Anybody have a list of our provisional fixtures for the upcoming Div 2 after Xmas ?
Just heard Roscommon away in the first match .
Proposed League schedule:
26 Jan v Roscommon (A);
1 Feb v Armagh (H);
9 Feb v Cavan (H);
23 Feb v Clare (A);
29 Feb v Kildare (H);
15 Mar v Westmeath (A);
22 Mar v Fermanagh (A).
Anyone have the Armagh or Roscommon fixtures. Going to this game whatever the venue :o
Just looking at the teams in it we haven't a whole lot to be afraid of. Most of them teams would be of a similar standard to ourselves and we have beaten most of them in different competitions over the past 3or 4 years. Can't see us being relegated anyway
Quote from: Jd on October 18, 2019, 03:04:03 PM
Just looking at the teams in it we haven't a whole lot to be afraid of. Most of them teams would be of a similar standard to ourselves and we have beaten most of them in different competitions over the past 3or 4 years. Can't see us being relegated anyway
I dunno. I think what might have been the more "winnable" games are away. Can't see us getting anything in The Hyde so a home win v Armagh will be vital.
I think based on the new rule changes, I am right in saying that we need to find a big target man.
Quote from: Chrimtain on October 19, 2019, 09:54:07 PM
I think based on the new rule changes, I am right in saying that we need to find a big target man.
Big Dan is the man...
D Kingston and OCarroll are our main target men if that's what this new rule is all about so .
a simply disastrous set of fixtures, cannot see a home win coming....and if we end up bottom two, does this drop us to tier 2 of the championship?
Quote from: oneflewoverthecuckoonest on October 19, 2019, 11:28:00 PM
a simply disastrous set of fixtures, cannot see a home win coming....and if we end up bottom two, does this drop us to tier 2 of the championship?
Yes it will drop us to tier 2 , unless we get to a Leinster final which would allow us to compete in tier 1
Quote from: Laoiseabu on October 19, 2019, 11:39:01 PM
Quote from: oneflewoverthecuckoonest on October 19, 2019, 11:28:00 PM
a simply disastrous set of fixtures, cannot see a home win coming....and if we end up bottom two, does this drop us to tier 2 of the championship?
Yes it will drop us to tier 2 , unless we get to a Leinster final which would allow us to compete in tier 1
Hardly a disastrous set of fixtures, all the teams are of a similar standard imo. Surely if we are good enough we could beat the likes of Westmeath, Fermanagh or Cavan.
Im no fan of the tier 2 stuff but if Laois cannot stay in that division or get to a Leinster final then they do not deserve to compete at that level.
The new ruling will mean this will be the most competitive league season of all time.
Quote from: Joeythelips on October 21, 2019, 09:31:20 AM
Quote from: Laoiseabu on October 19, 2019, 11:39:01 PM
Quote from: oneflewoverthecuckoonest on October 19, 2019, 11:28:00 PM
a simply disastrous set of fixtures, cannot see a home win coming....and if we end up bottom two, does this drop us to tier 2 of the championship?
Yes it will drop us to tier 2 , unless we get to a Leinster final which would allow us to compete in tier 1
Hardly a disastrous set of fixtures, all the teams are of a similar standard imo. Surely if we are good enough we could beat the likes of Westmeath, Fermanagh or Cavan.
Im no fan of the tier 2 stuff but if Laois cannot stay in that division or get to a Leinster final then they do not deserve to compete at that level.
The new ruling will mean this will be the most competitive league season of all time.
Not an easy set of fixtures at the same time . Cavan just down from division 1 and last time we played Fermanagh up there 3 years ago we were beaten by 10 or 12 points I think . Westmeath and ourselves are up from division 3 this year and I'd say would be a similar level to ourselves judging by previous results and what I've seen of them . Really looking foward to it all kicking off .
Quote from: Joeythelips on October 21, 2019, 09:31:20 AM
Quote from: Laoiseabu on October 19, 2019, 11:39:01 PM
Quote from: oneflewoverthecuckoonest on October 19, 2019, 11:28:00 PM
a simply disastrous set of fixtures, cannot see a home win coming....and if we end up bottom two, does this drop us to tier 2 of the championship?
Yes it will drop us to tier 2 , unless we get to a Leinster final which would allow us to compete in tier 1
Hardly a disastrous set of fixtures, all the teams are of a similar standard imo. Surely if we are good enough we could beat the likes of Westmeath, Fermanagh or Cavan.
Im no fan of the tier 2 stuff but if Laois cannot stay in that division or get to a Leinster final then they do not deserve to compete at that level.
The new ruling will mean this will be the most competitive league season of all time.
- Any team could beat another but it will be ferocious. It will be ultra competitive, maybe more important than the championship. It forces players to have to train at full tilt in the miseries of an Irish winter and play well in February-April. Shows how broken it is. The sooner we have one 4-5 month inter-county season that runs through the summer months the better. Some dose to be facing a winter in the muck-and-shite and maybe getting relegated to division 3 all the same.
Also means well have to put alot stronger teams out in o byrne cup to get players match ready,and hopefully if donie is committing we will need him back earlier this year
Quote from: Laois fan on October 22, 2019, 03:22:05 PM
Also means well have to put alot stronger teams out in o byrne cup to get players match ready,and hopefully if donie is committing we will need him back earlier this year
Anyone know if Donie,Munnelly ,Timmons are commiting ? I think Attride could be going abroad
Munnelly yes to returning once again the others don't think so. Attride I think your correct there will be more defections.
Quote from: blueandwhite1 on October 22, 2019, 01:38:16 PM
The sooner we have one 4-5 month inter-county season that runs through the summer months the better.
That would kill the clubs though. It's bad enough trying to keep club teams going as it is but try telling your senior team that they have no games from April to August and you wouldn't be able to print the Aer Lingus boarding passes quickly enough.
Quote from: thegreeenandgold on October 22, 2019, 04:21:35 PM
Munnelly yes to returning once again the others don't think so. Attride I think your correct there will be more defections.
If your correct about Donie and Timmons we could be in for a tough year . Attride a big loss out of a backline that's in a transition period with new players like Robert Pigott, Paddy OSullivan etc
Quote from: SCFC on October 22, 2019, 04:32:05 PM
Quote from: blueandwhite1 on October 22, 2019, 01:38:16 PM
The sooner we have one 4-5 month inter-county season that runs through the summer months the better.
That would kill the clubs though. It's bad enough trying to keep club teams going as it is but try telling your senior team that they have no games from April to August and you wouldn't be able to print the Aer Lingus boarding passes quickly enough.
Intercounty season - April-July inclusive (4 months). Start training in January.
Club league season - April-July. No intercounty players. Start training whenever.
Club championship season - August, September, October.
Ah look, I know what you're aiming at. But league and All Ireland packed into 4 months ending in July? GPA wouldn't have it.
There's no real solution to the club v county issue. Greater minds than you and I cannot solve it. The April club month isn't the answer either.
Quote from: maddog on October 18, 2019, 02:51:16 PM
Anyone have the Armagh or Roscommon fixtures. Going to this game whatever the venue :o
It's at the Athletic Grounds apparently
I hear there is quite a few non committals going into the new campaign which is disappointing but understanding at the same time .
Quote from: les Antiques on October 22, 2019, 11:49:31 PM
I hear there is quite a few non committals going into the new campaign which is disappointing but understanding at the same time .
Could u confirm any names ?
Quote from: Laoiseabu on October 22, 2019, 11:59:40 PM
Quote from: les Antiques on October 22, 2019, 11:49:31 PM
I hear there is quite a few non committals going into the new campaign which is disappointing but understanding at the same time .
Could u confirm any names ?
There won't be too many leaving according to this article..
New addition to Laois senior football management as former Killeshin boss named selectorhttps://www.laoistoday.ie/2019/10/22/new-addition-to-laois-senior-football-management-as-former-killeshin-boss-named-selector/
Let's see and you can slate me if I am wrong I would expect 4-5 defections from last years panel.
It is completely natural and probably desirable that some lads move on. Quite a few of them have soldiered for years for the county, gave great service, but probably don't have the legs for it anymore. Our biggest challenge will be whether the quality coming through will be able to step up. This has been coming for years though. We are living off that 2007 U-21 team for 12 years now.
Let's not pretend everything is rosy here. The players invested in Sugrue and that investment was bearing fruit. The CB might be happy enough to hit Reset, but a lot of us, including some of the players, are still very unhappy about the whole affair.
Quote from: High Fielder on October 23, 2019, 09:49:36 AM
Let's not pretend everything is rosy here. The players invested in Sugrue and that investment was bearing fruit. The CB might be happy enough to hit Reset, but a lot of us, including some of the players, are still very unhappy about the whole affair.
So what would you suggest exactly?
Nothing. What happened happened. But harm was done and if players depart because of it, I would absolutely understand. It was hard enough for supporters to swallow. These lads worked closely with Sugrue and you can't just throw two good years down the drain. For all they and we know, Quirke could be a dud. It's not easy being asked to buy into new ideas when you were perfectly happy with what you had.
Confirmation this morning on social media that Stephen Attride is in Australia for the season .
The Sugrue departure has a left a sour taste among some of the players. He had a great representation from Portlaoise the past two years . It will remain to be seem whether the same number will make themselves available.
I don't think Donie is committing this year .
Anyway onwards and upwards Division 2 will be a minefield especially for what's at stake .
Quirke is friendly with Sugrue and spoke with him before taking the job. If Sugrues departure ended on a sour note dont you think he would have said it to Quirke?
I have a view on why Sugrue left...Some players did inform him they were packing it in and he then decided to quit. I think Donie was one of them. A few other younger lads are travelling. All the signs are for bleak period ahead in afraid
Quote from: The Monument Road on October 24, 2019, 05:29:51 PM
I have a view on why Sugrue left...Some players did inform him they were packing it in and he then decided to quit. I think Donie was one of them. A few other younger lads are travelling. All the signs are for bleak period ahead in afraid
Don't know if what you are saying is true about Sugrue but I do tend to agree with you that we have a difficult season coming. With how small our resources are in this county, we really can't afford to go into Division 2 without our captain, Stephen Attride, and our best forward for the last number of years, Donie Kingston.
There will be opportunities for some of the young lads now, but they might take a while to get used to senior inter-county football. It would be a pleasant surprise if we were to avoid relegation in Division 2.
Quote from: Butch Cassidy on October 24, 2019, 05:01:00 PM
Quirke is friendly with Sugrue and spoke with him before taking the job. If Sugrues departure ended on a sour note dont you think he would have said it to Quirke?
He probably did, but maybe he decided to take it anyway. Unlike Sugrue, I doubt he was in demand, and I say that with all due respect.
Quote from: Silkyskillssunshinee on October 24, 2019, 05:41:53 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on October 24, 2019, 05:29:51 PM
I have a view on why Sugrue left...Some players did inform him they were packing it in and he then decided to quit. I think Donie was one of them. A few other younger lads are travelling. All the signs are for bleak period ahead in afraid
Don't know if what you are saying is true about Sugrue but I do tend to agree with you that we have a difficult season coming. With how small our resources are in this county, we really can't afford to go into Division 2 without our captain, Stephen Attride, and our best forward for the last number of years, Donie Kingston.
There will be opportunities for some of the young lads now, but they might take a while to get used to senior inter-county football. It would be a pleasant surprise if we were to avoid relegation in Division 2.
It doesn't look good does it? Your captain and best forward walking away? On the back of successive promotions as well. It asks more questions about what really happened with Sugrue. But perhaps more importantly, it makes you wonder about the point of it all. I can always understand when the disaffected or marginalised walk away, but we seem to be doing a head count before the start of every season. And you can't blame lads in fairness. It's a tough gig, and between your career and family, there's more to life than the GAA.
Quote from: The Monument Road on October 24, 2019, 05:29:51 PM
I have a view on why Sugrue left...Some players did inform him they were packing it in and he then decided to quit. I think Donie was one of them. A few other younger lads are travelling. All the signs are for bleak period ahead in afraid
Would u have any more info on who else is traveling ??
Did donie not do the same last year with sugrue..
Quote from: welcomehome on October 24, 2019, 06:57:50 PM
Did donie not do the same last year with sugrue..
He did, he was playing a lot of basketball last year, not sure what he's at this year..
I think Attride has put in a good few years with Laois already and to classify it as walking away is unfair on the lad. He's young and probably has a few bob saved to go traveling and has decided to get it done before he gets older and life (marriage kids mortgage etc) takes over. His commitment is never in doubt so a break is well deserved. I don't know much about Donie but he seems like a lad who can take or leave it. An enormous talent and I always said he could be our Michael Murphy if he had applied himself the same way. Alas he hasn't and we'll never see what he should have been so maybe we should just move on without him and hopefully Evan blossoms into the super footballer he can be.
The emergence of Murphy from Port last year on the inter county scene can lessen the damage of Donie s absence .
Quote from: les Antiques on October 26, 2019, 03:36:47 PM
The emergence of Murphy from Port last year on the inter county scene can lessen the damage of Donie s absence .
There's no one in Laois capable of filling the boots of an on form Donie. Was unplayable on his day .
Quote from: Laoiseabu on October 26, 2019, 04:22:07 PM
Quote from: les Antiques on October 26, 2019, 03:36:47 PM
The emergence of Murphy from Port last year on the inter county scene can lessen the damage of Donie s absence .
There's no one in Laois capable of filling the boots of an on form Donie. Was unplayable on his day .
Where did I say Murphy was going to replace Donie s boots ?
Quote from: Silkyskillssunshinee on October 24, 2019, 05:41:53 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on October 24, 2019, 05:29:51 PM
I have a view on why Sugrue left...Some players did inform him they were packing it in and he then decided to quit. I think Donie was one of them. A few other younger lads are travelling. All the signs are for bleak period ahead in afraid
Don't know if what you are saying is true about Sugrue but I do tend to agree with you that we have a difficult season coming. With how small our resources are in this county, we really can't afford to go into Division 2 without our captain, Stephen Attride, and our best forward for the last number of years, Donie Kingston.
There will be opportunities for some of the young lads now, but they might take a while to get used to senior inter-county football. It would be a pleasant surprise if we were to avoid relegation in Division 2.
Don't mistake what I said for criticism. It's his life and he must do whatever is best for him. He's not under contract or any other obligation, but he is captain, and it wouldn't be normal for the captain to walk away. I'm sure it has happened before, particularly in counties like Laois, but it's still not ideal.
Quote from: Laoiseabu on October 26, 2019, 04:22:07 PM
Quote from: les Antiques on October 26, 2019, 03:36:47 PM
The emergence of Murphy from Port last year on the inter county scene can lessen the damage of Donie s absence .
There's no one in Laois capable of filling the boots of an on form Donie. Was unplayable on his day .
Agree 100 %. He was the only player Cork struggled with. At his best, he is miles ahead of every other forward in Laois.
Hopefully a few of last year's older U-20's step up and prove they belong at this level. Robert Tyrell and Eoin Dunne will hopefully bring freshness to an area that Laois have struggled with in recent times, at midfield.
Diarmuid Whelan had a great year with the U-20's last year as well and has physically bulked up. A full-forward line of Whelan, O'Carroll and Murphy could be interesting to see in action.
