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Much better today! Mullaney at fullback is fairly decent and I like the look of Podge Lalor too he's fairly solid! I thought Colm Stapleton worked well but is lacking in aggression for what we need. A lot better from Picky Maher hopefully he drives on from there now.

Huge performance needed this weekend to overturn the Dubs, it'll come down to massive work rate!

Anybody know how the minor hurlers got on Saturday agaunst the Dubs? Or was the match even played?

Couldn't see clubs entering without making sure they had enough players available to at least field a team each week. At the same time I wouldn't be surprised if there's points given for being unable to field a team!

Dublin will be well up for it this weekend and will be a good test to see where these younger lads are at!

[MM v Portarlington]

MM v Portarlington - Great league campaign for Port, will have to much for MM. Port by 7.
Emo v The Heath - Great things happening in The Heath with a few good young lads. Heath by 3/4.
Ballylinan v Killeen - I hear there are a few injury worries for Kileen. If Ballylinan click, we could see a shock. Bally by 1.
Ballyfin v St. Josephs - Joseph's are nothing special, fancy them for relegation. Ballyfin by 5.
Crettyard v Ballyroan - A close one here, could go either way. I'll say a draw.
Killeshin v O'Dempseys - Another tight one, but I don't think Killeshin have the fire power up front. O'Dempseys by 2.
Portlaoise v Stradbally - Fancy Portlaoise to pull away in the end, but they wont have it as easy as previous years. Portlaoise by 6.
Arles v Graiguecullen - Arles have plenty of experience, but not much coming through. Graigue have plenty of good young lads. I'll say a draw.

Very impressive result for Joseph's Barrowhouse. Themselves and Port must be favourites. Portlaoise gone already, must be one of their earliest exits ever from the minor football?

Just wondering are there two Portlaoise teams in the minor this year. The results section on Laois GAA website has them down as Portlaoise B...?

Only one Portlaosie team I believe. Must be a mistake on the website.

Was at the Joes and Ballylinan match. Even with two players back it wouldn't have mattered, Joes/Bhouse dominated throughout and all over the pitch.

So the team has been named, I'd expect the two corner forwards to miss out again and probably bring Picky and Dwayne in.

So these lads are out again Sunday against the only team to have beaten Laois in Leinster at this age group in the last 2 years (I think). Seems like a very tough ask, but judging how close Wexford came to them, Laois should be well able for it. Anyone hear how they're getting on or if they've played any challenge games in the last month?

Would love to see 3 changes the team that is named. Picky for Conroy, Foyle for PJ Scully and Tom Delaney for Conor Dunne. 3 big men in for 3 smaller men, we need size to match that of Offalys. We have all the hurling to beat them, I just worry we won't be physically able.

Cheddar, Mathew and Jim Fitz all back! Hopefully we drive on for Sunday now and out all this is the past!

I hear Foyle is fit for Sunday, it's just a question of will he be picked or not! I think we may need 3 or 4 goals against Westmeath and Foyle is a great target man to have. Although I do think we are capable of beating Westmeath by 9, I'm fairly confident Carlow can do us a favour in Dr Cullen Park. It's good to have things in our own hands, the players know what they have to do, now they have to go out and deliver!

Kevin O Rourke to full-back where he excelled with Mountrath CS and Conor Phelan to number 6 is one option.

I think this would be an excellent option! Aaron must be moved back to full forward where he is so dangerous! Also Conor Phelan at 6 and Kevin O'Rourke at 3 where they both hurled exceptionally well for Mountrath CS and would be up to them positions at an inter county level!

It also has to be questioned why Andrew Mortimer was not on from the start.

This is absolutely baffling! He's an outstanding hurler who has the talent to trouble any defence. He's a player I think we'll need from the start against the likes of Kilkenny or Dublin!

Just one last thing to add, although Robbie Phelan managed a superb 1-2 today, he needs to be moved out to the half forward line where he excelled in last years championship. Imagine him out at half forward and Aaron Dunphy back in at full forward, serious fire power there.

It'll be a tough day for the lads tomorrow! Have a feeling it'll be a close one with the lads just pulling over the line. Mark Kav to show his class tomorrow