-2, N Healy 3-0.
Subs: C Dervan for Healy (HT), F Coone for Hynes (40), D Joyce for Kavanagh, A Keary for Moore (44), K Burke for Callanan.

LAOIS: P Mullaney; J A Delaney, B Campion, C Dunne; J Phelan, M Whelan, C Coonan; J Fitzpatrick, J Rowney; J Young 0-6 (2f), E Holohan, Z Keenan 0-1; T Fitzgerald, W Hyland, N Holmes 0-1.
Subs: J Walsh for Coonan (31), J Dooley for Rowney (32), T Doran for Mullaney (32, inj), D McGill for Norton (40), M Bermingham for Campion (55).

REFEREE: J Owens (Wexford).

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