Quote from: High Fielder on October 26, 2019, 09:29:09 PM
Quote from: Laoiseabu on October 26, 2019, 04:22:07 PM
Quote from: les Antiques on October 26, 2019, 03:36:47 PM
The emergence of Murphy from Port last year on the inter county scene can lessen the damage of Donie s absence .
There's no one in Laois capable of filling the boots of an on form Donie. Was unplayable on his day .
Agree 100 %. He was the only player Cork struggled with. At his best, he is miles ahead of every other forward in Laois.
And, thre is no point having someone who is not fully committed.
Quote from: Silkyskillssunshinee on October 26, 2019, 10:42:19 PM
Hopefully a few of last year's older U-20's step up and prove they belong at this level. Robert Tyrell and Eoin Dunne will hopefully bring freshness to an area that Laois have struggled with in recent times, at midfield.
Diarmuid Whelan had a great year with the U-20's last year as well and has physically bulked up. A full-forward line of Whelan, O'Carroll and Murphy could be interesting to see in action.
No idea who will or won't commit but we need to find some decent defenders. Corner backs in particular. I can see Saunders and O'Flynn playing if committed. Maybe Lacey of Ballylinan too.
Up front Whelan looks the part and maybe Kinsella and Barry will figure too.
Quote from: High Fielder on October 26, 2019, 09:29:09 PM
Quote from: Laoiseabu on October 26, 2019, 04:22:07 PM
Quote from: les Antiques on October 26, 2019, 03:36:47 PM
The emergence of Murphy from Port last year on the inter county scene can lessen the damage of Donie s absence .
There's no one in Laois capable of filling the boots of an on form Donie. Was unplayable on his day .
Agree 100 %. He was the only player Cork struggled with. At his best, he is miles ahead of every other forward in Laois.
Donie reminds me of Paul Pogba for Man United, he occasionally shows glimpses that he can do things others cannot (very occasionally in Pogbas case) and we can see the talent is there but its demonstrated too fleetingly. If he applied himself better he could easily be in the same bracket as Michael Murphy but until he does he will just be talked about on forums and on barstools of what he could have been imo.
Some of Laois best ever players were not necessarily the most skilful but the ones who applied themselves to being the best players they could be. Tom Kelly is a great example, he was not even the most skilful footballer in his own family and the year before Micko came along he was playing full back yet next year he wins an All star at centre back.
he also has an affect on the squad, everyone knows how talented he is but if he is not putting in the same shifts in training it can have a negative effect, something Sugrue seems to have tried to change.
If Mark Timmons does go, who are his possible replacements?
Quote from: Chrimtain on October 31, 2019, 11:31:30 AM
If Mark Timmons does go, who are his possible replacements?
[/quote
So far, nobody has stepped up to the mark. The same can be said of a number of positions on the field. People throw around names, mostly young lads, who have played in a position and did a good job on underage teams. But senior county football is worlds away from all that. Therefore, you either take the risk on the young lad you hope will develop, or, try and develop a player for a position like McNulty did with Meaney. Both options carry a fair amount of risk.
I have seen names being thrown around on here like they have already made it. Some are not doing enough for their club team to warrant the sort of praise being heaped on them. The exceptions tend to be instantly identifiable, but even O'Flynn had tough days with the Seniors last year. The potential was obvious though, and we haven't many like him.
Re. views on Donie above - in my opinion his languid style can sometimes give the misleading impression that he's not going flat out.
Hopefully he will be available next year as his absence would be a massive loss.
Quote from: Chrimtain on October 31, 2019, 11:31:30 AM
If Mark Timmons does go, who are his possible replacements?
There's loads of potential lads that can be thrown in to replace Timmons . Sure we have well over a hundred lads taking part in the divisional matches. But how many are good enough to stand in with Number 3 on their back and hold their own at senior inter county division 2 standard ? I've seen no one anyway up to that mark . You might get away In division 4 and maybe 3 but all your weaknesses will be shown up against better teams and that's what potentially awaits us in division 2.
I think Young Nerney is a good chap who got thrown in at the deep end as a very young lad and struggled a bit but will develop as he gets older. Halloran from courtwood looked good during the championship this year and seems to be a big fit fella who might do a job too
Sean Byrne or Jason Moore might be worth a shot there if they were stuck for personnel.
Quote from: Jd on October 31, 2019, 08:59:51 PM
I think Young Nerney is a good chap who got thrown in at the deep end as a very young lad and struggled a bit but will develop as he gets older. Halloran from courtwood looked good during the championship this year and seems to be a big fit fella who might do a job too
Nerney is a good example of the mess created by Sugrue's departure. He looks like a half decent player, but he got destroyed in Croke Park against Louth, and I'm sure he was benefiting from being around the panel. We're back to square one now and who knows how the change will affect him.
Quote from: High Fielder on November 01, 2019, 10:27:28 AM
Quote from: Jd on October 31, 2019, 08:59:51 PM
I think Young Nerney is a good chap who got thrown in at the deep end as a very young lad and struggled a bit but will develop as he gets older. Halloran from courtwood looked good during the championship this year and seems to be a big fit fella who might do a job too
Nerney is a good example of the mess created by Sugrue's departure. He looks like a half decent player, but he got destroyed in Croke Park against Louth, and I'm sure he was benefiting from being around the panel. We're back to square one now and who knows how the change will affect him.
Like I said before the cream should always rise to the top. If a player is good enough they should eventually come through ,if not well then tough luck. Sugrue going shouldn't have a huge effect on a young player . Players need to be able to take responsibility for their own lives and own dedication to football . You can't always be expecting a manager to spoon feed you.
Long story short , anyone that got a look in with Sugrue should be back again for another bite if they are interested enough and good enough . Just cause Sugrue goes dosent mean you should be at a disadvantage. It's just the start of a new chapter .
Bullshit. You can't just wash your hands of a very good man. New chapter me hole. This sort of talk is unrealistic and fanciful. We can't afford to sleepwalk out of a successful period, lose players and a good manager, and expect everything to go on as normal. I wouldn't want to be disrespectful to some players, but some of them are nowhere near good enough. It's hard to make that point without naming names, and I won't do that. But just because you're on a panel does not necessarily mean you can contribute to it.
All the guys that were tried under Sugrue but didn't nail down a place: Buggie , James Kelly, C Fennell, Crowley, Luttrell, Daly, Tyrell, S Byrne, Barry, D Whelan, Evan Lowry, Holland , C Finn, Aaron Dowling, Kinsella, M Keogh,A Farrell .That's only some of them. My point is Sugrue gave most of them their chance but were only on the fringes of the team . Sugrue going shouldnt mean they won't get another chance and there will be plenty of opportunities ahead for these lads . I don't agree Sugrues departure is a mess as regards younger players and any of these lads that are good enough will be back. It's up to themselves really to push on .
Quote from: High Fielder on November 01, 2019, 11:31:35 AM
Bullshit. You can't just wash your hands of a very good man. New chapter me hole. This sort of talk is unrealistic and fanciful. We can't afford to sleepwalk out of a successful period, lose players and a good manager, and expect everything to go on as normal. I wouldn't want to be disrespectful to some players, but some of them are nowhere near good enough. It's hard to make that point without naming names, and I won't do that. But just because you're on a panel does not necessarily mean you can contribute to it.
I know what your saying high fielder . There is a lot of lads on this Panel not good enough but what other choice do we have ? Personally I think if we still had Sugrue as manager we wouldn't survive in division 2 anyway . Look what Meath and Cork done with us ? The only half decent teams we played last year .
We fucked up with Sugrue. Somehow. We had momentum and he was a good judge. There are varying reports about who was at fault or the reasons for his departure, but from a purely coaching viewpoint, things were settled. Someone has shown a lack of ambition, and whoever that is has changed our direction. I'm not sure what we're really all about at the moment if we can't seem to motivate ourselves to stay part of a winning set-up. I find it absurd that good players would get us up to Division 2 and then walk away and hand it over to inferior players. That makes no sense to me at all.
How did we f**k up with surgu.?did he not want to leave ?he Did great work for two years but we didn't f**k up webwanted him to stay HE didn't want to Stay simple as I respect his decision as I predict a tough div 2 and a painful championship
Anyone standing out in the divisional championship who Quirke might bring in?
Anyone have fixtures for these games yet
Quote from: The PRO on November 04, 2019, 03:28:56 PM
Anyone standing out in the divisional championship who Quirke might bring in?
https://www.laoistoday.ie/2019/11/06/22-players-who-really-impressed-at-the-laois-divisional-football-competition/
What do you think of our new jerseys for 2020?
(https://pic8.co/sh/6vm9d0.jpg)
Not particularly impressed. The white hoop should be straight.
Why should the white hoop be straight ?
Quote from: Chrimtain on November 09, 2019, 04:00:23 PM
Quote from: les Antiques on November 09, 2019, 02:02:40 PM
Why should the white hoop be straight ?
Tradition.
When Laois won the Leinster in 2003 there was no white hoop on the jersey ;)
I would be a traditionalist too and would prefer to see a jersey with the hoop half way down. In these days of commercialism they will change the jerseys every so often and they need to change it somewhat. Still it would be good to see a design at some point that resembles the older jerseys.
Those 2003/2004 jerseys will be a collectors item in years to come. Still have mine packed away somewhere.
I liked the new jersey on first view, but the more I look the less I like it. They have a body warmer feel to them which is awful. I think I prefer the hoop on reflection.
I see where Gary Brennan and Jamie Malone aren't playing with Clare next year. Should improve our chances of two points a bit in that game anyway. Brennan in particular is a brilliant footballer.
Quote from: Heshs Umpire on October 18, 2019, 02:41:14 PM
Proposed League schedule:
26 Jan v Roscommon (A);
1 Feb v Armagh (H);
9 Feb v Cavan (H);
23 Feb v Clare (A);
29 Feb v Kildare (H);
15 Mar v Westmeath (A);
22 Mar v Fermanagh (A).
Dont expect much from the hyde. Should hopefully get the points vs Armagh. Cavan will be tough but not impossible. Clare should be picking up something. Kildare will be a good judge of two new management teams, would like to think we have a good chance of getting points. Would not like to be needing points going into the last two games, All the same there at our standard. Will be an interesting league campaign.
Quote from: The PRO on November 15, 2019, 12:00:57 PM
I see where Gary Brennan and Jamie Malone aren't playing with Clare next year. Should improve our chances of two points a bit in that game anyway. Brennan in particular is a brilliant footballer.
Also Kieran Martin will be not be part of the Westmeath set up this year .
Saying that it looks increasinnly likely Donie Kingston won't be part of the Laois set up in 2020.
Here is your National League Fixtures Diary for 2020
https://res.cloudinary.com/dvrbaruzq/image/upload/fl_attachment/hmp0wo7btebuzheq8rsa.pdf
Master Fixtures Booklet 2020
https://res.cloudinary.com/dvrbaruzq/image/upload/fl_attachment/thryoxsb0c0zvkiyvnev.pdf
Quote from: les Antiques on November 17, 2019, 10:39:03 AM
Quote from: The PRO on November 15, 2019, 12:00:57 PM
I see where Gary Brennan and Jamie Malone aren't playing with Clare next year. Should improve our chances of two points a bit in that game anyway. Brennan in particular is a brilliant footballer.
Also Kieran Martin will be not be part of the Westmeath set up this year .
Saying that it looks increasinnly likely Donie Kingston won't be part of the Laois set up in 2020.
whats up with donie? is it just he not committing or has he an injury. big loss if he does not commit
He has a condition called laziness
Extremely unfair comment to make regarding Donie Kingston. If Kingston wants to take a break from intercounty football then he deserves to do so without comments such as Batman's being thrown at him. He has played almost every year for the county since 2008. That's 11 out of 12 years of service to Laois football.
I think this article sums up why footballer with the talent of Donie Kingston might feel some disillusionment plodding along year after year with little or no chance of success. Hard to continually motivate yourself and give the time and dedication required to play at intercounty level with no meaningful end rewards.
https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/talented-peers-polarised-by-place-of-birth-37042692.html
Quote from: Laois Rising on December 04, 2019, 01:08:43 PM
Extremely unfair comment to make regarding Donie Kingston. If Kingston wants to take a break from intercounty football then he deserves to do so without comments such as Batman's being thrown at him. He has played almost every year for the county since 2008. That's 11 out of 12 years of service to Laois football.
I think this article sums up why footballer with the talent of Donie Kingston might feel some disillusionment plodding along year after year with little or no chance of success. Hard to continually motivate yourself and give the time and dedication required to play at intercounty level with no meaningful end rewards.
https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/talented-peers-polarised-by-place-of-birth-37042692.html
Agreed Donie and Paul two great servants of Laois, we were blessed to have them. There is going to be more deflections soon.
Quote from: Laois Rising on December 04, 2019, 01:08:43 PM
Extremely unfair comment to make regarding Donie Kingston. If Kingston wants to take a break from intercounty football then he deserves to do so without comments such as Batman's being thrown at him. He has played almost every year for the county since 2008. That's 11 out of 12 years of service to Laois football.
I think this article sums up why footballer with the talent of Donie Kingston might feel some disillusionment plodding along year after year with little or no chance of success. Hard to continually motivate yourself and give the time and dedication required to play at intercounty level with no meaningful end rewards.
https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/talented-peers-polarised-by-place-of-birth-37042692.html
Great article.
The two Kingston brothers confirmed gone from Laois panel for upcoming season. I expected Donie to go but I was surprised that Paul isn't there either. For me, Donie gone from the panel means that Laois are in huge relegation trouble for the league. Not sure we have the scores up front to stay up. Evan O'Carroll will need to step up in a big way this season.
I see on the positive side that Niall Corbet and Garry Comerford are on the panel. Corbet could easily find himself starting as well because Laois desperately need a free taker. Comerford was a player who I was very impressed with when Stradbally won championship in 2016. I imagine he'll have no problems getting up to speed fitness wise due to his last few years playing soccer at a high level.
Is Gary Walsh back on the panel?
Quote from: Silkyskillssunshinee on December 05, 2019, 09:05:33 AM
The two Kingston brothers confirmed gone from Laois panel for upcoming season. I expected Donie to go but I was surprised that Paul isn't there either. For me, Donie gone from the panel means that Laois are in huge relegation trouble for the league. Not sure we have the scores up front to stay up. Evan O'Carroll will need to step up in a big way this season.
I see on the positive side that Niall Corbet and Garry Comerford are on the panel. Corbet could easily find himself starting as well because Laois desperately need a free taker. Comerford was a player who I was very impressed with when Stradbally won championship in 2016. I imagine he'll have no problems getting up to speed fitness wise due to his last few years playing soccer at a high level.
Serious loss them two to a small county and will Evan stay injury free
Donie's commitment has been in doubt for the last few years. I think it's time to move on with lads who really want to wear the Jersey.
It's a big commitment and I don't and won't disrespect any lad who wants a break from it. I'd love to see Donie involved because he's out on his own in my opinion. But he's made his choice and he has to do what's right for him. It's nice to see different names coming in. There are opportunities there for those who are capable of stepping up
Quote from: Chrimtain on December 05, 2019, 10:17:35 PM
Donie's commitment has been in doubt for the last few years. I think it's time to move on with lads who really want to wear the Jersey.
