Laois Senior Football Championship Round 1
Ballyfin v Portarlington
Ballyroan-Abbey v Park-Ratheniska
Stradbally v Courtwood
The Heath v Killeshin
Portlaoise v St Joseph's
O'Dempsey's v Graiguecullen
Arles-Killeen v Clonaslee St Manman's
Emo v Rosenallis
Ah sure why not lash out a load of wild guesses five months from the actual games!
Port to beat Ballyfin
BA should be too strong for PR
Think Strad might edge Courtwood. Hard to call.
Killeshin v Heath will depend a lot on what sort of team Killeshin have available. Another hard to call.
Portlaoise should beat Joes.
Kinda fancy Graigue to get back going this year and maybe edge O'D's.
Clonaslee might edge Killeen.
Emo should be able to win against Rosenallis.
Complete guesswork to be fair!😀
Lets be honest will there be anyine other than Port or Portlaoise winning it?
Ballyfin have had some horrendous luck I the draws over the last few years ...
Venues yet to be decided for quite a few of the opening SFC matches seemingly.
With the leagues done and dusted, it's less than three weeks now to start of championship. Here's a bit of guesswork.
Ballyfin v Portarlington. Port could win this by more than 10 points. Ballyfin looked very average on Saturday while Port are just timing it nicely for championship.
Ballyroan-Abbey v Park-Ratheniska. Can't see BA being troubled and they should win well. Sugrue is a wily fox however so I expect it to be closer than many might think and am going for a 4 point win for BA.
Stradbally v Courtwood. First hard one to call. Strad were in a higher league and survived and they just might have the edge by a point or 2 though Courtwood had a fine campaign last year.
The Heath v Killeshin. Also could be a close affair but I expect Killeshin to maybe sneak a 2 or 3 point win. A win for The Heath wouldn't be much of a shock though.
Portlaoise v St Joseph's. Good league for Joseph's but a full strength Portlaoise might be winners here by around 3. Both teams should eventually wind up in the semi finals.
O'Dempsey's v Graiguecullen. Both missing some players from last year. Graigue had a slightly better league but I can't get last year's collapse against Courtwood out of my head and am going for an O'D's win by 3.
Arles-Killeen v Clonaslee St Manman's. Killeen keep defying the odds and surviving is their main aim. Clonaslee seem to have injury problems and could be vulnerable to a shock here. Killeen by 1.
Emo v Rosenallis. Emo will be favourites but Rosenallis are not as bad as league results suggest. If they get JOL back, they might spring a shock but the probability is an Emo win by 4 or 5.
Lot of good games to look forward to. Quality could be low at times but a lot of close ones that are hard to call.
Ballyfin v Portarlington
Port by 6 but ballyfin to surprise a few.
Ballyroan-Abbey v Park-Ratheniska
Ballyroan will have to much. Could be a dour enough game. BA by 4
Stradbally v Courtwood
Think strad are going alright. Few decent lads starting to come through. Edge it by 3
The Heath v Killeshin
Tough one. Maybe momentum with heath lads. Low scoring and Heath by 3
Portlaoise v St Joseph's
Tough one. Think portlaois will be ready for Tough physical battle but ioo go with Joes after a replay
O'Dempsey's v Graiguecullen
Good game as well. Could go either way. I think hraigue might just be closer to full strenght. Graigue by 2
Arles-Killeen v Clonaslee St Manman's
Clonaslee by 5 if they get injuries cleared up. Think they'll run killeen hard and have better spread of players.
Emo v Rosenallis
Think emo might go ok this year. Give them the nod by 5
Ddid LAOIS ever have a weekend pass that would cover someone going to a good few matches? I know theres a season pass but weekly passes would be good for people who might be on shift work or have young kids where some weeks will work well, others won't.
Especially with a decent set of fixtures for first round
Ballyfin v Portarlington
Port to come through this but not as comfortable as people expect . Ballyfin will cause teams a few headaches this year . Port by 6
Ballyroan-Abbey v Park-Ratheniska
This match is set for Stradbally Friday Week . Don't think it will be as straightforward for Ballyroan as one may think. Park have targeted the Ballyroan match since the draw and Sugrue will have them very well set up . Could be interesting. Ballyroan by the bare minimum.
Stradbally v Courtwood
Stradbally for me will be one to watch this year . Championship primed under O'Dwyer and have all the big hitters back this year . Stradbally by 5
The Heath v Killeshin
The Heath had a more than decent league campaign. Killeshin seem to have a fresh lease of life under Kelly . Have a feeling The Heath may have peaked too soon this year . Killeshin by 3
Portlaoise v St Joseph's
Tough one to call this . Nothing between these teams . Portlaoise at full strength might just snatch it .
O'Dempsey's v Graiguecullen
This should also go to the wire . Fancy a draw in the one .
Arles-Killeen v Clonaslee St Manman's
Clonaslee by 7 . Don't think Kileen will survive this year .
Emo v Rosenallis
Another close one . Emo seem to be motoring along nice and little under the radar . Rosenallis are down a few stalwarts I believe . Emo by a goal
Arles-Killeen v Clonaslee St Manman's is one of two fixtures scheduled for outside OMP . Scheduled for Ratheniska Saturday evening .
Is Laois Gaa TV finished or will it be back for any of the 2023 Championship?
They streamed club games from the later stages of the 2022 Laois Club Championships so hard to know what they'll do this year . Unlikely imo .
