Laois 0-14 1-13 Antrim

Eamon Jackman is pursued by Antrim's Neal McAuley and Conor McGinley

A speculative 58th minute goal from midfielder Brendan Herron proved to be the difference as holders Antrim beat Laois in their Walsh Cup opener.

Aided by a strong wind at Rathdowney, Niall Rigney's Laois side held a 0-9 to 0-7 lead at half-time.

Antrim turned the game in their favour with a fine display in the second half.

Paul Shields was deadly accurate from placed balls and had a personal tally of eight points, seven of them frees and one score from a 65.

Laois scorers: Brian Campion (0-3, 2f, 1 65), John Rowney (0-3), Dayne Peacock (0-3, 1f), Michael McEvoy (0-2), Willie Hyland (0-2), Eamon Jackman (0-1).

Antrim: Paul Shields (0-8, 7f, 1 65), Paddy Doherty (0-2), Brendan Herron 1-0, Ciaran Kelly 0-2, PJ O'Connell 0-1.

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