I think this is a pretty serious insult to a man that has carried Laois for years. He is playing senior for Laois since he was 17 years of age up and down the divisions. His appetite to continue might be in doubt which is natural but to suggest that he hasn't been committed or didn't 'really want to wear the Jersey' is a pretty low and unfair blow.
I would agree that it's not right that, having spent a lot of time and effort representing Laois at different levels, that his commitment is called into question now.
On the other hand, I think that to suggest that he has "carried Laois" is also a serious over-representation of his contribution and is very unfair on the other good players that he has played with in the colours of Laois.
Speaking of good players that he played with, does anyone know if Brendan Quigley is finished with the county? If so, I think he deserves great thanks and credit from Laois supporters for his contribution over the years.
I agree wholeheartedly that we should be very grateful to players that give magnificent service to the county.
Brendan Quigley, Donie Kingston, John O'Loughlin and Mark Timmons suffered heartbreak in the All-Ireland U-21 final of 2007. Ever since they have brought nothing but honour on themselves and their county when they wore the Laois jersey. And not forgetting Ross Munnelly - he surely is the pride of the County Laois.
Quote from: The Boy Wonder on December 11, 2019, 12:03:34 AM
I agree wholeheartedly that we should be very grateful to players that give magnificent service to the county.
Brendan Quigley, Donie Kingston, John O'Loughlin and Mark Timmons suffered heartbreak in the All-Ireland U-21 final of 2007. Ever since they have brought nothing but honour on themselves and their county when they wore the Laois jersey. And not forgetting Ross Munnelly - he surely is the pride of the County Laois.
Ross Munnelly is phenomenal. Not once in his long career did he waver in his commitment. He's not the only one of course. O'Loughlin, Timmons and Begley have also shown huge desire to play over the years.
Fair difference in commitment between Ross Munnelly and Donie Kingston. Worlds apart.
Quote from: Batman!!! on December 11, 2019, 11:41:54 AM
Fair difference in commitment between Ross Munnelly and Donie Kingston. Worlds apart.
I agree but at the end of the day whether these lads want to dedicate their time to playing for a small county like Laois is completely up to them. They put in a lot of effort and usually get very little reward. Donie Kingston doesn't deserve to be called out like that.
I agree. This is actually getting ridiculous now, and it needs to stop. Comparing one fellas commitment to another proves nothing. Even mentioning it in passing is not on, as it implies upon reading that Donie doesn't care. I know nothing about him, but I do know he has given a lot of time to Laois. It is obvious that he has been committed. If that has changed, for whatever reason, then that is his business. He's probably a better footballer than some of the Dublin forwards, and doesn't get half the recognition or rewards. I'd understand if anyone wanted a break from that. This is a GAA problem and one they are ignoring. They and we cannot take for granted that lads are going to keep turning out for their county. Life is there to be enjoyed and modern life is an expensive business. We don't pay his bills and we don't pay for his holidays. So a bit of respect please.
Quote from: High Fielder on December 11, 2019, 12:55:04 PM
I agree. This is actually getting ridiculous now, and it needs to stop. Comparing one fellas commitment to another proves nothing. Even mentioning it in passing is not on, as it implies upon reading that Donie doesn't care. I know nothing about him, but I do know he has given a lot of time to Laois. It is obvious that he has been committed. If that has changed, for whatever reason, then that is his business. He's probably a better footballer than some of the Dublin forwards, and doesn't get half the recognition or rewards. I'd understand if anyone wanted a break from that. This is a GAA problem and one they are ignoring. They and we cannot take for granted that lads are going to keep turning out for their county. Life is there to be enjoyed and modern life is an expensive business. We don't pay his bills and we don't pay for his holidays. So a bit of respect please.
Great quote
Donie will be back for one last shot too
You simply cannot compare Donie and Ross, they are two completely different players with two completely different body types.
Ross is a small, athletic and nimble footballer while Donie is a big imposing man (super footballer to boot) and with that requires a lot more effort to stay fit to play inter county.
We have seen how the modern game has evolved and many inter county (even club players) are retiring a lot earlier due to the demands placed on their bodies especially those who aren't as naturally fit or as slight as others.
Donie would take far greater hardship in a game than Ross imo, while a hard shoulder may hurt Ross more there is absolutely no question that when you're a small athletic footballer you are able to use your pace and cuteness to evade challenges, unlike a less mobile player like Donie in comparison.
Kingston owes nothing to the Laois jersey, a super servant to his county and wish him all the best in the future with whatever he does.
I think this rather underestimates the effort Ross makes to keep himself fit. The amount of work he does is exceptional, which is why he's such a great role model for everyone else that wants to play at that level.
No I'm not taking anything away from the work Ross does to keep himself in top condition/shape, I'm merely pointing out that you can't compare like for like when one player is what 15/16 stone and 6ft 3 and other is well under 6ft and what 12 stone or so.
It would take far longer and requires more time/effort for Donie to stay fit than someone like Ross no question and maybe his body has had enough and simply can't take the demands anymore?
There are club teams in Laois back training already, it's practically a year long season now and I'm not surprised lads in their late 20's are packing in intercounty in their droves.
Something needs to be done asap.
Next thing we will have lads packing in for their clubs let alone intercounty 😂. What clubs In Laois are back training already ? Surely they should have the rest of 2019 off and start from a clean slate in 2020
Quote from: Pugwash on December 12, 2019, 01:57:21 PM
No I'm not taking anything away from the work Ross does to keep himself in top condition/shape, I'm merely pointing out that you can't compare like for like when one player is what 15/16 stone and 6ft 3 and other is well under 6ft and what 12 stone or so.
It would take far longer and requires more time/effort for Donie to stay fit than someone like Ross no question and maybe his body has had enough and simply can't take the demands anymore?
There are club teams in Laois back training already, it's practically a year long season now and I'm not surprised lads in their late 20's are packing in intercounty in their droves.
Something needs to be done asap.
I don't think there's any pyhsiological evidence to suggest it's easier for a small person to get fit than a tall person. Brendan Quigley has always managed to keep himself in great shape. Same for Evan O Carroll. Of course it's easier for a fit person to stay fit than an unfit one to get fit but that's a different argument.
I take the point that there are heavy demands on people to turn up for training etc. but isn't sport supposed to be something that is enjoyable for the participants? Of course people might have competing interests, which is fair enough, but I would have thought that that the default position for any player (especially good players) would be that they play if they can. In that sense, I can only assume that most of the lads who pull away are doing so because they have competing interests (whether its work, family, or other demands on their time) and not because it's too tough.
Don't think we could have asked for a tougher start in two weeks . Roscommon have some serious forwards who tend to prosper in the league . It's going to be interesting to see the make up of our full back line .
Can we take it that the Kingstons are not coming back?
Have you heard something to the contrary Chrimtain. The new mark rule for championship this year is made for a player like Kingston.
Very sorry to see that Brendan Quigley has called time on his inter-county career. He gave great service to Laois and was certainly one of the best fielders of a ball that I have every seen. Right up there along with Dara O Se in that aspect of the game. Would like to thank him for the memories and wish him well in the future.
If we were to choose the standout Laois midfielder over the past decade Brendan Quigley would get my vote.
Looking back I reckon Padraig Clancy was the Laois midfielder of the noughties (just edging out Noel Garvan).
Barney Maher was definitely our standout midfielder in the 1990s and back further we had great fielders in John Costello (80s) and Bobby Millar (70s).
Brendan Quigley certainly served his county well. Not alone could he pluck balls from the clouds, he was an excellent ball carrier who could take a score.
He was a very talented and stylish player. Hopefully another one or two midfielders will emerge in this new decade to keep up the proud tradition.
Niall Corbett; Trevor Collins, Mark Timmons, Gearoid Hanrahan; Sean O'Flynn, Robert Pigott, Patrick O'Sullivan; John O'Loughlin, Sean Byrne; Michael Keogh, Colm Murphy, Eoin Lowry; Mark Barry, Kieran Lillis, Evan O'Carroll.
Team along expected lines, not much in the way of options at present owing to unavailability and other players only coming back. interesting to see the subs to see who made the cut. Lillis will hardly stay in full forward with the new mark?? Poor Sigerson lads not getting a rest before their final.
Beat Tipp in a challenge last weekend quite well with Lillis doing quite well in the full forward line with the mark .
Brody , Benny Carroll , Healy and Dillon all on the panel for the league .
Tomorrow will be difficult particularly if Roscommon come out of the blocks flying .
Great result o carroll was outstanding
His rolling around on the ground lets him down every game though.
Excellent performance and result by the lads today, and still missing a good few from the starting 15 like brody and dillon etc. Massive work being put in and great to see the likes of hanranhan and healy back. wasn't very optimistic about the year but by all accounts the training and the setup has been top notch this winter with the lads having good things to say about mike and background team. Can't get carried away after 1 match but the signs are promising for a decent year. These group of fellas are trying their best and we are happy with that, well done all
real smash and grab, to be honest it didn't look likely after the penalty and Timmons black card. we had been poor for a lot of the second half but had hung in their with ross getting a few scores. Roscommon have themselves to blame trying to play down the clock instead of going for it with the extra man. Evan's goal started the comeback but also caused them to panic. He was having one of those days where he could miss a free, kick a point from the corner ,then lob one into the keeper and then kick a 45 and unforgivingly miss a one on one with the keeper. He has having a good tussle with the full back but spent as much time falling on the ground as he was standing up but probably didn't get half the frees he deserved. Maybe due to the battle he was having, was that he just let fly when the goal dropped in on him. it was some goal, a rocket. somehow we were back in the game and evan won the free on the half forward line for the second goal. After a conversation with the ref, ross took the free and screwed it in. in the middle of the bodies Lillis got it and lashed it into the corner and that was that.
We started well but missed three easy options before they scored from paly. it went toe to toe after that, we didn't commit many forward at times and kept them guessing changing our shape in the forwards. We really worked the mark well and one pre planned move saw lillis switch in, and immediately a ball was pinged into his chest and a good score from a mark. We made a lot of silly mistakes and they scored from a few. they sucked us in with the defense playing a very high line and a ball in behind saw smith score a goal. from the stand you could see it about to happen. They were far more aggressive in the second half and had the majority of possession. Their goal came from another mistake, lillis didn't hold a kick out and they broke fast through the centre, healy who had come on, was caught in two minds and didn't get the through ball and Timmons gambled on the tackle and got the black card. we didn't create a whole a lot until the last five minutes. Solid performance and good heart shown. Corbett didn't do a whole lot wrong and went on a solo run that brought him into the other half. backs in general were ok. Collins and o Flynn I thought were ok, hanrahan probably drew the short straw with their best forward. As usual the two midfielders did a lot of work, JOL got a right belt in the head and sat more in the holding role with Lillis bombing forward. He kicked some lovely scores. Byrne switched in and out of the area. Forwards were a mixed bag, Keogh got a nice score but appears very one sided, Barry handled a lot of ball and could be a good link man and murphy couldn't really get into it. Their were a number of subs with Ross kicking a few frees, it was great to see Healy back but he has a good bit to go and you would have to question his introduction. He ended up getting booked for a free and I thought he should have got to the ball for the goal but hopefully with improved fitness he will get better. Another tough game with ARMAGH NEXT WEEK.
Great report on the hop. To pull that result out of the fire in that way should do a lot for morale. Great leadership being shown by a few of the lads it must be said.
Well done Laois. A few more results like that and we might just stay in this division, which would be a great achievement.
Armagh calling! Taking a point off Roscommon wouldn't have been expected. I thought you were missing a number of strong players and that things were a bit flat!
How will you do against Armagh on Saturday night? Not much love lost there and Laois is a real bogey team for us - we probably owe you at least one!!
Armagh probably favourites - looked very good against Cavan from what I've seen of the highlights. But we've got good character in the team now and that counts for a lot. Should be interesting!
Don't know how we snook the draw but we did! It was a close game right up to the second goal and then I expected Roscommon to close the game out but they let it slip badly. Laois were a lot better than I expected. A lot of the younger lads who haven't played at this level before coped well.
I was surprised to see Healy come on. He doesn't have the build or speed of a modern footballer. I think it will be hard for him at this stage of his career to make a big impact.
Surprised to see Gary Walsh making an appearance too. Didn't know he was in with the county set up. With the retirements of the Kingston it will be good to have him as an option in the forwards.
I wasn't at the match, but heard we struggled in the half forward line. I wonder is Gareth Dillon an option there when he returns?
Quote from: Chrimtain on January 27, 2020, 02:40:17 PM
I wasn't at the match, but heard we struggled in the half forward line. I wonder is Gareth Dillon an option there when he returns?
I'd prefer to see Dillon at half-forward or half-back than at corner-back. He clearly shows his quality there for Portlaoise. Hopefully Hanrahan and Collins can solidify the corner-back positions as there own.
Quote from: APM on January 27, 2020, 10:25:32 AM
Armagh calling! Taking a point off Roscommon wouldn't have been expected. I thought you were missing a number of strong players and that things were a bit flat!
How will you do against Armagh on Saturday night? Not much love lost there and Laois is a real bogey team for us - we probably owe you at least one!!
was oisin o neill in the sigerson this year for Mary's, that's one serious player. surprised to see him listed at wing forward.
Quote from: recyclebin on January 27, 2020, 01:04:03 PM
I was surprised to see Healy come on. He doesn't have the build or speed of a modern footballer.
Well, if you say so then! See ya Cahir, man of the Laois championship many years, Laois' best player on many occasions, best attitude of any player in the whole country - Recycle bin says that you don't have what it takes to be on the Laois squad in 2020. Fairwell ;D ;D ::)
Were you in Roscommon? I was. He looked off the pace. He lives in England and is 33. He hasn't played inter county in years. I'm just commenting on what I saw.
I was shocked Healy came on too ...he was at fault for the goal .
But he wasnt as bad as people are making out.
O'Carroll and Lillis were the best players .
I thought Evan could have had more frees .
His contest with the Rossie marker was as tough as what you'd see in the 90s .
Corbett didn't do much wrong but Brody is just so good he must get back in soon .
Piggot was excellent too .
Noticeable how small we were compare to Roscommon
I think we will beat Armagh I hear all wasn't well in Cavan camp
Quote from: recyclebin on January 27, 2020, 10:20:41 PM
Were you in Roscommon? I was. He looked off the pace. He lives in England and is 33. He hasn't played inter county in years. I'm just commenting on what I saw.
In fairness he is only back from a long injury layoff, give him a few games before we can properly judge.
Quote from: Joeythelips on January 28, 2020, 08:35:22 AM
Quote from: recyclebin on January 27, 2020, 10:20:41 PM
Were you in Roscommon? I was. He looked off the pace. He lives in England and is 33. He hasn't played inter county in years. I'm just commenting on what I saw.
In fairness he is only back from a long injury layoff, give him a few games before we can properly judge.