What better way to prepare for the first round than giving my predictions for the first round that no one asked for ;D
Ballyfin v Portarlington - Again Ballyfin to open their campaign against the Co. Champs. Hard to see them getting revenge here. Port won topped Div 1 with a lot of absentees, that seem to be coming back into the panel at the right time. Talk of the Moore's being unavailable will make this a very tough task for Ballyfin. I also did hear of potential bad injuries in Port, but could be Chinese whispers. Port by 8.
Ballyroan A v Park/Rath - First match outside of O'Moore Park on Friday. Expect a big crowd in Stradbally adding to the atmosphere. BA to win by 6/7, feel they will have too much for P/R. Will be close for the first half as I expect Sugrue will want to remain in the game and then will have to open up in the 2nd half and BA young guns to pull away.
Stradbally V Courtwood - The start of the tough calls, CW a very good league winning Div 2, return of injured players boosting the small club, along with a few younger players getting use to adult football. Any idea if Collins is playing this year for them? Stradbally on the other hand, just don't know what you are getting. Steady in Div 1, but didn't exactly catch the eye. Expect them to have enough experience on board to get the win, Strad by 1/2 points.
Graigue V O'Dempseys - Graigue to grind out a 3-4 win in a low scoring game. ODs missing too many players from last year. I expect a few welcome returns for them since the league, but Graigue aren't an easy team to play against and don't put up big scores too often, so a comfortable win in a lack luster start to Championship.
Heath V Killeshin - Again another tight one, Heath return from their quick stay in intermediate, and be hopefull not to be worrying about dropping back down. Where as Killeshin now have been flirting with the drop the last few years. Attride emigrating has hurt them massively, County finalists only a few years ago, time catching up on their stalwarts, Cathal Brennan not appearing any more and the warrior Arnie Mahon still a leader on this team. The Lowry's will have the biggest say in this game, how heHeath handle them is their main concern. I'll go with a draw here, and if ET - the Heath to win.
Portlaoise v St Josephs. My pick of the round. I expect a real championship feel to this in terms of pace and physicality. Think Joes will want this more as Portlaoise have knocked them out at least 5 times in the last 10 years. Joes will also want to take a scalp in championship and rid themselves of the "league team" tag. Still think Portlaoise will have a big say at the business end. A hesitant nod to St Josephs by the minimum.
Arles Killeen v Clonaslee - 2nd match outside of O'Moore park. Has AK time at senior come to an end finally? Or are they going to beat the drop again. For some reason I can see AK winning this match. Clonaslee had a fantastic year last year but I think they will be caught in Rathineska. Paul Kingston to shoot Killeen to an unlikely win.
Emo V Rosenalis - Emo coming in a bit under the radar this year, whilst Rosenalis having to juggle the dual commitments of senior hurling and football. I think the big win over the Harps last weekend, took a huge amount of effort from the small club and the week's turnaround will be felt here. Huge commitment over small numbers will be felt, Expect Emo to pull away again by the end, 6+. Is young Hosey back fit? He loves getting a goal, will be a great addition along with young Costello close to goals.
Out of interest where will Emo be playing their home championship matches this summer? Pitch will be out operation for a while after the 3 day music festival in the rain on it at the weekend.
(https://i.ibb.co/G5DV3PX/Forest-Fest-2023-Saturday-3-1-681x454.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jrYLZ4d)
Quote from: Cunny Funt on July 25, 2023, 03:34:55 PM
Out of interest where will Emo be playing their home championship matches this summer? Pitch will be out operation for a while after the 3 day music festival in the rain on it at the weekend.
(https://i.ibb.co/G5DV3PX/Forest-Fest-2023-Saturday-3-1-681x454.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jrYLZ4d)
Was it a success?
I read about the solicitor who was running it and his ambition in bringing a festival to Laois.
Quote from: marty34 on July 25, 2023, 04:50:42 PM
Was it a success?
I read about the solicitor who was running it and his ambition in bringing a festival to Laois.
Seems so and will be on again next year. Was well attended this weekend and the awful weather didn't dampen things.
My predictions are: port by 8, ballyroan by 7, stradbally by 2, killeshin by 3, pl aet, dempseys by 2, csm by 1 & rosenallis by 4.
I'd love to see Graigue win a senior championship. They've been close a few times without getting over the line.
But after last night, it's really hard to see them ending that famine. That was a poor game and it didn't take much for O'Dempseys to win it. A very depleted O'Dempseys team it should be said.
They've now been beaten by Emo, Courtwood and O'Dempseys in successive years - three teams they should be beating.
They'll possibly still wind up in a quarter-final or even a semi-final but hard to see them turn the year around.
Fair play to O'Dempseys. Plugged away with a good few new faces and will be looking forward to round 2 with confidence.
One would hope that the senior championship this season would be a higher standard with a lot of high profile manager involved with teams, Like
Shane Wall Ballyrone-Abbey.
Pat critchley and Kevin fitzpatrick Portlaois
John Sugrue Park-ratheniska
Anthony cunningham Port
Jason Ryan Graiguecullen
Michael dempsey st.joseph's
Karl O'Dwyer Stradbally
And they fine some young players with skills and pace for the future.
You'd hope so Sideline12 but that was a poor showing from Jason Ryan's charges last night. Anyone from Graigue on to tell us how Jason is going with them?
Quote from: Cunny Funt on July 25, 2023, 03:34:55 PM
Out of interest where will Emo be playing their home championship matches this summer? Pitch will be out operation for a while after the 3 day music festival in the rain on it at the weekend.
(https://i.ibb.co/G5DV3PX/Forest-Fest-2023-Saturday-3-1-681x454.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jrYLZ4d)
Since when are there home championship matches in the SFC?
