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Poor performance all round yesterday, first time hurling on grass this year showed, a lot of poor touches and poor decision making by most of forwards.
Hopefully all of the above mentioned will be back in training in the coming weeks, we can't afford to be without anyone.
I'm sure Kerry will be targeting two points against us to survive in 1B,
On yesterday's performers I thought Darren Maher, Neil Foyle & Ryan Mullaney hurled well, with Mullaney really putting his hand up for a starting spot, hurling very similar to Tom Delaney last year,
I think Foyle reads the game brilliantly, Santa he was constantly told to sit back yesterday but our midfielders weren't covering, Dublin as they did in te championship game last year used they ball very smartly & gave good ball into their forwards.
Up front only Scully & Purcell showed glimpses of what they could do,

I'm sure they will have a good 4 weeks ahead with plenty of hurling & practice matches (it also looks very much like Brendan Cummins has a much more involved role this year) & with a full crew back on board we will account for Kerry in first round.

I see Offaly are getting all excited and confident again after beating a poor Kilkenny U21 team so hopefully we can beat them in Birr in the second round too and get the year off to a real flyer!

Ballinakill have kept on last years manager Bertie Sherlock as well, Bertie would be very highly regarded nationally as a physical coach.

Abbeyleix have appointed Mark Tyrrell from James Stephens, brother of Jackies

The Minor hurling set up appears to be a very positive and professional set up, led by Manager Paul O Shea from Abbeyleix, hurling coach James Carroll, Physical/Strength & conditioning Michael Boyhan Mountrath & Carlow IT,
Each player following a personilised programme since December, Training schedule given to each player outlining plans, dates etc from January to May.
Best of luck to all involved

Senior Managers 2016

Clough Ballacolla Kevin Martin
Camross Arien Delaney
Balinakill James Carroll (last years Abbeyleix manager & current Laois minor coach
Borris Kilcotton Ken Hogan
Rathdowney Errill Brian Young (Castlecomer)
The Harps David Cuddy
Portlaoise John Taylor
Abbeyleix Not yet appointed

Willie, Zane, Cahir & Joe will all be on board for the league thankfully!
Joe was hurling as well if not better than ever and is training away all over Christmas,
I think it's a good thing to give them a break I'd have liked to see Matthew taking a month or two off as well, that's mostly the core that's being going hard for years & no need for them in the Walsh Cup,
Good to get the couple of wins and decent performances , although very hard to judge on the all weather pitches, step up again next Sunday and a good test.

Especially when the final is now hurled in Croke Park, we don't get the opportunity to hurl their too often anymore

Happy New Year to everyone! Here's hoping for a great hurling year ahead. It will be tough to top last years big result but we need to improve again and keep closing the gap, Best wishes to Cheddar & the panel.

We played Westmeatg in a practice match last Wednesday night & won it easily, with some unusual and interesting positional moves

Foyle is fit and raring to go, was part of 4/5 player group, including picky & Cha, who were givin extra training over the Xmas

Weak enough outfit, especially in defence,
We have some big shoes to fill, the return of Darren Maher is a big boost in that regard.
I'd imagine Neil Foyle will be given a big chance to nail down a central roll up front.

PJ is still in UL but unsure if he is college tied for the Walsh Cup

That is confirmed David Cuddy for The Harps 2016
Ken Hogan reappointed for Borris Kilcotton
Arien Delaney reappointed for Camross
John Taylor reappointed for Portlaoise
Ballinakill ?? Is
Rathdowney Errill nobody appointed yet
Abbeyleix also looking for new manager
Not confirmed yet but presume Kevin Martin will stay on with CB

Any new appointments or re appointments ratified yet??

Former Dublin physical trainer Ross Corbett is on board with the Laois Senior hurlers this year,
Approx 20 of a panel training at the moment, 5 nights a week, all physical, 2 gym sessions, 3 field running sessions per week

From what I've heard Tommy Fitz, John A, Butch jimmy Walsh Conor Dunne Joe campion Dayne peacock have all opted out/retired
Willie Hyland will return after the Christmas break, he's just finished with C/B and is getting married, well entitled to a break

Fixtures out for the league, Kerry at home, Offaly away, Clare at home limerick away our first 4 games

Borris Kilcotton will beat Rathdowney Errill Thursday night

Hello Gents,
Finally made the transfer over from Laois talk, which is still greatly missed!!
Focus turns back on the hurling championship this week thankfully! Plenty to look forward to.

Some  practice matches played over the last 10 days -

Rathdowney Errill 1-13 Coolderry 2-17
Borris Kilcotton 2-16 Birr 0-19
Borris Kilcotton 3-23 Newtownshandrum 3-25
Clough Ballacolla lost to Loughrea by 5 points
Camross beat a Portumna intermediate team with 4 Seniors something along the lines of 5-16 to 0-26

Some good run outs and impressive opposition for the most,
My predictions for the weekend are that Clough Ballacolla will have way too much for The Harps who looked doomed to relegation, With the league final win and this round win Clough Ballacolla should be back firing on all cylinders
Abbeyleix are still the most underrated team in the championship & will beat Castletown
Camross too are looking strong and will be hard to beat in this championship, their attitude & work rate has to be admired, however they are short on firepower Zane aside, I think Ballinakill will stay in the Senior ranks, but Camross will win this on Sunday evening
The Final game of the weekend should also be the best game of the weekend, the champions are quality and have great experience, however without Roddy & Paddy Purcell this turns into a must win game for Borris Kilcotton, and I think they will win it, their forwards were very impressive the last day, albeit against a poor outfit, they need to step up and win this one.