Finally someone talking a bit of sense. It's january ffs and the other lads are writing him off already. He's trying his best for the county and only just back - the guy has a great history and huge potential to be a big part of our year in summer, and this joker is saying that he doesn't have the build or pace to be a modern footballer. As if we have a team of Diarmud Connolly's. Cahir deserves far far more respect than to be written off completely based on 20 mins of League football in Roscommon in January.
Quote from: Tony on January 28, 2020, 09:27:47 AM
Quote from: Joeythelips on January 28, 2020, 08:35:22 AM
Quote from: recyclebin on January 27, 2020, 10:20:41 PM
Were you in Roscommon? I was. He looked off the pace. He lives in England and is 33. He hasn't played inter county in years. I'm just commenting on what I saw.
In fairness he is only back from a long injury layoff, give him a few games before we can properly judge.
Finally someone talking a bit of sense. It's january ffs and the other lads are writing him off already. He's trying his best for the county and only just back - the guy has a great history and huge potential to be a big part of our year in summer, and this joker is saying that he doesn't have the build or pace to be a modern footballer. As if we have a team of Diarmud Connolly's. Cahir deserves far far more respect than to be written off completely based on 20 mins of League football in Roscommon in January.
Whatever about pace, Cahir is built like a tank. His reading of the game is phenomenal. Needs to be in a central position to have an impact, can't see him doing well on the wings or corners at this stage.
Quote from: blueandwhite1 on January 28, 2020, 10:06:42 AM
Quote from: Tony on January 28, 2020, 09:27:47 AM
Quote from: Joeythelips on January 28, 2020, 08:35:22 AM
Quote from: recyclebin on January 27, 2020, 10:20:41 PM
Were you in Roscommon? I was. He looked off the pace. He lives in England and is 33. He hasn't played inter county in years. I'm just commenting on what I saw.
In fairness he is only back from a long injury layoff, give him a few games before we can properly judge.
Finally someone talking a bit of sense. It's january ffs and the other lads are writing him off already. He's trying his best for the county and only just back - the guy has a great history and huge potential to be a big part of our year in summer, and this joker is saying that he doesn't have the build or pace to be a modern footballer. As if we have a team of Diarmud Connolly's. Cahir deserves far far more respect than to be written off completely based on 20 mins of League football in Roscommon in January.
Whatever about pace, Cahir is built like a tank. His reading of the game is phenomenal. Needs to be in a central position to have an impact, can't see him doing well on the wings or corners at this stage.
I fully agree, we do not have footballers who have the class or experience of Cahir, he would be ideal at centre back imo, as he could really influence a game.
Maybe if we gave him role mcgeeney had for armagh as in breaking up attacks and driving forward and allow someone else pick up centre forward,naturally at his age he will struggle with manmarking jobs
Nice to see the two goals, first goal was a beaut alright.
https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2020/0129/1111794-watch-evan-ocarrolls-stunning-goal-in-laois-comeback/ (https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2020/0129/1111794-watch-evan-ocarrolls-stunning-goal-in-laois-comeback/)
https://www.gaa.ie/football/news/mike-quirke-enjoying-laois-journey/ (https://www.gaa.ie/football/news/mike-quirke-enjoying-laois-journey/)
One change for the weekend, Brian Byrne starts instead of Collins
Quote from: on the hop on January 30, 2020, 07:51:09 PM
One change for the weekend, Brian Byrne starts instead of Collins
Niall Corbett (Clonaslee)
Brian Byrne (Graiguecullen), Mark Timmons (Graiguecullen), Gearoid Hanrahan (Mountmellick)
Sean O'Flynn (Courtwood), Robbie Pigott (Portarlington), Paddy O'Sullivan (Portarlington)
John O'Loughlin (Rosenallis), Sean Byrne (Portarlington)
Michael Keogh (St Joseph's), Colm Murphy (Portarlington), Eoin Lowry (Killeshin)
Mark Barry (O'Dempsey's), Kieran Lillis (Portlaoise), Evan O'Carroll (Crettyard).
Laois team v. Westmeath in the league 3 final last year.
Plenty of changes between this team and the team named for Saturday night. Great to have so many lads of the standard available for county. Bar the Kingstons and Attride how many of the rest are still involved or will be involved this year.
V Westmeath 2019
LAOIS: Graham Brody; Stephen Attride, Mark Timmons, Gareth Dillon; Trevor Collins, Colm Begley, Sean O'Flynn; John O'Loughlin, Kieran Lillis; Eoin Lowry, Conor Boyle, Martin Scully; Donie Kingston, Paul Cahillane, Evan O'Carroll.
Subs: Ross Munnelly for Lowry (48), Benny Carroll for Boyle (48), Brendan Quigley for Lillis (57), Paul Kingston for Cahillane (57), Damien O'Connor for Scully (67).
Wouldn't read too much into last Sunday . The first game of any National League can be erratic with results and performances .
Two home matches on the horizon against Armagh and Cavan . If we Manage two wins it would go long way in securing Division 2 status . Armagh are on a high after demoishing Cavan . Can see Saturday night being a high scoring affair .
Is Marty Scully involved this year. In my opinion he was one of our outstanding players last year and it would be awful if he was gone as this year would be massive for him..
Scully is involved .
I'd expect him to play some part on Saturday
Why the early throw inn ?
Quote from: Junior Ex Laoistalk on January 31, 2020, 11:17:32 PM
Is Marty Scully involved this year. In my opinion he was one of our outstanding players last year and it would be awful if he was gone as this year would be massive for him..
Junior Ex Laoistalk, i was just thinking the exact same thing not a word about him yet this year and he was one of our best players last year i just hope he is still involved.
Quote from: Unlaoised on February 01, 2020, 07:00:25 AM
Scully is involved .
I'd expect him to play some part on Saturday
Why the early throw inn ?
Ah now even with 6pm throw in I'll be lucky to be home before midnight.
Quote from: bluespower on February 01, 2020, 07:01:13 AM
Quote from: Junior Ex Laoistalk on January 31, 2020, 11:17:32 PM
Is Marty Scully involved this year. In my opinion he was one of our outstanding players last year and it would be awful if he was gone as this year would be massive for him..
Junior Ex Laoistalk, i was just thinking the exact same thing not a word about him yet this year and he was one of our best players last year i just hope he is still involved.
Good to hear that he's part of the panel again this year. Is Daniel O'Reilly playing at all anymore, didn't see him play with Graiguecullen at all last year. He must have suffered more than people know from that horrible attack in Carlow.
https://www.thesun.ie/news/4292194/brendan-keating-assault-carlow-laois-gaa-daniel-oreilly-sentencing/
https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/highlights-from-newstalk-breakfast/laois-footballer-daniel-oreilly-coming-back-skull-fracture
Bloody Hell, What a performance tonight, just super,
Quote from: vetoldthe on February 01, 2020, 08:31:49 PM
Bloody Hell, What a performance tonight, just super,
Yeah I couldn't agree more. Those lads got through some amount of work. I wasn't expecting anything like that and even if they had lost, which they never looked like doing, they would have impressed with their honesty, A great team and panel effort, and as someone who was broken hearted to see Sugrue leave, I have to say tonight would give you hope. Armagh looked over worked , tired and slow, but then again we dictated the pace for all bar about 10 minutes of the game. Evan O'Carroll looks reborn.
Armagh always lose to Laois and we were brutal today. As was the referee - for both teams. Laois very impressive in the way they managed the game. The pitch seems to need a bit of remedial work.
I thought first half lacked intensity. Both teams were bluntbfornfirst 20 minutes or so and then we got a run of points near the end of the half. Second half they upped the intensity but after about 5 or ten minutes we matched it. We never looked under pressure.
Full back line played well. Piggot Lowry lillis Evan Barry were all noticbly good.
Ref was shocking. Think overall we got more than Armagh. But he seemed to miss a lot.
Fantastic effort from all of them. Armagh were bad in the first half but they came out firing in the second. The intensity went up several notches and they were right back in the game. It was a serious test for the character of our younger players and they stood up to it. We got a few important scores and settled things down. Still early season games and a lot of work to be done but very encouraging. I thought Byrne had a very good debut. Timmons was great, don't know what we're going to do when he's gone. Midfield were good, O Carroll will be our main man, it's just a pity his conversion rate isn't higher. Corbett is very comfortable on the ball obviously, looked a bit suspect under the high ball that was sent in so further tests to come for him. Piggott is a tight marker, he does give the ball away a lot though. Murphy was quiet. Overall we played some nice stuff, were set up well, team spirit looks good and they put everything into it. Can't ask for more than that.
Quote from: Nameless on February 01, 2020, 10:08:11 PM
Overall we played some nice stuff, were set up well, team spirit looks good and they put everything into it. Can't ask for more than that.
From an Armagh visitor, I think Laois can take some pride in their team.
Quote from: armaghniac on February 01, 2020, 10:33:18 PM
Quote from: Nameless on February 01, 2020, 10:08:11 PM
Overall we played some nice stuff, were set up well, team spirit looks good and they put everything into it. Can't ask for more than that.
From an Armagh visitor, I think Laois can take some pride in their team.
That reminds me of another thing I was going to say. We all know it at this stage but our support is pathetic. It was a nice evening for February, dry and not that cold, there's no excuse to be outnumbered by a county 2 and a half hours away. When Armagh were getting back in the game, the noise from the crowd was boosting them. As you say, Laois people should have pride in this team, they deserve our support.
Great performance tonight. Timmons kicked some point before half time. Coming into the league I was worried that we might have reached our max level and might struggle but it looks like we've kicked on another gear again this year which is great to see.
Quote from: Throw ball on February 01, 2020, 09:02:17 PM
Armagh always lose to Laois and we were brutal today. As was the referee - for both teams. Laois very impressive in the way they managed the game. The pitch seems to need a bit of remedial work.
Mike Quirke has got the lads working well as a team and playing intelligently. Brian Byrne had a brilliant debut in the corner, Mark Timmons was at his best and the defence as a whole played very well. JOL, Lillis and O'Carroll are showing great leadership for the younger lads coming through.
Laois bossed this game for the most part - Armagh seemed to lack that bit of steel that used be part of their successful teams.
Re. the pitch - it did seem a bit bare. Overuse ?
Very good two points tonight against a pretty disappointing Armagh team who briefly showed up at the start of the second half. Nevertheless it's clear to see there's plan and structure in place and Quirke has them motoring along nicely even if it's only February.
Byrne and Timmons were excellent and O'Carroll seems to be prospering as our marquee forward with Donie off the Scene.
People are going on about the pitch been bare etc . What do we expect ? O 'Moore Park has been blatantly overused the past 24 months with every possible club senior football and hurling championship match been played there . Throw in the numerous inter-county games . It clearly needs attention and some rest time.
Our support is embarrassing. As said before the Laois players deserve a lot better .
Quote from: BallyroanAbu on February 02, 2020, 10:22:27 AM
Super result tonight, to be honest we are in a great position way better than I imagined. On the Laois Crowd we have always been a sceptical fan base and these two past results should bring a good crowd to Portlaoise next Sunday. On the pitch I'd say the bare look is due to lack of grass growth at this time of year. Plenty of premiership pitches get far more use but would have the capacity and money to keep growth.
€20 dosent help the crowd either. What's wrong with €10 charge? Gets a bigger crowd and bigger atmosphere. I understand it's the National GAA who makes the price but I think €20 is harsh. A family of 4 with two over 16's would be €80. And that's without petrol or food
Quote from: The Boy Wonder on February 01, 2020, 11:19:00 PM
Quote from: Throw ball on February 01, 2020, 09:02:17 PM
Armagh always lose to Laois and we were brutal today. As was the referee - for both teams. Laois very impressive in the way they managed the game. The pitch seems to need a bit of remedial work.
Re. the pitch - it did seem a bit bare. Overuse ?
They should really look at putting dugouts the other side of the terrace like Tullamore as the stand side gets awful doing every match. Might take a bit of pressure off the stand line which is nothing short of a disgrace. Running the risk of serious injury the way it is at the minute. Of course being overused no doubt contributes massively.
Re: last night a good win not too many would have predicted 3 points from 4 in our first 2 games. Brian Byrne hopefully will be a great find going forward. Defence were calm and composed on the ball and not afraid to run at Armagh who were very poor. Evan was brilliant with the ball he got. Corbett looks very calm with the ball. It will be interesting to see if his free taking skills be required over the course of the league. Probably one of the best free takers off the ground in the county at the minute.
Set up nicely for next weekend against Cavan who will be another tough game despite their result against Armagh. Division 2 will be a dogfight so every point counts to stay up.
Fantastic display, real fighting spirit shown. Well set up, too. Lacking that bit of quality in some areas but it's not for lack of trying. Seems to be great spirit in the group.
Interview with Mike Quirke, post Armagh match : https://soundcloud.com/midlandssport/laois-beat-armagh
Quote from: Nameless on February 01, 2020, 10:57:20 PM
Quote from: armaghniac on February 01, 2020, 10:33:18 PM
Quote from: Nameless on February 01, 2020, 10:08:11 PM
Overall we played some nice stuff, were set up well, team spirit looks good and they put everything into it. Can't ask for more than that.
From an Armagh visitor, I think Laois can take some pride in their team.
That reminds me of another thing I was going to say. We all know it at this stage but our support is pathetic. It was a nice evening for February, dry and not that cold, there's no excuse to be outnumbered by a county 2 and a half hours away. When Armagh were getting back in the game, the noise from the crowd was boosting them. As you say, Laois people should have pride in this team, they deserve our support.
couldn't agree more but laois is laois and always will be , laois people always have an opinion on the teams but never back them up by actually going to a match.
Laois played well last night, I suppose the best judge of the result is that Armagh supporters were completely sick with the result, as if it was an insult that they lose to us. Fair play to our lads they played well and there is more to come hopefully, itll be a rocky road but sure to the true laois supporters that's par for the course.
Laois abu.
Never thought I'd see this in Div2. this year. I know its early but let's enjoy it... :)
(https://pic8.co/sh/TGDIG0.JPG)
When is the last time Armagh beat Laois in the league ?was not at the game I listened to bits on the wireless great entertainment a great win seems good work with a different way of playing so the good work rolls on it looks like well done to the players involved
Quote from: town1980 on February 02, 2020, 09:57:53 PM
When is the last time Armagh beat Laois in the league ?was not at the game I listened to bits on the wireless great entertainment a great win seems good work with a different way of playing so the good work rolls on it looks like well done to the players involved
2014 up in Armagh last time we were beaten by them 2:18 to 1.12 if I'm not mistaken.
The supporters in Laois are an odd bunch. A few years ago, the stand was packed and the roof came off when Stradbally beat Portlaoise. There was a good spread of clubs represented last night and the place was empty. I don't get it. I never have done. It's like most people are happy to see players develop, but abandon them if they wear the county jersey. Yes it's too expensive and yes we're a bit of a mess in terms of lads drifting away prematurely. But they're still lads who play for our clubs, and because of that, we should support them. Otherwise what's the point in the first place?
Quote from: Helix. on February 02, 2020, 10:04:03 PM
Quote from: town1980 on February 02, 2020, 09:57:53 PM
When is the last time Armagh beat Laois in the league ?was not at the game I listened to bits on the wireless great entertainment a great win seems good work with a different way of playing so the good work rolls on it looks like well done to the players involved
2014 up in Armagh last time we were beaten by them 2:18 to 1.12 if I'm not mistaken.