I fear for the state of the refereeing situation for the Senior champ. Poor enough showing tonight and it's not going to get any better
Ref in last night's game between Graiguecullen and O'Dempseys did well for most of the game but disgraceful referring in the last 20 minutes ruined it for him. Graiguecullen deserved at least 5 frees in a 3 minute spell, all within 30 yards of the goal and didn't get one which resulted in a few skirmishes. It was played in great spirits before that but whatever got into his head he destroyed the game. When he did award them a free O'Dempseys held on to the ball delaying time and instead of bringing it forward he threw up the ball and that happened 2 or 3 times. He then gave a second yellow to a graiguecullen player because he was trying to retrieve the ball quickly as the game was almost over...
Quote from: Junior Ex Laoistalk on July 28, 2023, 12:28:17 AM
Ref in last night's game between Graiguecullen and O'Dempseys did well for most of the game but disgraceful referring in the last 20 minutes ruined it for him. Graiguecullen deserved at least 5 frees in a 3 minute spell, all within 30 yards of the goal and didn't get one which resulted in a few skirmishes. It was played in great spirits before that but whatever got into his head he destroyed the game. When he did award them a free O'Dempseys held on to the ball delaying time and instead of bringing it forward he threw up the ball and that happened 2 or 3 times. He then gave a second yellow to a graiguecullen player because he was trying to retrieve the ball quickly as the game was almost over...
I agree with you that some of the decisions were questionable particularly in the second half . However I don't think Graigue deserved anything last night . Something amiss with Graigue I felt .
Quote from: Spiritof86 on July 28, 2023, 04:43:55 PM
Quote from: Junior Ex Laoistalk on July 28, 2023, 12:28:17 AM
Ref in last night's game between Graiguecullen and O'Dempseys did well for most of the game but disgraceful referring in the last 20 minutes ruined it for him. Graiguecullen deserved at least 5 frees in a 3 minute spell, all within 30 yards of the goal and didn't get one which resulted in a few skirmishes. It was played in great spirits before that but whatever got into his head he destroyed the game. When he did award them a free O'Dempseys held on to the ball delaying time and instead of bringing it forward he threw up the ball and that happened 2 or 3 times. He then gave a second yellow to a graiguecullen player because he was trying to retrieve the ball quickly as the game was almost over...
I agree with you that some of the decisions were questionable particularly in the second half . However I don't think Graigue deserved anything last night . Something amiss with Graigue I felt .
O'Dempseys seemed to want it more and deserved their win but all that supporters want is for Ref's to be fair to both teams.
Graiguecullen have the knack of shooting themselves in the foot in every championship for the last 20 years, they always seem good enough to win but somehow manage to lose.
Hard to put your finger on the cause of it to be fair... Maybe its the jerseys... (Mayo) ;D
Result from last night:
St Joseph's 0-13
Portlaoise 1-8
Good championship fare in Stradbally last night . Park more than held their own but Brian Whelan was in some form for Ballyroan. Think he ended up with 10 points . They also finished much stronger even with 14 men . Park will more than hold there own this year and expect them to take a scalp along the way .
Laois SFC Round 2 Winner's Section
Portarlington v Stradbally
Killeshin v Arles-Killeen
Emo v O'Dempsey's
St Joseph's v Ballyroan-Abbey
Laois SFC Round 2 Loser's Section
The Heath v Graiguecullen
Park-Ratheniska v Courtwood
Portlaoise v Rosenallis
Ballyfin v Clonaslee-St Manman's
Quote from: Spiritof86 on July 31, 2023, 06:48:01 PM
Laois SFC Round 2 Winner's Section
Portarlington v Stradbally
Killeshin v Arles-Killeen
Emo v O'Dempsey's
St Joseph's v Ballyroan-Abbey
Laois SFC Round 2 Loser's Section
The Heath v Graiguecullen
Park-Ratheniska v Courtwood
Portlaoise v Rosenallis
Ballyfin v Clonaslee-St Manman's
Some nice pairings there, the winners section is very hard to call..
Round 2 kicks off later this week. I had 6/8 last round so looking for a better showing. (Graigue and the Heath letting my predictions down).
Port v Stradbally - Port to extend their winning run in championship, didn't see Strad in last outing but can't see them overturning Port, who again will be eyeing up the 4/5 week break to quarter finals. Wonder will see a few more returning faces by then. Port by 5.
Killeshin v Arles Killeen - Big win for both, now the prize is survival and a quarter final spot. Donie's hamstring couldn't be fully recovered inside 2 weeks, huge loss for Killeen. Because of this i will give a hesitant nod to Killeshin. No love lost between these two teams, wonder will the brown jacket make a return!?
Emo v O'Dempseys - Emo putting up the score of round 1 against Rosenalis, and O'Ds breaking most people's accumulator. (Never back the early kick off!!) Fair play to OD's impressive result considering the absentees, don't know if that was down to Graigue or ODs excellence. Very hard to call, but expect both teams to cut loose at each other and Emo by 2.
St Joseph's V Ballyroan Abbey - Joseph's finally getting a win over Portlaoise, first time in Championship in how long?? Had to grind out the win, especially after PL went a point up after the penalty. Will expect them to kick on now and improve against Ballyroan. Who themselves were tested massively by Park. Huge improvement needed for BA to face Josephs. Who seem to be a bit further down the line than this young Ballyroan team. St Joes by 4.
The Heath v Graiguecullen - Graigue will surely get back to form after a woeful performance in Round 1. Surprised with how they closed out the game with the wind and then the red card to make it worse. Can't be as bad again. Should have too much for the Heath by 6.
