The Waterford footballers suffered a demoralising 25 point loss to Laois in the final round of the National League at a rainy SETU Arena this afternoon (5-19 to 0-9).
Mark Barry, Evan O'Carroll, Paul Kingston and Rioghan Murphy all found the net as the O'Moore County secured promotion to Division 3 in style. Waterford captain Jason Curry kicked four points while Donie Fitzgerald, Tom O'Connell and Stephen Curry also raised white flags.
The O'Moore men led by 20 points after just 22 minutes (4-8 to 0-0). Inside trio Mark Barry (2-3), Evan O'Carroll (1-3) and Paul Kingston (1-1) did the damage. It was so comfortable for the visitors that manager Justin McNulty rested Barry and O'Carroll.
It took Waterford 25 minutes to open their account through an advanced mark from Tom O'Connell. The Brickey Rangers man converted a free before Jason Curry added a point from play. The scoreboard read 4-9 to 0-3 at half time.
The Déise made four changes at the break but it didn't alter the course of the game. Laois replacement Rioghan Murphy rolled in a fifth goal six minutes into the second period. Curry sent over three consolation frees for Waterford while half time sub Donie Fitzgerald fired two from play. Some Laois supporters headed for home before David Hickey blew the full time whistle.
The Déise finished bottom of the Division 4 table on a single point. They will take on Tipperary in the Munster quarter final on April 7 at Fraher Field.