And we have a good clatter of Championship wins against them in recent years too.
Great win but just like posters losing their S**t that we have lost players or lost an O'Byrne cup game we should also temper our optimism as it is still February so we cannot fully judge yet.
The good thing is at least it seems there is a good set up in place as there were question marks over Quirke so he seems to be running a good ship and the players are buying into it, which is no mean achievement seeing as we lost 3 of our best players from last year before a ball was kicked.
Quote from: Joeythelips on February 03, 2020, 10:38:50 AM
we lost 3 of our best players from last year before a ball was kicked.
I'd argue the only big miss from last year is Attride. Donie hasn't been fully fit for years now and Paul is very inconsistent.
What struck me most about Satuday night was the workrate of our forwards. That's something we haven't really seen for a while. Mark Barry must have covered every blade of grass (especially when we went down to 14), Lillis popped up all over the place, Evan was continually moving. That level of workrate from the full forward line had been missing for a while and it counts for a lot.
By the way, I thought Hanrahan has a great game (despite apparently picking up an injury early in the game) on Turbitt and Byrne had a very good debut. Timmons was also excellent and got an outrageous point for himself. Robbie Piggot was also excellent I thought and made one outstanding and important block in the first half.
But the main thing is the workrate. It's great to see it.
On the downside, I still think there is work to be done on the tackling. You could see Armagh have worked a lot on this. They gave away a lot of frees (so maybe they haven't worked enough on it) but their tackling did seem a bit more effective than ours.
Overall, great to see. There are still plenty of good players in Laois.
Quote from: The PRO on February 03, 2020, 10:50:26 AM
Quote from: Joeythelips on February 03, 2020, 10:38:50 AM
we lost 3 of our best players from last year before a ball was kicked.
I'd argue the only big miss from last year is Attride. Donie hasn't been fully fit for years now and Paul is very inconsistent.
All 3 of them would still walk back onto that team.
Quote from: blueandwhite1 on February 03, 2020, 11:41:38 AM
Quote from: The PRO on February 03, 2020, 10:50:26 AM
Quote from: Joeythelips on February 03, 2020, 10:38:50 AM
we lost 3 of our best players from last year before a ball was kicked.
I'd argue the only big miss from last year is Attride. Donie hasn't been fully fit for years now and Paul is very inconsistent.
All 3 of them would still walk back onto that team.
Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe the days that lads "walk back" into the Laois team are gone and that mightn't be a bad thing.
Yes, we need to lose the attitude that lads can walk back into a team. Quirke seems to have adopted the attitude that they can't.
Regarding the support - I think it will come good. Support last couple of years has been good. I think a lot of people were disheartened seeing Sugrue go, as well as the Kingstons and Attride. Not many people had hope for us this year and the buzz was very low around the place regarding our chances in 2020. But I think if we continue to see performances like we have done, the crowd will return again. Like Sugrue said, you have to give people a reason to want to show up and support, and I feel like we'll have the good support from 2018/2019 back for 2020 shortly.
Quote from: Chrimtain on February 03, 2020, 12:43:48 PM
Yes, we need to lose the attitude that lads can walk back into a team. Quirke seems to have adopted the attitude that they can't.
Yeah right. So they will sit on the bench for a few weeks, work hard in training, a big game will come and they will make a substitutes appearance after which they will be wholly redeemed and the fact that they weren't around for several months will be forgotten about. Sure hasn't every manager in recent times had the attitude that lads can't walk back onto the team. After they do their penance it is all forgotten about. If Donie K wanted to be involved he would be a key player come championship time.
Fantastic start to the league. Nobody would have thought that Laois would be top of the division after two games, games that were arguably two of toughest in the league, Kildare aside. In saying that though the results yesterday show that nothing is a given in this league. As things stand there is nothing between teams and a fair spread of points.
If Laois continue to perform like they have they will be there or thereabouts at the end. Not sure if i'd be overly enthusiastic about getting promoted thiough. Meath are struggling big time and there does seem to be quite a gap still between the top 6 or 7 and the rest.
I thought the support was okay .
Lots there from Armagh but good spatter from Laois and they gave them a great reception going off at half time .
Here is my ratings for what its worth
I respect every player in a county shirt it's only an opinion and I don't mean to cause any offence
CORBET -7 Decent kickouts and comfortable going forward with the ball one really hairy moment but looks the part .
BYRNE-8 What a debut what a find .composed tenacious and scored a great point .Hopefully more to come .
TIMMONS -9 Like a good red wine getting better with age .His point was worth the extra fiver admission fee .
HANRAHAN -7 Solid looks very fit and strong great option there with Attride missing
O'FLYNN -7 Did well in spells and his harrying was good.Nice reader of the game too
PIGOTT -8 One of his best games in a Laois shirt .Strong and hardy blocks up the middle well .
Once he keeps the temper in check and his distribution simple he will be player for manys a year.
O'SULLIVAN -6 Some good things and bad things .3 very wayward passes in the first half one which could have cost us a goal but great speed and he will grow into this team.
O'LOUGHLIN -8 Looks trim and in great condition .started slowly but by the end he was in control of the middle .
Great at tackling the ball in the contact something all our lads could learn .
BYRNE-7 worked hard got on a lot of break ball and shows great drive going forward can only get better
KEOGH -7 Quiet in spells but did score a great opening point for Laois
MURPHY -6 Not one of his better games but was double marked for a lot of it did draw a great foul near the end to kill the game .He will improve cause he has it all to be a real important player for us .
LOWRY -8 Got through an ocean of work before his harsh black card .did well when he came on aswell .
Good intelligence on the ball and off it .
BARRY -8 Excellent on the frees ,Munnelly must be helping him a very similiar style .
Lovely point at the end too .
LILLIS -8 Great composure on the ball ,He was everywhere and broke some great ball from our own kickouts .
Nice point in the first half aswell
O'CARROLL- 9 What a player when fit .
Won so much ball and was Laois's main target in there .Was unplayable at times .bit more composure and he could have kicked 10 points
Collins Munnelly o connor Healy and Connolly all did well when they came in
Especially Collins and Healy who tightened up the backs and added fresh legs at a vital time .
Overall as a fan I can't wait for the next game .
The players must feel the same
Rumours that the Kingstons could be coming back maybe Dillion too ?
If Begley and Attride are also knocking around towards the end of the league we will have a strong 30 to pick from
Quote from: vetoldthe on February 04, 2020, 02:30:11 PM
Fair post Unlaoised, Think you may have left out one of the starting 15.
Who ?
Sorry my mistake, must be old age,
Quote from: Unlaoised on February 04, 2020, 09:19:19 AM
Rumours that the Kingstons could be coming back maybe Dillion too ?
If Begley and Attride are also knocking around towards the end of the league we will have a strong 30 to pick from
What is it with the Kingstons, why can't they either commit or not and stop this silliness. I hope i'm wrong but it seems like they wait in the wings to see how
things are working out then decide if they will play or not. Personally I think we are playing better football without a marquee player like Donie who is so good
that some of the other lads feel they can sit back a bit and he will win it for us.
Now that he's not there everyone is standing up and doing that extra bit and this is plain to be seen by anyone who has attended both games so far.
Lillis and Evan are flying, better than I have seen them in a long time so if they do come back I would be leaving them on the line for a long time, if only for the
sake of the team and the guy's who would lose out to make way for them.
Where is Begley by the way ?
In my opinion it is only right and proper that long-serving players like Donie can take a break and then be welcomed back into the fold without any rancour. Like everyone else these players need to devote time to their education, careers and personal lives. When Donie took a break last year I think it benefitted both himself and Laois as he came back refreshed with the batteries fully recharged.
I would agree that his absence so far this year has been a blessing in disguise as Junior says. As he is no longer the focal point of the attack we have had to adapt our tactics, other players have had to shoulder more of the load and results have been positive so far. This doesn't mean that Donie could not slot back in if and when he became available.
Personally, I would have the work rate and commitment of the lads we have now all day long.
If Donie, or anyone else, wants to match that work rate and commitment then of course he could be welcomed but he hasn't (and hasn't for quite a long time) so that's all there is to it. Unachieved potential will not dig out a draw for you in Roscommon against the odds.
This is not to denigrate the lad in any way. He may have different priorities and if he does it's only right that he steps away. You can't succeed at that level if you don't commit fully.
Begley injured.
Dillon and Kingston's x2 not coming back.
Now let's move on with what's available
Quote from: Giovanni on February 05, 2020, 11:41:32 AM
Personally, I would have the work rate and commitment of the lads we have now all day long.
If Donie, or anyone else, wants to match that work rate and commitment then of course he could be welcomed but he hasn't (and hasn't for quite a long time) so that's all there is to it. Unachieved potential will not dig out a draw for you in Roscommon against the odds.
This is not to denigrate the lad in any way. He may have different priorities and if he does it's only right that he steps away. You can't succeed at that level if you don't commit fully.
Nothing wrong with Donie's work rate last year. If you want to go through the matches last year chap gave it all for Laois.
I suppose he is the only one who will know that for sure. He missed a lot of games over the last several years because he wasn't sure if he wanted to commit. He hasn't been our best performer for any of the last several years either. But that's all his business. I would much prefer if the supporters focused on the people that are definitely committing.
Quote from: Batman!!! on February 05, 2020, 10:13:33 PM
Begley injured.
Dillon and Kingston's x2 not coming back.
Dillon is definitely coming back. 2-3 weeks
Now let's move on with what's available
Quote from: Giovanni on February 06, 2020, 09:01:22 AM
I suppose he is the only one who will know that for sure. He missed a lot of games over the last several years because he wasn't sure if he wanted to commit. He hasn't been our best performer for any of the last several years either. But that's all his business. I would much prefer if the supporters focused on the people that are definitely committing.
Really - what forward was better than Donie in the last several years? You are on cloud 9.
Quote from: blueandwhite1 on February 06, 2020, 09:24:14 AM
Quote from: Giovanni on February 06, 2020, 09:01:22 AM
I suppose he is the only one who will know that for sure. He missed a lot of games over the last several years because he wasn't sure if he wanted to commit. He hasn't been our best performer for any of the last several years either. But that's all his business. I would much prefer if the supporters focused on the people that are definitely committing.
Really - what forward was better than Donie in the last several years? You are on cloud 9.
He didn't say forward. He said "best performer".
Donie is a brilliant, brilliant player but hasn't been operating at 100% fitness for years now.
The likes of Attride, JOL, Brody have all performed better over the last number of years.
I would add Kieran Lillis, Martin Scully, Evan O Carroll, Mark Timmons and Colm Begley to that list.
The workrate and performance level of Mark Barry last weekend was as high as we've seen from any Laois forward for a long time. I wouldn't be in a big hurry to change that.
I agree that last weekend was on a different level in terms of work rate. And I'm not so sure that Donie would fit into that system. But it's important to remember his many contributions to the jersey. He was and is a very fine individual player. Is he a luxury we cannot afford? For the first time ever for me anyway, last weekend suggested that might be the case. I was genuinely surprised at the level of intensity and work we brought to the table. That hasn't been there in the longest time, and it's very welcome back. Long may it last, win lose or draw.
Fully agree HF.
For me, this article is hugely encouraging because it understands the importance of the county team at so many levels.
https://www.laoistoday.ie/2020/02/07/laois-football-boss-wants-to-create-stronger-bond-between-team-and-supporters/
Quote from: Giovanni on February 07, 2020, 09:16:41 AM
Fully agree HF.
For me, this article is hugely encouraging because it understands the importance of the county team at so many levels.
https://www.laoistoday.ie/2020/02/07/laois-football-boss-wants-to-create-stronger-bond-between-team-and-supporters/
Interesting read.
The day is wrong on this, should be Sunday 9th Feb...
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EQM7ztGWoAAVsoF.jpg:small)
Awful day out there. I'd be amazed if this game goes ahead today, and with people traveling a fair distance, an early update is needed. The pitch wasn't great last Saturday night anyway, and it's due to be a double header too
Laois v Cavan has been called off
https://twitter.com/CLGLaois/status/1226427267858993152
Good work by Laois GAA. Get the message out as early as possible and save people a wasted journey.
We can all head to the count centre in Portlaoise now to look at the best connected people in the Constituency clap each other on the back for being the best connected people in the Constituency. What a racket
Any word on the refixed Cavan game? Next Sunday I assume?
Quote from: High Fielder on February 09, 2020, 08:56:08 AM
Good work by Laois GAA. Get the message out as early as possible and save people a wasted journey.
We can all head to the count centre in Portlaoise now to look at the best connected people in the Constituency clap each other on the back for being the best connected people in the Constituency. What a racket
You're getting political there HF, nice segway :D :D
Cavan match to be played next Sunday at 1PM.
Match time has been changed to 2pm.
Went to my local SuperValu today to buy tickets and they were charging full €20 instead of pre-purchase price of €15.
I didn't purchase and checked on GAA.ie later - it does show pre-purchase price should be €15.
Back to SuperValu tomorrow - maybe their system didn't take into account that original fixture was postponed.
Was listening to Cahair Healy speaking with Shane Stapleton, he trains in London Tuesdays and Thursday and flies back for games at weekend. A big commitment, though he's been doing it a good while. Would he not be better to play with London?
Quote from: rodney trotter on February 12, 2020, 05:00:40 PM
Was listening to Cahair Healy speaking with Shane Stapleton, he trains in London Tuesdays and Thursday and flies back for games at weekend. A big commitment, though he's been doing it a good while. Would he not be better to play with London?
He is doing that for years for his club let alone county, of course for an easier life he could play over there but he loves his club and county and wont let a little factor like living in another country get in the way of that.
We have some great lads across the codes but trust me its not a typical Laois attitude.
I have always loved Cahir's attitude. He has travelled over and back from London for years whilst others couldn't be bothered driving 8/10 miles to training.
Well lads, what the chances of thos game going ahead tomorrow?
The pitch wasn't exactly great when we played Armagh Itchy. It took a right battering today and the forecast overnight isn't great. They'll want to get it on because they probably want the whole Under 20 clash/debate to disappear. Just make sure to bring your arm bands
Pitch Inspection:
MW Hire O'Moore Park has passed its pitch inspection this morning. Laois v Cavan goes ahead at 2pm today.
While Cavan were not quite 10 points the better team today they clearly deserved their win. A very disappointing day for Laois. No complaints about workrate but I never saw as many passes from Laoismen being intercepted (wind caused some) and there was far too much sideways and backward passing which resulted in turnovers and scores.
We got a flukey goal early on and Cavan got a goal with a shot for a point before halftime. Cavan's goal at the start of the second half was the killer. Laois were playing with 14 men at the time due to the black card. The going was very soft today and the wind was a spoiler too. Hopefully the lads have got the bad game out of their system and will have learned some lessons.
We need To Put Brody back in goals lads !
I watched today slightly unlucky if being beaten by 10 points is unlucky, but the big moments of the game all came for Cavan at opportune moments. I suppose we had our run of the green against Roscommon.