Park-Ratheniska v Courtwood - Probably the most impressive "losers" of Round 1. I was very impressed by PR against Ballyroan, well organised team with lively inside forwards who move the ball fast when the space is there. Courtwood within a kick of a ball against Strabally. I think PR had the 1st round on their mind since it was made and played at their best, very hard to get back up for it again so soon. Courtwood have well balanced forwards with the experience of Donoher with the returning Kinsella. Courtwood to pull away in the end.
Portlaoise v Rosenalis - Two teams probably very disappointed by their first match performances. Unfortunately for Rosenalis, PL ceiling is much higher (only Scott Osborne save and they would be reigning champions). I was actually shocked at how poor the town were against Joes. Didn't look fit, no showing from their two young county men. Relying on Lilis again, who still has the ability but not for the 60 mins that PL need from him. Rosenalis to have a very tough afternoon here, another in potentially a tough season for them.
Ballyfin v Clonaslee - Ballyfin must be relieved they avoided Portlaoise this year in the losers section, and expect to get their championship back under away here against Clonaslee. Clonaslee conceding a big score against Arles Killeen the last day doesn't bode well for them, neither does scoring 1-5. Any more of the potential absentees for Ballyfin or can we finally put to bed these rumours about the Moore's being away?! Ballyfin to win, but Clonaslee to be closer than they were last round to AK. The only match outside of O'Moore Park this round?
Think Emo might beat O'Dempseys.
Portlaoise and Portarlington are certs. Killeshin might make it third time lucky v Killeen.
Graigue to edge The Heath and Joe's and BA to end a draw and go to penalties!
Would have predicted Ballyfin and Courtwood last night. It's noticeable that the dual clubs - Ballyfin, Rosenallis, Park-Ratheniska and Clonaslee are all likely to fight out the relegation battle with possibly Killeen getting dragged into it too.
It's hard to play championship every weekend in two codes with some or a lot of the same players.
Satisfying evening for Kieran Kelly. Serious job done with Killeshin it seems while his former club Ratheniska took a tumble on Thursday evening. Contrasting weekends ahead for both clubs
Quote from: The PRO on August 11, 2023, 07:43:57 AM
Think Emo might beat O'Dempseys.
Portlaoise and Portarlington are certs. Killeshin might make it third time lucky v Killeen.
Graigue to edge The Heath and Joe's and BA to end a draw and go to penalties!
Would have predicted Ballyfin and Courtwood last night. It's noticeable that the dual clubs - Ballyfin, Rosenallis, Park-Ratheniska and Clonaslee are all likely to fight out the relegation battle with possibly Killeen getting dragged into it too.
It's hard to play championship every weekend in two codes with some or a lot of the same players.
Be interesting to see of the dual Clubs how many actually have dual players playing
I presume Rosenallis would have the highest playing with their first team with park having the lowest
Going by their most recent matches in both codes rosenallis had 14 dual players, clonaslee 11,ballyfin 8 and park only had de one player tat plays on prt 1st team
We'd have a few hurling Senior with Abbeyleix, have one with Ballypickas on our seniors and a few more scattered between Colt/Shanahoe and PRT
Quote from: Batman!!! on August 11, 2023, 11:50:38 PM
Satisfying evening for Kieran Kelly. Serious job done with Killeshin it seems while his former club Ratheniska took a tumble on Thursday evening. Contrasting weekends ahead for both clubs
Did PR dispose of Kieran?
Quote from: Batman!!! on August 11, 2023, 11:50:38 PM
Satisfying evening for Kieran Kelly. Serious job done with Killeshin it seems while his former club Ratheniska took a tumble on Thursday evening. Contrasting weekends ahead for both clubs
Did PR dispose of Kieran?
Quote from: Keyser Söze on August 12, 2023, 12:21:04 PM
Quote from: Batman!!! on August 11, 2023, 11:50:38 PM
Satisfying evening for Kieran Kelly. Serious job done with Killeshin it seems while his former club Ratheniska took a tumble on Thursday evening. Contrasting weekends ahead for both clubs
Did PR dispose of Kieran?
No, I meant in terms of two very good championship campaigns with two different clubs for him.
Quote from: BallyroanAbbey on August 12, 2023, 11:02:28 AM
We'd have a few hurling Senior with Abbeyleix, have one with Ballypickas on our seniors and a few more scattered between Colt/Shanahoe and PRT
Ballyroan abbey have 9 dual players(intermediate team has 10),portlaoise 3,heath 3,st josephs 1(shanahan + lynch didnt play de 1st round), emo 2,o dempseys 1 and courtwood 1
Some good games over the weekend and here are the results:
Courtwood 1-14
Park-Ratheniska 1-09
C'lee- Manman's 1-14
Ballyfin 1-10
Killeshin 0-19
Arles-Killeen 1-12
Portlaoise 2-10
Rosenallis 0-11
Portarlington 0-16
Stradbally 1-08
Graiguecullen 3-10
The Heath 0-07
O'Dempsey's 2-15
Emo 1-14
St Joseph's 0-14
B'roan-Abbey 0-12
Laois Senior Football Championship Draw, Round 3
Stradbally v Graiguecullen
Killeshin v Portlaoise
Emo v Clonaslee-St Manman's
Ballyroan-Abbey v Courtwood
Ó Dempseys surprised me again. I thought emo would be comfortable yesterday against them but they were well the better team they had a better spread of scores with young Costello more or less carrying Emo hopes along with Kirwan. A lot of the O Ds young lads I wouldn't recognise but they really give everything so a well deserved win for them
Joseph's just scraped by... kept hanging in there and finished that bit stronger. Ballyroan will be disappointed but had a few chances and didn't take them. They'll still be in the quarters and maybe the defeat will stand to them
I think Will Stradbally be there or thereabouts this year . Have a stronger panel now of players in place and there match with Graigue will be interesting.
Just Guessing Quarter Final-Draw.
Ballyrone-Abbey v O'Dempsey's
St.Joseph's v Emo
Port v Portlaois
Killeshin v Graiguecullen
First time to see any matches this year, I thought portlaoise have gone right back into the pack. Still playing a defensive system which will make it very hard for them to be beaten but likewise very hard for them to post a big score, the named forwards only scored 1-3 from play. Rosenalis were limited enough but still managed 0-5 from play by their forwards. David Dooley very tidy centre back for them.
Second game much better. Port still have what most other clubs don't have in a number of different scoring forwards. They did struggle on kickouts and the keeper and the full back line had their hairy moments. Stradbally had a strong second half for a good period and though light in size in the forwards they had pace and lots of movement. Keeping forwards up at all times gave them an outlet. Deegan that came on in the second half probably should have been on earlier .
Not a whole lot in terms of new players that were involved already or previously asked.
Evrything feels a bit stale or something I feel this year. Maybe its just me as my own club havent been very good but both the football and hurling just seem like everyone is waiting for something to ignite things. Waste of a weeken coming up now with hurling and with EP therel be no real hurling for about 5 weeks.
Saw 3 games at weekend
Clonaslee deserved there win. I think they are better than lot of ppl give them credit for and they have that grit to ground out wins when other teams drop their levels.
O'Ds also good but emo a bit off. They had a good run a couple of times in each half but too many players drifted in and out of the game.
Finally josephs might actually be genuine contendres. Ballyron were better for most of the game but nobody around me was even a bit shocked when they cudnt turn it intoa win. Lot of good players on show but vry few very good ones.
Hard to see past Port still. Heard graigue were good as well actually. Them 2 and portlaoise and joes for semis.
I'm gonna guess courtwood to win snr B.
I think intermediate will be tight. Ballylinan might just edge it.
Have a funny feeling harps might win the junior. Be good for football down that side of the country.
Think Stradbally might have enough to get by a very inconsistent Graiguecullen team. Emo should have too much for Clonaslee. Bally Abbey also should be a bit stronger than Courtwood.
Killeen v Portlaoise could be a lot closer than expected. Portlaoise aren't really hammering anyone but they still should win coming down the home stretch.
Portlaoise will win easy enough. 8+
Ballyroan after a bit of a fight. 5 pts
I like emo and clonslee and this could be closer than people think. EMO should have too much firepower but I could see this coming down to the wire. Emo by 2
Strad and graigue could go either way and draw must be a good bet. Think strad have been better this year but graigue might have a big performnace in them. Graigue by 1.
Fair play Robbo for sitting on the bench calling the Graigue Stradbally game. You have predicted a draw, Stradbally are the better team and Graigue by 1 point. Lot of bases covered there. In all seriousness Graigue have given two very contrasting performances so hard to call how they will perform. Last few years they have played well in the early rounds of championship and then crashed out with an unexpectedly poor performance. They will be hoping that they have already got that poor performance out of the way and can kick on for rest of championship. Emo should have players capable of keeping tabs on Corbett. If they negate his influence you would expect that Emo should win convincingly enough.
Fancy 4 close enough encounters this weekend.
Portlaoise will beat Killeen but don't think it will be that comfortable for them .
Fancy ballyroan and Courtwood to be closer than people think . Ballyroan to shade it .
Emo and St Mans another close one but think Emo will have too much .
Stradbally to beat Graigue. Fancy Stradbally to go far this year . Have built up a bit depth to the panel this year . Can't work Graigue out .
Saturday's Results:
Emo 2-8
Clonaslee-St Manman's 1-4
Graiguecullen 1-10
Stradbally 0-5
A downpour during the first half of the Clonaslee-St. Manman's game ruined the game and it never really got going for Clonaslee after that. Emo adapted to the conditions better and went on to win easily enough.
In the second game Graiguecullen dominated possession for the first 15 mins but found it hard to get scores and wasted a lot of possession with the wind and only led by 3 points at half time. Stradbally improved in the second half but some great defending by Graiguecullen kept them from putting scores on the board.
Stradbally were rightly awarded a penalty midway through the half when they were just 2 points behind but a brilliant save by Danny Bolger kept them out and Graiguecullen went down and scored two points which was the turning point of the game as Stradbally didn't score again after that. Graiguecullen finished off the game as a contest with a fabulous goal from Lee Walker who was the best player on view throughout the game.
Graiguecullen have added great pace to their game and have learned to control the game more and with a bit more consistency they could get to another final.
Strange to see that whoever produces the program have the Graiguecullen goalkeeper named as Danny Maher for the past few games even though he was the county goalkeeper 2 years ago. Very shoddy journalism and shows how much the Co. Board know about the players. Even Laois Today don't know his name is actually Danny Bolger which surprised me to be honest as they are doing great work covering sport within the county.
I think to be fair with regard to players names they just copy the list sent in by club secretaries and the fact that both the Co Board and LT did it twice suggests that the problem is at the Graigues end. Probably a copy and paste job
And I must add that for a small club, Courtwood are getting some return from a very small squad. Sean O Flynn was immense today
Quote from: Junior Ex Laoistalk on August 27, 2023, 11:55:40 AM
Strange to see that whoever produces the program have the Graiguecullen goalkeeper named as Danny Maher for the past few games even though he was the county goalkeeper 2 years ago. Very shoddy journalism and shows how much the Co. Board know about the players. Even Laois Today don't know his name is actually Danny Bolger which surprised me to be honest as they are doing great work covering sport within the county.