Match reports are saying that Cavan impressed against Laois. Maybe I am a sore loser, but Laois's bad luck and poor play were the factors that contributed to Cavan's win rather than their brilliance. The woeful conditions were a huge factor yesterday and, I think, who ever played with the wind in the first half had a huge advantage. Laois had done well up to he last few minutes of the first half, but when they conceded that goal and had a man black carded just before half time, it was curtains. Down a man at the start of the second half, the game was put beyond doubt when Cavan scored a goal and a point without reply in the early minutes. Laois's game plan went out the window at this point as their heads clearly dropped.
It wasn't all down to bad luck though. Laois never mastered the conditions. Their play was extremely sloppy throughout. The black card was a moment of madness. In addition, goalkeeping was disappointing. However, I think, had it been Laois who played with the storm in the first half it could have been a different outcome.
We looked a little naive at times. They looked a little more seasoned. Bringing the ball into contact is a problem for us. The tendency to get isolated is another. Our support play and S&C is behind other teams in this division, as is our overall size. For that reason, we need to keep moving as fast as we can. We got taught a couple of lessons yesterday
Id say the aim is to move ball as fast as possible but conditions yday put a stop to that,kick passing was a lottery although we misplaced far too many handpasses,while lads were losing their footing non stop.I actually don't think black card had a massive effect just the two goals which killed any hope we had.Also would like to see the barry and sean let play tonight it might give their confidence a boost
Three wins from three this weekend for our county teams. Although Clare aren't the team they were a few years ago, going down there and grinding out a win takes guts.
It looks like we're safe from relegation which I would have taken your hand off at the start of the year. Still very much in the mix for promotion, and it would be nice if we were the ones to confine Kildare to relegation.
If I was told at the beginning of the year, that we would avoid relegation in the first 4 games I would have bitten your hand off. Fair play to everyone staying in Div 2 would have been one of the big targets for this year.
Any idea on healys injury?just hope it's not the cruciate again, probably finish him if it is
Although five points might be enough to avoid relegation, it's not absolutely certain. Seven points will keep us up, but where will get that extra two? Kildare will go all out to beat us next weekend, while going to Mullingar is never easy, as Armagh found out today. Our best bet might be the final match against Fermanagh who may very well be relegated by the time we play them up there.
For the moment though, i think it is only right to be happy with three great wins for Laois GAA teams this weekend.
we got out with the points, I don't know how but we got them. Clare will be kicking themselves as they had enough chances to not only draw it but also to win it.
we started with a number of changes from the programme and got a great start. Evan was on fire and the team was moving well. this probably went on for about 25 minutes when we were well on top and kicked some great scores. the goal came after evan got in behind his marker and somehow failed to score, it was a good save but he should have finished it. murphy followed in bravely and scrambled it in. their keeper had to go off injured and the replacement immediately kicked it to murphy who popped it over the bar. we were sailing and they had lots of problems with our kickout press. for a number of reasons we seemed to go completely out of the game for large periods to the end. I thought their were a few reasons which disrupted the team, piggott getting the head injury which left him off the field for a while, Collins and Timmons clashing, which Timmons appeared to come worse off and certainly played at times like he wasn't 100 percent. numerous bookings, JOL in particular which left him unable to really tackle with such a fussy ref. they forced us long on the kickouts and we couldn't win a ball their for long periods until lillis finally came into it in the end. cahir's injury was one of those where you hope its not as bad it looks, it was a ball down the line that passing him and he attempted to cut it with a slide tackle of sorts. hopefully he over extended but you would be worried, it was a pity as he was playing well.
they started like a train in the second half and got the benefit of a few soft frees. we really couldn't kick it long as we couldn't win a ball in the area and they pinned us back well when we went short. there was some really sloppy passing which lead to turnovers and nothing stuck in the full forward line. at times it felt like we were kicking it off a wall as it kept coming back so quick. realistically during this period they should have got ahead. we had one brilliant move on a break out when sean byrne hit the crossbar but that attack was a rarity. the penalty looked harsh but Timmons should never have let it get that far. it lifted them but a lot of dogged defending and lillis three or four monster catches lifted the seize and got us home. after a few bad frees from evan, corbett came up and kicked the pressure 45.
corbett was very good, kickouts and composure were excellent. cahir started well, Hanrahan was good, I have seen Timmons better. paddy o Sullivan was excellent, closely followed by trevor Collins. lillis finally got into the game in the end after long quiet periods and was the pick of the midfield trio. lowry was excellent in a loose centre forward role and did huge work. ross was also very good and worked very hard. murphy and evan had moments of excellence but they both went completely out of the game after the first half. evan can be so frustrating, he is still missing frees to an extent that if corbett is to stay on the team I would have him taking them. it was another day, where he ended getting distracted and eventually booked which was a shame as he had the beating of his man. three big games left but a bit of breathing space.
Agree with Broan Abu incredible job being done at the moment a lesser Panay also I might add ,, we're playing so well big mike management well done
Quote from: town1980 on February 23, 2020, 10:46:01 PM
Agree with Broan Abu incredible job being done at the moment a lesser Panay also I might add ,, we're playing so well big mike management well done
I don't know what this means. What's a Panay?
I thought their peno near the end was very soft - didn't look a foot block to me, their man just kicked it off Piggott and didn't seem to go near his foot. That really took the comfort out of the game, when we were in control of seeing out the game. In any event, 2 massive points gained. We might need 1 or 2 more depending on other results, but to be 1 point off top spot and 3 points off relegation at this point is going very well indeed, in a tough, evenly matched league. Would be content if we maintained Div 2 status.
A lot of ppl saying we're not ready for Division 1, but put it this way : if we do happen to get promotoed (and u never know - 3x 50/50 games left in my opinion), we'll be safe in the top tier of the championship for at least 3 more years (div 2 this year, div 1 next year and then perhaps div 2 year after that). Also, division 1 football would bring this team on leaps and bounds, even if we get harsh lessons along the way. Top tier football sharpens a team. Whereas if we maintain Div 2 status this year, we could be in Div 2 next year with teams like Cork, Mayo, Meath, etc -a real tough division. So let's try to push on and get promotion, in a league that's there for the taking. The only way to improve in any sport is to take on people who are better than you.
Mike Q post Clare - https://soundcloud.com/midlandssport/mike-quirke-post-clare
Quote from: blueandwhite1 on February 24, 2020, 10:30:58 AM
Quote from: town1980 on February 23, 2020, 10:46:01 PM
Agree with Broan Abu incredible job being done at the moment a lesser Panay also I might add ,, we're playing so well big mike management well done
I don't know what this means. What's a Panay?
The lesser Panay? It's a first cousin to the much better known greater Panay. Surprised you didn't know this.
Quote from: Tony on February 24, 2020, 11:15:22 AM
if we do happen to get promotoed (and u never know - 3x 50/50 games left in my opinion), we'll be safe in the top tier of the championship for at least 3 more years (div 2 this year, div 1 next year and then perhaps div 2 year after that).
This is a good point which, to be honest, hadn't occurred to me. There is actually quite a lot to gain for the promoted teams.
Thanks to OTH for the good report as usual.
I'm a big fan of Evan O Carroll's but I do think he can really improve his game by another 20% by concentrating on making sure all the simple things are done well. The Hollywood scores are all fine (and he's capable of it now and then) but what will make him really great is good decision-making when he's in possession. A quick pass off the a man in better position is often the right thing to do - he doesn't always have to do take all the responsibility himself.
Panay..? I haven't a clue what it is either.
Quote from: Chrimtain on February 24, 2020, 01:08:41 PM
Quote from: blueandwhite1 on February 24, 2020, 10:30:58 AM
Quote from: town1980 on February 23, 2020, 10:46:01 PM
Agree with Broan Abu incredible job being done at the moment a lesser Panay also I might add ,, we're playing so well big mike management well done
I don't know what this means. What's a Panay?
The lesser Panay? It's a first cousin to the much better known greater Panay. Surprised you didn't know this.
;D ;D ;D
This Division is a bit of a basket case, and at times it's hard to gauge where any team is at on a given day. I think teams like Laois, Westmeath, Fermanagh and Clare are generally doing as much now as they will in the Summer. The other four probably have bigger ambitions, and may have taken some teams for granted. The weather too has turned things into a bit of a lottery. I think Saturday night, assuming it's dry, will give us a good idea of where we're at. Sunday was a great win to get, and I'm enjoying watching the development of some of our younger lads in particular. Port will really benefit from their younger lads getting plenty of game time
Quote from: High Fielder on February 25, 2020, 11:58:54 AM
This Division is a bit of a basket case, and at times it's hard to gauge where any team is at on a given day. I think teams like Laois, Westmeath, Fermanagh and Clare are generally doing as much now as they will in the Summer. The other four probably have bigger ambitions, and may have taken some teams for granted. The weather too has turned things into a bit of a lottery. I think Saturday night, assuming it's dry, will give us a good idea of where we're at. Sunday was a great win to get, and I'm enjoying watching the development of some of our younger lads in particular. Port will really benefit from their younger lads getting plenty of game time
I thought the championship tiers are based on where you finish in league 2? If thats the case the teams with so called bigger ambitions would want to get their fingers out.
I agree Joey. I think complacency definitely set in with one or two of them. I have to be honest and say I felt this Division was going to be a real struggle for us. There's still work to be done, but the development of some younger lads has brought about a new energy. Evan has come out of the shadow of Donie and seems to be a different player. Evan could be anything he wants to be. Nobody on the opposing team likes seeing him turn and run straight at them. He can be lethal one on one.
Supporters of all of the counties in Division 2 are nervous of promotion to Division 1 given the step up but wouldn't it be some achievement for Laois to go D2 - D3 - D4 - D3 - D2 - D1 in successive years !
However I think we would all be happy if we maintain our Division 2 status this year as we have a team in transition – young lads settling in and older lads nearing the end of their careers.
Kildare next Saturday evening will be tricky. They have not been performing under JOC as yet but their backs are to the wall now and they have plenty of talent. We may well need to get 1-2 more points on the board to avoid relegation.
Quote from: The Boy Wonder on February 25, 2020, 05:54:53 PM
Supporters of all of the counties in Division 2 are nervous of promotion to Division 1 given the step up but wouldn't it be some achievement for Laois to go D2 - D3 - D4 - D3 - D2 - D1 in successive years !
However I think we would all be happy if we maintain our Division 2 status this year as we have a team in transition – young lads settling in and older lads nearing the end of their careers.
Kildare next Saturday evening will be tricky. They have not been performing under JOC as yet but their backs are to the wall now and they have plenty of talent. We may well need to get 1-2 more points on the board to avoid relegation.
We could be facing a backlash from Kildare on Saturday night. They'll want revenge for under 20s and they will hate looking up the table at Laois, and, of course, they will desperately want to get out of the relegation zone. This match will, as High Fielder says, tell us a lot about ourselves.
Heard this evening Healy potentially done ACL again for the 3rd time. Hope it isn't true.
Quote from: Helix. on February 26, 2020, 09:21:23 PM
Heard this evening Healy potentially done ACL again for the 3rd time. Hope it isn't true.
If it is, then it would be the last time we see him representing his county on the pitch which is a shame.
He is a credit to himself and one really consistant player in both codes. My first memory of him is watching him play against Tyrone (think it was 2003 minor championship) who had a forward that was 'the next Peter Canavan' apparently and Healy put him in his pocket Joe Higgins style all afternoon.
Laois v Kildare throws in in MW Hire Park at 7pm on Saturday, February 29.
Niall Corbet
Trevor Collins. Mark Timmons. Gearoid Hanrahan
Sean O'Flynn. Robbie Pigott. Paddy O'Sullivan
John O'Loughlin. Kieran Lillis
Sean Byrne. Eoin Lowry. Damien O'Connor
Ross Munnelly. Colm Murphy. Evan O'Carroll
Quote from: Helix. on February 26, 2020, 09:21:23 PM
Heard this evening Healy potentially done ACL again for the 3rd time. Hope it isn't true.
Don't think that's true . Hamstring injury.
Quote from: les Antiques on February 29, 2020, 11:10:52 AM
Quote from: Helix. on February 26, 2020, 09:21:23 PM
Heard this evening Healy potentially done ACL again for the 3rd time. Hope it isn't true.
Don't think that's true . Hamstring injury.
Hope you're right 👍🏻
Game off . Rescheduled for tomorrow @1pm
from GAA website...
Please note the following changes due to the current weather.
The Allianz Football League Division One fixture, Mayo v Kerry, will now be played on Sunday March 1 at 1pm.
The Allianz Football League Division Two fixture, Laois v Kildare, will now be played on Sunday March 1 at 1pm.
The Allianz Football League Division Four fixture, Waterford v Carlow, will now be played on Sunday March 1 at 2pm.
Kildare tomorrow (weather permitting) is the ultimate acid test. Cast your minds back to the gentle May sunshine in 2017. They had just been promoted to D1, us relegated to D4. They were better than us in every way. Faster. Better conditioned. Played like an actual team. Lower age profile. In comparison we looked slow. Unfit. Disorganised. Our performance was insipid.
Tomorrow the playing field is much more level. In all honesty we haven't taken a backward step since 2017. We've climbed up two divisions, gotten to the last round of qualifiers in consecutive years and are in with a real shot of promotion to D1.
Seems like the perfect opportunity to avenge that painful loss of 2017.
That was a reality check. No complaints. Kildare the better team by more than the 5 points. In fact, credit must go to us for keeping the margin to 5. A small crumb of comfort. Their back line is gettable enough, but Evan was all that they were worried about. They did their homework on that, and the midfield in particular, where they dominated. Feely won't get that sort of freedom against the better teams, but he got it today and was the best player on the pitch.
Our line was slow to react to things that were obviously going wrong. They pushed up on us and forced us to kick long, knowing we rarely compete in the air. I thought Tyrell or Dunne might break through this year, but no sign of it. We need a Feely or Quigley or Clancy for days like today, and if we don't have one, we need to crowd the break.
I thought we were really awful today. We were physically bullied, we were slow and methodical in everything we did. We were clueless about wining breaks. I just don't know where we go from here.
A good analysis High Fielder - we were indeed fortunate to be only 5 behind at the end.
If Kildare can get their act together for the championship I think they could put it up to the Dubs.
In fairness our lads did keep their heads up when 8 points down and pulled back a few - score difference could be very important.
Next day out we will see whether Westmeath or Laois can claim to be 4th best in Leinster.
It felt like it was the young lads who were the ones really getting stuck in today. Sean O'Flynn was probably the best Laois player, and Robbie Pigott did well enough marking one of the best forwards in the county in Daniel Flynn.
Big games coming up against Fermanagh and Westmeath. We need to win at least one of them.
Quote from: The Boy Wonder on March 01, 2020, 04:15:16 PM
A good analysis High Fielder - we were indeed fortunate to be only 5 behind at the end.
If Kildare can get their act together for the championship I think they could put it up to the Dubs.
In fairness our lads did keep their heads up when 8 points down and pulled back a few - score difference could be very important.
Next day out we will see whether Westmeath or Laois can claim to be 4th best in Leinster.