Is it possible that the lad changed his surname? I know Ryan Giggs used to be Ryan Wilson!
;)
Quote from: The PRO on August 27, 2023, 06:05:11 PM
Quote from: Junior Ex Laoistalk on August 27, 2023, 11:55:40 AM
Strange to see that whoever produces the program have the Graiguecullen goalkeeper named as Danny Maher for the past few games even though he was the county goalkeeper 2 years ago. Very shoddy journalism and shows how much the Co. Board know about the players. Even Laois Today don't know his name is actually Danny Bolger which surprised me to be honest as they are doing great work covering sport within the county.
Is it possible that the lad changed his surname? I know Ryan Giggs used to be Ryan Wilson!
He changed his name to his mother's side..
Round three was fairly underwhelming. Good win for Emo in dreadful conditions. Graigue surprised me. They were very good and have a great chance to get to the semi final now.
Portlaoise still look to have another gear to reach but didn't need to find it against Killeen. Ballyroan Abbey have only themselves to blame. Didn't score for the last 20 minutes and caught with a sucker punch.
Anyone know why Flanagan and Saunders weren't involved with Portlaoise today ? Both made appearances the last day against Rosenallis
At the 2 games today. 1st game was brutal imo - I hope killeen go down after setting up the way did today. Portlaoise will do well to beat ods the next day missed an awful lot. 2nd game was a good bit better - best team won was impressed with Courtwood without hogan & donoher, they hung in the game when it looked away from them. Sean O'Flynn was immense. Can Doyle & byron also very good. I thought Ballyroan might get to semi this year - there forward play was poor.
Dis Ballyroan keep the receipt? What a waste of money. An extremely talented team playing that way. Wall and Garrigan should be ran.
Quote from: Batman!!! on August 28, 2023, 12:11:06 AM
Dis Ballyroan keep the receipt? What a waste of money. An extremely talented team playing that way. Wall and Garrigan should be ran.
I'd have to agree with that. They seem to have a lot of good young players who are being constrained by a dreadful system of defensive football.
Portlaoise and Killeen match was soul destroying. If it had been a stand alone match I would left before half time .
Ballyroan got what they deserved . Bewildering tactics considering the talent at their disposal . Delighted for Courtwood . Some pride and passion in the whole set up complimented by a player like Sean O'Flynn who was mighty .
Laois Shopping Centre Senior A Quarter Finals
O'Dempseys vs Portlaoise
Portarlington vs Courtwood
Killeshin vs Graiguecullen
St Joseph's vs Emo
Laois Shopping Centre Senior B Quarter Finals
Clonaslee vs The Heath
Arles Killeen vs Ballyfin
Stradbally vs Park Ratheniska
Ballyroan vs Rosenallis
A tasty derby between Killeshin and Graigue. Stradbally and Park another interesting game.
Quote from: Laoiseabu on August 27, 2023, 10:56:58 PM
Anyone know why Flanagan and Saunders weren't involved with Portlaoise today ? Both made appearances the last day against Rosenallis
Saunders was injured,Flanagan was away I'm told
Some nice looking games in the winners section.
Looking forward to emo vs Joseph's.. Good barometer for where both those teams are at.
Port still favorites even with all the injuries
Can only comment on our game last weekend as didn't see the other three.
It was a tall order for Courtwood to win that game being without Donoher and Hogan on top of the lads who are unavailable this year (Collins, Luttrell and Luke Doran).
But Ballyroan Abbey never really put the game to bed and paid a huge price getting caught with that late goal.
Thought Colm Walsh, Diarmuid Whelan and Davin McEvoy were their best players. Sean O'Flynn rightly grabbed the headlines but his brother Paul and Cian Doyle were also very good for us.
The draw could've been kinder for the next round though!🙂
Jezz hesh that's quiet a list of absentees. I would have thought the squad would have been too small to cope with those losses. Fair play on the win. Ballyroan must be kicking themselves
How is Alan kinsella been playing since his bad injury?
Quote from: Heshs Umpire on August 30, 2023, 05:35:42 PM
Can only comment on our game last weekend as didn't see the other three.
It was a tall order for Courtwood to win that game being without Donoher and Hogan on top of the lads who are unavailable this year (Collins, Luttrell and Luke Doran).
But Ballyroan Abbey never really put the game to bed and paid a huge price getting caught with that late goal.
Thought Colm Walsh, Diarmuid Whelan and Davin McEvoy were their best players. Sean O'Flynn rightly grabbed the headlines but his brother Paul and Cian Doyle were also very good for us.
The draw could've been kinder for the next round though!🙂
Quote from: Hospital Pass on August 31, 2023, 10:17:01 AM
Jezz hesh that's quiet a list of absentees. I would have thought the squad would have been too small to cope with those losses. Fair play on the win. Ballyroan must be kicking themselves
How is Alan kinsella been playing since his bad injury?
Quote from: Heshs Umpire on August 30, 2023, 05:35:42 PM
Can only comment on our game last weekend as didn't see the other three.
It was a tall order for Courtwood to win that game being without Donoher and Hogan on top of the lads who are unavailable this year (Collins, Luttrell and Luke Doran).
But Ballyroan Abbey never really put the game to bed and paid a huge price getting caught with that late goal.
Thought Colm Walsh, Diarmuid Whelan and Davin McEvoy were their best players. Sean O'Flynn rightly grabbed the headlines but his brother Paul and Cian Doyle were also very good for us.