I don't see anything to get excited about witn Kildare. Those backs will get a roasting some time. The Number 2 in particular was panicky and his pulling didn't get the punishment it should have. But we won't beat them any time soon and i think some of that is mental. Kildare get bullied themselves a fair bit, but seem to be able to bully us. That disappoints me
We will do well to avoid relegation now. But on todays evidence, division 3 may he our level.
I totally disagree the only difference today was the intensity shown by Kildare today they themselves have not being bringing it to games they did today we didn't in any zone of the pitch we did create 3 goals chances I don't remember Corbit having to save any effort on goal so we weren't far off ,, you fail to bring that fight and doggedness into every game at this level then your always gonna drop points,, were a Div 2 team in my opinion
One point off promotion, one point above relegation. One things for sure, it's very tight and could go either way.
Quote from: town1980 on March 01, 2020, 05:52:21 PM
I totally disagree the only difference today was the intensity shown by Kildare today they themselves have not being bringing it to games they did today we didn't in any zone of the pitch we did create 3 goals chances I don't remember Corbit having to save any effort on goal so we weren't far off ,, you fail to bring that fight and doggedness into every game at this level then your always gonna drop points,, were a Div 2 team in my opinion
With Donie Kingston & Paul Kingston involved and then having Cahir Healy, Gareth Dillion and a few others providing that added quality and experience.
Agree with HF that Kildare are really no great shakes. Feely is an outstanding player but we had 3 good goal chances and butchered them all. Other teams won't be as kind.
I just feel that our lateral football that is so much a feature of our play now tends to take the zip and intensity out of our play. I think this lateral play is fine if we want to be patient and to stretch teams a bit but at some point in the play there has to be an injection of energy and pace. We didn't really have that today.
Quote from: Giovanni on March 01, 2020, 10:01:03 PM
Agree with HF that Kildare are really no great shakes. Feely is an outstanding player but we had 3 good goal chances and butchered them all. Other teams won't be as kind.
I just feel that our lateral football that is so much a feature of our play now tends to take the zip and intensity out of our play. I think this lateral play is fine if we want to be patient and to stretch teams a bit but at some point in the play there has to be an injection of energy and pace. We didn't really have that today.
You get sick of watching Laois passing the ball back and forth across the field. We play slow methodical football that is so easy to defend against. Do we not have the pacey players who can attack opponents in the manner the opposition were able to do today? They took us on at pace and made life difficult for us, while we allowed them to mass their defence while we played across the field. By the time we kicked it in, O'Carroll was double marked. This is a simplistic way of describing our play, but that's the way it seems to me.
It appears as though our options are limited. We seem to have a trusted 15 to 20 players, and nothing outside of that. The stakes are high this year of course, and we have a lot of lads who can't/won't commit. We also have this U20 debate rumbling in the background, and that at least is healthy debate, because it means we're being competitive in that grade. But how many lads are not good enough? Even amongst the subs, there appear to be a number of lads who are not trusted with a starting position.
Outside of the match day panel, how many lads have drifted away or have been deemed not good enough. We have zero cover in midfield despite appearing to have two promising midfielders, and very little cover at the back. I wonder at times what the plan to address these deficiencies is.
We don't have a plan, counties like Laois simply trundle around with no plan. Always bowing to some new thought process of a manger or CB. We have never sat down and worked out a youth development strategy with all the stakeholders. We have constantly prioritised winning what turn out to be insignificant games over long term player development. Like a lot of small counties we simply exist never evolving, rarely questioning the process. I love Gaelic Football and Laois did surprise me with 5 points so far but yesterday and the Cavan game highlight a basic lack of skill. We have a lot of players whose skills fall off heavily under intensity. I personally think the outlook in the long term is bleak as we continue to fire fight instead of taking a long term solution to our problems. I do hope I'm wrong.
It's simply untrue that we are competitive in every grade, getting to a final at underage and losing by 10-15 points is not competitive. I do hope on Friday we buck this trend. Even saying that I doubt
any of those teams had player development as a core objective with winning a significant by product.
Good post BA. It does feel at times like it's one big game of Laois" Got Talent, with the weakest getting eliminated. It is however becoming more apparent that lads are falling off a cliff after Underage, unless they show themselves to be exceptional; then everyone wants them. If we continue to play that game, the eventual drop to Tier 2 will happen anyway. Our resources are too limited to write off players in this way. We're not Dublin or even Kildare or Meath, who can all afford to lose players along the way.
What's really concerning is the guys from last year 20 team who are already slipping down the pecking order. Some like Kinsella, Tyrrell and Whelan are on the panel but not getting any game time. Others such as Eoin Dunne, McCormack, Doran and Seamus Lacey seems to be discarded.
You'd like to think that a really good junior set up would bear benefits. Let the lads train away with their clubs but play regular games with a junior team.
If it only unearthed one good player for the seniors, it would be worth it. And there are numerous lads out there. Now, I'm not saying there are a whole load of brilliant inter county players out there just waiting to be discovered but who knows?
I could name 10 lads who could be as good as or better than some of our current starting team. Again, it has to be qualified. Some just may not want to commit. And that's fine. It's not for everyone.
I really like Aaron Dowling of The Rock. He is suffering badly by not getting to play a decent level of club football. Hitchcock of Park Ratheniska is another. Kevin Byrne of Ballylinan I like a lot. Both of the Murphy brothers from Emo are excellent. Aston had a great year last year for Killeshin. Hatch Finlay. I would give Adam Campion another chance. O'Halloran of Courtwood was one of the best full backs in both the senior and divisional championships last year. And Bolger of Graigue as a goalie. Makings of a decent team there.
given that we are without 3 or 4 of our best players from recent years and the new manager has been forced to try younger lads, you have to be happy about 5 points from 5 games. Admittedly we were poxxed to get a draw in Roscommon and very lucky to nudge a win in Ennis.
With a relatively novice side you tend to get inconsistency from game to game, and Laois have kept to that script.
We may need a point to survive the drop. Our fate is in our own hands. Lady luck could also visit us, because it is quite feasible that Fermanagh could already be relegated by the time we travel to Enniskillen.
Quote from: The PRO on March 02, 2020, 01:00:58 PM
What's really concerning is the guys from last year 20 team who are already slipping down the pecking order. Some like Kinsella, Tyrrell and Whelan are on the panel but not getting any game time. Others such as Eoin Dunne, McCormack, Doran and Seamus Lacey seems to be discarded.
You'd like to think that a really good junior set up would bear benefits. Let the lads train away with their clubs but play regular games with a junior team.
If it only unearthed one good player for the seniors, it would be worth it. And there are numerous lads out there. Now, I'm not saying there are a whole load of brilliant inter county players out there just waiting to be discovered but who knows?
I could name 10 lads who could be as good as or better than some of our current starting team. Again, it has to be qualified. Some just may not want to commit. And that's fine. It's not for everyone.
I really like Aaron Dowling of The Rock. He is suffering badly by not getting to play a decent level of club football. Hitchcock of Park Ratheniska is another. Kevin Byrne of Ballylinan I like a lot. Both of the Murphy brothers from Emo are excellent. Aston had a great year last year for Killeshin. Hatch Finlay. I would give Adam Campion another chance. O'Halloran of Courtwood was one of the best full backs in both the senior and divisional championships last year. And Bolger of Graigue as a goalie. Makings of a decent team there.
I was thought we should have entered the junior championship. There was enough interest in the divisional games to put a team together to keep players involved and hopefully develop a few who wouldn't have the option of colleges football. Their is a huge jump from the u20 to senior at present, it was noticeable that Kildare won it two years ago and their best player Jimmy Hyland was only a sub yesterday and very few others have even made a championship appearance. Any I saw this year in the Sigerson are not going to make it either. We had a decent enough group last year and hopefully some thing can be done to bring them along.
In fairness to Ballyroan Abu, he's been beating this drum for a while. Quirke will be judged by how successful he is in getting us in to Tier 1. As a county though, we're not developing at all if what is coming through is being ignored. I hate saying this, but I see no benefit at all in playing Ross at this stage. I thought he really struggled yesterday and got far longer than he should have. I couldn't imagine any circumstances yesterday where 3 or 4 younger lads, including Sean Moore, couldn't have done better. I hate personalising this, but it really annoyed me, and I love Ross. But we have to plan for the future always, whatever level that may be.
Read this every day but seldom post.
A few thoughts on the league so far facing into the last two rounds.
First of all, 5 points from 5 games is something a lot of us would have taken in January.
We were favourites to get relegated.
On a side note, the GAA will have to sort out the overall fixtures in the calender. I believe that one of the main priorities of the new incoming GAA president is to fix this. Playing the majority of our games for the year in February and March is madness.
The point we got in Roscommon could be invaluable. We played well that day and showed a great attitude. Some great points scored in both halves and then 2 stunning goals at the end. Great to see Cahir Healy return in the second half, Corbet was very good and Lillis played a captain's part.
The performance v Armagh was wonderful especially the first half. Timmon's with that wonder point and holding them to two points. We showed great bottle and resolve when they cameback in the second half but a fine win. Mark Barry had a fine game.
The Cavan game should not have been played! Dreadful conditions. In fairness Cavan were very impressive even if the scoreline flattered them in the end.
We bounced back well down in Ennis. A lot say it was a lucky win but I believe we totally deserved it. The first half we dominated with Evan O'Carroll and Eoin Lowry and Ross on fire. Brian Byrne had a fine game and is one of our best newcomers. Sean Byrne was desperately unlucky not to get a goal midway into the second half that would have had us cruising. Underside of the crossbar. Clare's late penalty was very soft as it hit the back of the Laois defender.
Never nice to lose to Kildare but they deserved it on the day. The early scores were a massive lift to them and they bossed midfield. Having said that, we had a few goal chances.
Overall though we have showed a great attitude. We keep battling hard in the matches and have a good mixture of youth and experience with more to come back from injuries. Two massive games left and hopefully we can get two positive results.
Finally, we need more support. Its the least that the players deserve. Outnumbered strongly by Armagh and Kildare at home is disappointing. Championship type crowd in Roscommon and one would be envious of their support.
Good post County Man.
The third game three weeks on the trot I think had a bearing on the Kildare performance. They were much faster out of the blocks than we were and dominated the middle third for large parts of the game. Five points at this stage is very satisfactory return. However, we will need to pick up a win in our final two games to guarantee safety and both are away. It would be very disappointing if we did end up being relegated from division two. A lot of young players have come in over the last 12/24 months and are beginning to step up this year. In twelve months time I would be very optimistic that this team will be able to kick on even further. Having games against division two opposition again next year will be crucial to that development. The more games young players can get playing at the higher level can only be good for their development. Stepping back down to tussles with Offaly, Leitrim, Antrim and Limerick next year won't provide that.
Next week's game in Mullingar is a must-win for Laois. If all home teams were to win in Round 6 then Laois would be second from bottom on 5 points and the 3 teams above us on 6 points (Cavan, Clare, Kildare) all have home games in the final round.
It's possible that we could lose to Westmeath, beat Fermanagh in Round 7 and still be relegated. Hopefully this scenario won't happen.
Too many what ifs yet. We could go second if results go our way next weekend too! Wins for us, Kildare and Roscommon would put us level on points with Armagh and ahead of them on head to head.
Brilliant post on here from Countyman, sums it up perfectly.
We came into this year fearful of getting a few hidings and heading back to Div 3 sharpish. We had an ageing squad with an unproven manager and not much talent coming through it seemed yet apart from the Kildare game (I agree that the Cavan game was a write off due to conditions) we have played reasonably well and we have seen consistently at all levels that teams playing 3 weeks in a row struggle.
What we have seen is that our younger players are developing all the time, they will learn loads from this league and hopefully they can avoid the drop as it will be a stronger league again next year with Cork and Meath in the mix (better yet get promoted to Div 1). So far they have done themselves proud, if I was told they would have 2 games left against Westmeath and Fermanagh with a chance of promotion still there I would have snapped your hand off, yet here we are. Well done lads, so far so good, 2 wins from last 2 games and who knows we may even be on for 3 promotions in succession which would be incredible.
Its vital given we will have a tricky championship game coming up against Longford/ Louth (I expect Longford to win that and they are always tricky opponents for us).
Beaten by tipp footballers by a couple of points last night in thurles . Anyone know the team that was out ?
I see where Gareth Dillon and Paul Kingston have re-joined the panel but Donie has stayed away. Sean Moore was asked in as well.
Anyone got any idea what starting team might be?
Something like this wouldn't be bad;
Corbett,
Collins, Timmons, Piggott
O'Flynn, Begley, Dillon
O'Loughlin, Lillis
Lowry, P Kingston, Carroll
Barry, O'Carroll, Walsh
I'd go with :
Corbett
S Lacey Timmons Pigott
P Kirwan Begley Dillon
O'Loughlin Lillis
Carroll P Kingston Scully
Owens O Carroll D Whelan
Quote from: Laoiseabu on October 13, 2020, 09:11:07 PM
I'd go with :
Corbett
S Lacey Timmons Pigott
P Kirwan Begley Dillon
O'Loughlin Lillis
Carroll P Kingston Scully
Owens O Carroll D Whelan
I don't think Scully is fit to play? Had a bad year injury wise.
Yeah I think scully is actually injured . I'm picking the team off form in the club championship so far . I'd probably put Garry Comerford, Brian Byrne or Eoin Lowry in at 12 to replace scully so .
Quote from: Laoiseabu on October 14, 2020, 12:19:59 PM
Yeah I think scully is actually injured . I'm picking the team off form in the club championship so far . I'd probably put Garry Comerford, Brian Byrne or Eoin Lowry in at 12 to replace scully so .
Lowry's injured too! And Comerford is not on the panel.
I don't think a game as important as this is one where we should hand out three or four debuts. I'd be inclined to go with experienced inter county players but the likes of Owens, Moore, Lacey, Coffey and Whelan are definitely ones for the future.
Is Brody out of favour for some reason? I thought he has been excellent for Laois since he's come in.
If anyone wants to see this game tomorrow it's available on GAA.GO
Go here to buy it, its only €5.
https://www.gaago.ie/fixture/PL5-20-F-W9B
QuoteGAAGO works on almost every up-to-date browser on almost every modern device, so if you have a reasonable specification tablet or computer that is less than 3 years old, it will probably work.
GAAGO also works on Roku devices based in the US - please ensure that your Roku's software is up-to-date for GAAGO to work properly.
In order to stream GAAGO on your device, you will need a strong, stable broadband internet connection with a minimum of 2MB to stream at the lowest bitrate of 240p (a mobile 3g, 4G, LTE, etc. internet service will probably be too weak or too variable to give a good service) and a ping of less than 100m/s. The higher your download speeds, the better the quality your streaming video will be. You should achieve HD quality (720p) at 5MB.
You will need a computer, tablet or mobile smartphone device (such as an iPhone or Android smartphone), and it should be running a compatible web browser such as Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Safari.
Niall Corbet
Trevor Collins, Mark Timmons, Robbie Pigott
Alan Farrell, Colm Begley, Eoin Buggie
Kieran Lillis, John O'Loughlin
Gareth Dillon, Mark Barry, Brian Byrne
Diarmuid Whelan, Evan O'Carroll, Gary Walsh
Anyone watching this on GAAGO? Video keeps jumping and is so jittery. I've tried the app, Chromecast and laptop and all are unwatchable. Even if the video was good the camera angle is terrible and too low down. I've had to switch it off and ask for refund
Yes, it's a very jittery picture on GaaGo.