The draw could've been kinder for the next round though!🙂
Alan's getting better with each game. He only played his first game shortly before the league final so each game he plays from now on is bound to bring him on.
Ive been awful wit predictions so far but here we go again.
I'm goin for:
Ballyfin to beat Killeen after a battle. 5 to spare
Clonslee in low scorin game by 2
Strad to beat park by 4
Ballyroan at there ease by 8
In big games:
Port by 8
Portlaoise on pens
Graigue by 4
Emo in a bit of a shock by 2
Also well-done to spink tonight. I fancied the Rock to win that junior but its some open championship.
Think Port and Graigue will have comfortable enough wins. 5 or 6 points. Joe's should beat Emo but maybe only by 2 or 3 and the other one is very hard to call. Maybe O'Dempseys after extra time.
Ballyroan Abbey and Stradbally should win in the B. They could meet in the final if they avoid each other in the draw. Ballyfin to edge Killeen and can't call the other. Heath and Clonaslee are both very unpredictable teams.
Looking forward to semi finals
the 4 teams have improved from the earlier
rounds,can graiguecullen and st.joseph cause a upset .
Quote from: Sideline12 on September 17, 2023, 09:38:33 PM
can graiguecullen and st.joseph cause a upset .
I don't think so. Looks like a Port v Portlaoise final to me. Graigue were good in patches and Joseph's made hard work of a pretty average Emo team.
Colm Murphy the player of the weekend just edging the brilliant Mark Timmons.
Quote from: Ballybrittas Boy on September 18, 2023, 12:00:52 AM
Quote from: Sideline12 on September 17, 2023, 09:38:33 PM
can graiguecullen and st.joseph cause a upset .
I don't think so. Looks like a Port v Portlaoise final to me. Graigue were good in patches and Joseph's made hard work of a pretty average Emo team.
Colm Murphy the player of the weekend just edging the brilliant Mark Timmons.
Graigue could cause an upset but portarlington look too good.
Having said that Courtwood were set up very naively.
No discussion on the forum about the weekends games are laois people losing interest in our local championships, senior semifinals Portlaois and Port look good and
Ballylinan in the IFC final.
Of course people have lost interest. And in fairness why wouldn't they?
Saw Donie back in action last night. Makes you wonder what he could have achieved cos he was about quarter fit and couldn't be marked. Sold 3 dummy solos for the goal with a fella hanging off of him. That said Park were shocking. I'd say they are certs to go down now
Graigue paying another manager a fortune with no return.
Ballyroan the same.
Portarlington gone seriously backwards under Cunningham.
Kevin Fitz doing a great job with an average Portlaoise team.
Mick Dempsey has Joseph's in their first final in 20+ years.
With the exception of Martin Murphy clubs are wasting a lot of money on mercenaries.
Great job with portlaoise. Are you joking.. 4 years and not even a league to show for it. Get a grip will ya. Wasn't to long ago when some of his players were speaking behind his back..
Obviously you have a personal issue with Kevin. Maybe when you have done half of what he's done you can talk. Getting that Portlaoise team to a County final is an achievement.
Joe Brolly is right when he says clubs should be managed by a clubman and county teams should be managed by one of their own. As he says would get rid of all these excessive payments and the merry go round of managers. Clubs wasting big sums on outside managers when that money could go into improving underage and club facilities.
Well done to St Josephs, I didn't think they'd have enough for Port. Graigue won't be winning a county title anytime soon.
Joes extremely organised unit . Port a shadow of themselves. Don't think Cuinnigham is sticking around .
Portlaoise much the better team with goals probably disguising how dominant they were .
Stradbally and The Heath will be a tasty curtain raiser .
No fresh talent on show this weekend . Same faces mostly still be the most productive at this level .
Port were so bad it hard to figure out how good Josephs are.
Quote from: Spiritof86 on October 02, 2023, 01:12:38 PMJoes extremely organised unit . Port a shadow of themselves. Don't think Cuinnigham is sticking around .
Portlaoise much the better team with goals probably disguising how dominant they were .
Stradbally and The Heath will be a tasty curtain raiser .
No fresh talent on show this weekend . Same faces mostly still be the most productive at this level .
That final is on the day before.
Portarlington had a couple of poop performances last year as well and good fortune got them over the line on more than one occasion. This Portarlington team peaked two years ago and it was inevitable that they would be beaten sooner rather than later. Had Martin Murphy been there I'm not sure whether it would have made a huge difference. Joseph's have been building with Dempsey the last couple of years. They had a nice blend of youth and experience which every team needs.
The in house club manager versus the outside manager debate is an interesting one. One year my club selected one of our former players as manager for the year. One of the first training sessions outlined to the players where things had gone wrong the previous year. Couple of players took umbrage with what was said and a row broke out. The year was already over and a write off after that and it only January. Had an outside manager said the same things it might have been accepted more.
If you are going in house needs to be someone of very high stature within the club who is completely respected by the players.
My predictions for this weekend. all close games - Joes by 2, Stradbally by 2 & Park by 1.
I didn't see Matthew Campion or Josh OBrien playing for Joseph's the last day , any word if they will be available for Sunday ???
Joes by 5/6
The Heath by 4/5
Park by 2/3
Any word on Laois Senior Intercounty Manager yet? I heard both Billy O'L and Eddie Kinsella have been turned down, any truth in the rumour they went up north to meet a candidate? Getting a bit ridiculous now at this stage. It was to be decided last week and still nothing a week later. Does anyone have any info about it???
It will definitely happen this year. Maybe
Should have been done by now but better to wait and get right man. Don't think either of those two are what's needed.
On the weekend, the final's hard to call. Hopefully Joseph's do it but it'll be tight, a point or two either way. Think the B Final might be the same. Can just see The Heath nicking that one. The relegation game, I'll go with Clonaslee.
Quote from: Tintin84 on October 12, 2023, 04:28:35 PMAny word on Laois Senior Intercounty Manager yet? I heard both Billy O'L and Eddie Kinsella have been turned down, any truth in the rumour they went up north to meet a candidate? Getting a bit ridiculous now at this stage. It was to be decided last week and still nothing a week later. Does anyone have any info about it???
For last few weeks was hearing Billy OLoughlin from everyone....the delay on the announcement might indicate it's not him
In last week or so have heard James Horan and also Mick Dempsey names mentioned, no idea if any truth to either of them
Quote from: Target Man on October 12, 2023, 05:33:11 PMQuote from: Tintin84 on October 12, 2023, 04:28:35 PMAny word on Laois Senior Intercounty Manager yet? I heard both Billy O'L and Eddie Kinsella have been turned down, any truth in the rumour they went up north to meet a candidate? Getting a bit ridiculous now at this stage. It was to be decided last week and still nothing a week later. Does anyone have any info about it???
For last few weeks was hearing Billy OLoughlin from everyone....the delay on the announcement might indicate it's not him
In last week or so have heard James Horan and also Mick Dempsey names mentioned, no idea if any truth to either of them
Some money involved in a James Moran operation!
Micko peanuts in comparison!
Quote from: El Jefe on October 12, 2023, 05:02:26 PMShould have been done by now but better to wait and get right man. Don't think either of those two are what's needed.
On the weekend, the final's hard to call. Hopefully Joseph's do it but it'll be tight, a point or two either way. Think the B Final might be the same. Can just see The Heath nicking that one. The relegation game, I'll go with Clonaslee.
No such thing as the right man. It's a mess. The first job any new coach will have is to beg lads to commit. That's not even factoring in the time already lost. We're dysfunctional.
Anyone hear Justin McNulty's name being mentioned?
Quote from: Tintin84 on October 13, 2023, 11:02:36 AMAnyone hear Justin McNulty's name being mentioned?
Heard he was approached amongst a few others this week that weren't initially part of the interviewees.
Quote from: Spiritof86 on October 13, 2023, 11:30:44 AMQuote from: Tintin84 on October 13, 2023, 11:02:36 AMAnyone hear Justin McNulty's name being mentioned?
Heard he was approached amongst a few others this week who weren't initially part of the interviewees.
Doesn't say much for Billy O'Loughlin or Eddie Kinsella if they are still looking for candidates last I heard was they were told last week that a decision would be made by Friday last week, Then another email Monday and haven't heard anything since.
I respect Billy's efforts as someone who has built up a good CV coaching teams. However, from what I know talking to people who were involved in Longford during his tenure I do not see the county board giving him the job. In fairness to the county board they gave those candidates who expressed an interest a chance to interview for the job. None of them were deemed suitable. As opposed to appoint the wrong man they are actively seeking someone who would be a right fit for the job. As we are all well aware it is not an enticing job in its current guise. Therefore, it's going to take time and plenty of persuasion. For an ambitious manager, the Laois job might appeal as they cannot go any lower. Even a small bit of progress e.g. promotion from division 4 and a proper crack at the Tailteann Cup would reflect well on this person and in a couple of years time could move to pastures new with their reputation embellished aka Eddie Brennan style with the Laois hurlers.
There is no right answer here. There is no single person who we know will come in and change things around for the better. What we're looking at right now is an attempt by the CB to get a name.
Is there any hope Mick Dempsey would take on the job?
Quote from: Zooming around on October 13, 2023, 03:44:35 PMIs there any hope Mick Dempsey would take on the job?
Extremely unlikely.
If it's true that Justin McNulty has been approached I'm not altogether surprised. Despite two poor Leinster SFC defeats to Longford in 2012 and Louth in 2013 he seemed to bring a very professional approach and turned out well drilled teams who could hold their own in Division 2. He would hardly be considered again if the views of his former players were negative.
Some of the appointments since Justin were questionable so I think the County Board are right to try and get an experienced manager with a half-decent track record. None of us are expecting overnight results but promotion to Division 3 is a modest short-term goal.
Well done St Joseph's. Showed more endeavour and hunger particularly in the second half . Daly and Kelly with two great points near the end . Eoghan O'Flaherty plays a very controlled role in the Joes team and is very composed on and off the ball .
Pretty desperate game of football otherwise . Decent crowd .
End of the road for a few of those Portlaoise lads I'd imagine .
Eire Og next Sunday for Joes .
Puke football. Woeful advertisement for our county. I know Josephs won't care but Christ it was pathetic.
The worst final of all time I would say to cap off the worst championship of all time. How many cracker of games did we have? Teams just seem contempt to hold possession for 5mins at a time. Desperate stuff!
Quote from: Batman!!! on October 15, 2023, 09:15:31 PMPuke football. Woeful advertisement for our county. I know Josephs won't care but Christ it was pathetic.
You seem surprised ? Yesterday pretty much summed up the majority of games in this year's championship.
Did you expect something special yesterday?
Poor enough from Josephs on Saturday evening, Eire Og short a few and still managed to get over the line.
Josephs were in control but resorted to passing lateral or backwards towards the end of normal time.
Maybe the celebrations went on too long but that was a game left behind them.
I don't think they're much better than that sadly
joeys a fine side with plenty to come. didn give a fucuk about eireog n rightly so.
Why "rightly so"?
Are they too big to be bothering with that stupid little Leinster Championship?