Not going well at all - losing Begley and Timmons before throw-in didn't help.
This is a shambles so far, having huge problems down the sides with their pace. Really need to be a bit more direct
Pitiful to watch. Weak as piss.
...and they said the return of inter-county would be good for your mental health :(
In fairness, I just don't think we have the standard of players needed
Quote from: The Boy Wonder on October 17, 2020, 03:41:57 PM
...and they said the return of inter-county would be good for your mental health :(
:)
When I looked at the team sheet I thought that we should do well. But it really did look like men against boys. I know preparations must have been almost impossible but that didn't seem to stop Westmeath. Really poor.
I think we need to wake up big time in Laois. These players are standout in our very poor club championship. They are not good enough at county level. Some of the lads playing today are probably only there because others didn't commit. Very little difference even if they did. We're talking basics here. Evan on his day is the only forward who could score big at this level. Our backs can't tackle and are loose. The lads in midfield, admire them though I do, struggle to get their own ball. No point talking about today or this year. We need a plan going forward or we're wasting our time
Appoint someone, like Quirke, to oversee the long term development of football in the county. As someone said on this thread previously, we never seem to have a plan, we just stumble from on from year to year. Let's see the CB do something worthwhile and put a real plan in place.
Query: We are a small county and, this evening, football supporters are left disappointed with a poor football performance while hurling supporters are disappointed with a bad performance at under 17 level. Can this small county be successful in the two codes or are we forever fated to be no more than mediocre in both because we see ourselves as a duel county?
A good question. In my opinion, we can only ever hope to get a golden crop every now and then. They may be a lifetime apart. The numbers don't stack up unfortunately. Aside from that, there is an awful lot wrong. When you consider a third of our population comes from one town, it is easy to see how imbalances occur. That's only the start. Bottom line. We don't have the numbers, and we're far from being alone
Yes we can be successful, more so at football (because numbers are there). I was involved with last years Minor Footballers and using numbers as an argument for poor performance is nothing more than BS. The talent is there have we the structure and coaching development to harness it is another matter. This year's Minor Footballers are arguably more talented than last years, and hopefully they do well. But I won't be buying the nonsense of numbers it's inadequate development and coaches. I still am seething over the appointment of this years Minor Coach, hopefully he does well. However appointing an guy with no club affiliation in Laois is beyond a joke, when both Noel Coss and Killian Fitzpatrick applied for it. Killian didn't do to badly after!
Proportionately speaking, the clubs and counties with the biggest picks do best. I don't know where the BS lies in that very obvious assertion. The BS here is this persistent line that we have the talent, when all the evidence suggests otherwise. Our players look weak and badly prepared the minute they step outside the county. Maybe you're too close to some of the players involved to look at this objectively BA.
I'd agree with high fielder . As soon as some of the players put on Laois jersey and go outside the county it turns into a complete shit show for them . It's going to take a total change of culture from the ground up from u6s the whole way to senior . The levels of strength and conditioning in Laois is WAY behind the top counties . It was men vs boys today . I honestly don't know who is going to go midfield to replace Lillis and O'Loughlin in the near future . The bigger picture here is that we are a division 3 team . I can see ourselves and Offaly hanging around division 3 for a while in the next couple of years .
Best part of today was the refund. A sense of deja vu again in Mullingar. It was Hard to know what to expect before today, with no form line or real knowledge of the current make up of the squad. A few withdrawals and then late injuries left us a bit exposed. Once again Westmeath out fought us and at times bullied certain players, nothing new there in Mullingar. Maybe the lack of training or game time contributed to the shapeless nature of our play. Westmeath looked fitter and sharper but this wouldn't excuse how bad so many key players were. We were too slow to move piggott out on heslin, never dealt with the attacks down the sides, especially both their wing backs and never corrected the lack of mobility around the middle third. There was loads more but it was just the general awfulness of the display that is worrying. The casual miss of such a close in free really summed things up.
The club championships have been of a dreadful standard this year. It might be a bit harsh but we have too many senior teams. Quirke has been extremely loyal to some players when their form didn't warrant a start let alone being involved. He might not be able to do much about it in the next month but it will have to change going forward.
Quote from: High Fielder on October 17, 2020, 08:34:28 PM
Proportionately speaking, the clubs and counties with the biggest picks do best. I don't know where the BS lies in that very obvious assertion. The BS here is this persistent line that we have the talent, when all the evidence suggests otherwise. Our players look weak and badly prepared the minute they step outside the county. Maybe you're too close to some of the players involved to look at this objectively BA.
I think we are getting crossed wires here, I don't think there is any particular problem with numbers of young players up to 17 in this County. I do think there are issues with their development from 13 to 20. The way forward in my opinion is improving our Underage Teams but that comes by improvement in structure be it S&C, Technical Training and I would say Coach Development. There was no particular "Golden Generation" from 1996- 2007 more likely just we landed on good Coaches at that time. This was at a time where S & C and nutrition were not particularly strong in all counties. Now we would have to improve in a number areas to bring our underage teams forward, we need consistent development of our players at 13-20 in the areas S&C, technical ability, athletic levels to give them a platform to succeed at senior.
I don't see any major difference in player numbers for us at underage with
Monaghan
Armagh
Tyrone
Roscommon
The stream was just so brutal I couldn't figure out who was supposed to be picking up Heslin before Piggot. Anyone know? Was it Buggie?
Is that not HF's point BA? That those 4 counties you mention who operate from similar numbers to us don't try to compete at both codes?
And even then, they aren't exactly shooting the lights out every year at underage.
I'm not advocating for dropping one code over the other, merely pointing out the above.
We do need to harvest more for each code from the "other end" of the county. Whatever chance we currently have of finding underage footballers in the hurling end, we have practically none of when it's reversed.
I'd start by looking at the below
Quote from: Keyser Söze on July 08, 2019, 11:06:03 PM
You are ignoring the obvious Hesh.
Young lads are given a programme of games from 8 years of age to 17 of years of age in football from end of the county to the other.
Therefore, young lads who show a proficiency will be spotted and asked to attend football trials, or decide to attend themselves.
This opportunity is not given from 8-17 in hurling.
If a 7 year old in Borris, Ballacolla or Rathdowney wants to try football he wanders down to his local field once a week, or once a fortnight at worst.
If a 7 year old in X, Y or Z wants to try hurling he...........What? Depends on parents to bring him 20 minutes away to play with kids he doesn't know? We all know parents are taxi drivers at this stage, rushing around dropping Kid A here and picking up Kid B there. Their is neither the time nor the will to do this. Particularly as there is no history of hurling in this area, the parents probably never hurled, are they going to go to all of this effort? No.
By not exposing our entire captive audience to the game at 7, 8, 9 & 10 we are already deciding that we don't need/want/have access to 50% of our county. Who is making the choice that these 7, 8, 9 & 10 year olds won't be exposed to it? It's not them!
Take U15 Development Squads.
Football mentors can go and have a look at
Portlaoise
Graiguecullen
Ballyroan
Na Fianna (The Arles'??)
Portarlington
St. Pauls
St Joseph's
Ballylinan
Killeshin
The Heath
Stradbally
Kilcavan The Rock
Mountmellick
Park Ratheniska Spink
Rosenallis
Ballyfin
The Harps
Castletown
Camross
Clough Ballacolla
The Hurling mentors can go and see
Portlaoise
The Harps
Abbeyleix
Camross
Castletown
Rathdowney Errill
Clough Ballacolla
Park Ratheniska Timahoe
Borris Kilcotton
Na Fianna (Ballyfin Mountmellick??)
Ballinakill
Rosenallis
Raheen
Mountrath
Thats 20 teams Vs 14 teams.
Thats 90 extra kids playing U15 football when there is a round of games on.
I've said this before 10-15 year olds will play anything! If you told them there was a competitive game of hide and seek there'd be 20 of them at the pitch waiting.
There is no reason there can't be a development division at 11/13/15/17 for any clubs that don't currently enter competitive teams. Anyone who feels they wish to step up to the next divisions, more than welcome.
If you an U11 football team, there is no reason you can't have an U11 hurling team. Actually, there is no excuse for not having one.
Quote from: Keyser Söze on October 18, 2020, 10:43:11 AM
Is that not HF's point BA? That those 4 counties you mention who operate from similar numbers to us don't try to compete at both codes?
And even then, they aren't exactly shooting the lights out every year at underage.
I'm not advocating for dropping one code over the other, merely pointing out the above.
We do need to harvest more for each code from the "other end" of the county. Whatever chance we currently have of finding underage footballers in the hurling end, we have practically none of when it's reversed.
I'd start by looking at the below
Quote from: Keyser Söze on July 08, 2019, 11:06:03 PM
You are ignoring the obvious Hesh.
Young lads are given a programme of games from 8 years of age to 17 of years of age in football from end of the county to the other.
Therefore, young lads who show a proficiency will be spotted and asked to attend football trials, or decide to attend themselves.
This opportunity is not given from 8-17 in hurling.
If a 7 year old in Borris, Ballacolla or Rathdowney wants to try football he wanders down to his local field once a week, or once a fortnight at worst.
If a 7 year old in X, Y or Z wants to try hurling he...........What? Depends on parents to bring him 20 minutes away to play with kids he doesn't know? We all know parents are taxi drivers at this stage, rushing around dropping Kid A here and picking up Kid B there. Their is neither the time nor the will to do this. Particularly as there is no history of hurling in this area, the parents probably never hurled, are they going to go to all of this effort? No.
By not exposing our entire captive audience to the game at 7, 8, 9 & 10 we are already deciding that we don't need/want/have access to 50% of our county. Who is making the choice that these 7, 8, 9 & 10 year olds won't be exposed to it? It's not them!
Take U15 Development Squads.
Football mentors can go and have a look at
Portlaoise
Graiguecullen
Ballyroan
Na Fianna (The Arles'??)
Portarlington
St. Pauls
St Joseph's
Ballylinan
Killeshin
The Heath
Stradbally
Kilcavan The Rock
Mountmellick
Park Ratheniska Spink
Rosenallis
Ballyfin
The Harps
Castletown
Camross
Clough Ballacolla
The Hurling mentors can go and see
Portlaoise
The Harps
Abbeyleix
Camross
Castletown
Rathdowney Errill
Clough Ballacolla
Park Ratheniska Timahoe
Borris Kilcotton
Na Fianna (Ballyfin Mountmellick??)
Ballinakill
Rosenallis
Raheen
Mountrath
Thats 20 teams Vs 14 teams.
Thats 90 extra kids playing U15 football when there is a round of games on.
I've said this before 10-15 year olds will play anything! If you told them there was a competitive game of hide and seek there'd be 20 of them at the pitch waiting.
There is no reason there can't be a development division at 11/13/15/17 for any clubs that don't currently enter competitive teams. Anyone who feels they wish to step up to the next divisions, more than welcome.
If you an U11 football team, there is no reason you can't have an U11 hurling team. Actually, there is no excuse for not having one.
It is Keyser, I just hate the excuse of numbers. Numbers is not the problem in Laois (in football) in my opinion.
Numbers is part of the issue . Numbers is clearly affecting the likes of Kilcruise , Killeen , crettyard, barrowhouse , annanough , Timahoe etc . Clubs are dying because of a lack of numbers in Laois . There is very little population down in them parts . Numbers is an issue . The "football " side of Laois is no different population wise to the likes of Leitrim , longford etc who are predominately football only counties .Besides portlaoise who are a dual club , it is a very small population pool for football .
Spot on Laoiseabu. Of course BA speaks from the comfort of an amalgamated club. It stands to reason that the more players you have, the better chance you have of getting a good team. Otherwise you're relying on that golden crop I spoke about. It is rare and wonderful when smaller counties and clubs punch above their weight.
For Laois to be successful they need Portlaoise to be strong but they haven't been doing well at underage for a few years now. Has their move of home grounds affected playing numbers? Hassle for kids to have to get a lift to training/matches.
I watched a good few of the club games and thought the standard wasn't great. Skill levels were poor and the S&C fron teams didnt appear to be at senior level. Do all club teams have an S&C coach? Rarely see players handpassing off both hands and kicking from both feet which should be a given at senior level
I agree Butch. Portlaoise needs to be at the centre of any plan. We can't afford that sort of attrition. It amazes me that Portlaoise are not competitive every year at underage level. We're talking about one of the biggest towns in the country with only one GAA club. Yes they are cash poor but they should be rich in resources. If they lack for anything, the CB should step in. They won't, because they don't want Portlaoise to be dominant. Unfortunately, Portlaoise under achieving does not translate to other clubs improving. As far as I can see, Portlaoise just offer an outlet and nothing else. You come and play if you want and you make it or you don't. No pressure either way and Laois suffers ultimately because a third of our population lives in that town.
Lads like BA are happy because BA are winning soft underage titles. The bigger picture tends to be somewhat rose tinted from that point of view. But make no mistake here. What we are doing here is a fast track to oblivion in inter county terms. We're not competitive and are not likely to be any time soon.
We are in bother now
It's of little consequence OTH. Division 2 or 3 seems to make no difference to our development. Some lads are still stuck in the revolving door, not knowing whether they want to play or not. Others, inexplicably, played in Division 4 and 3, and dropped away when we got to Division 2. More than half the counties in Ireland occupy this wasteland. It's like watching another sport watching Mayo and Galway today. The speed, physical development and skills set are simply on another level.
Laois are punching according to their weight. Avoiding relegation from division 2 was a realistic aspiration, especially with four games away from O'Moore park. With a game to go that is the situation we find ourselves in. A win next weekend should see us safe. I would have taken that at start of year.
Unfortunately, Laois does not possess 3 or 4 star/elite footballers that can build team around/drive us forward-that is the difference between us being average to competing at higher level (Timmons injured, Ross nearly 38 and Donie on sabbatical were probably those players). What we have presently is about 40 footballers in the county all at a similar enough standard to one another-we are lacking real star quality at the moment. Westmeath have players like Connellan and Heslin, we unfortunately don't. With players like that in your side, everyone else is made to look better.
Of course it's beneficial to have 3, 4 or more standout players, and you're right, we don't have those at the moment. I also agree that we're probably where we should be, and maybe even a level above. But ask yourself this. Do you see anything happening to change that? From all parties concerned? I don't. Our development doesn't exist
We may not have the players in either football or hurling, but it's a great consolation to know that OMP floodlights are only the very best thanks to the foresight of our wonderful county board. They deserve great credit for getting their priorities right.
Quote from: Chrimtain on October 20, 2020, 11:58:02 PM
We may not have the players in either football or hurling, but it's a great consolation to know that OMP floodlights are only the very best thanks to the foresight of our wonderful county board. They deserve great credit for getting their priorities right.
Why do you think they are being replaced?.
Would you prefer if there wasn't floodlights in place and they played in the dark?
Quote from: High Fielder on October 20, 2020, 09:24:36 AM
Of course it's beneficial to have 3, 4 or more standout players, and you're right, we don't have those at the moment. I also agree that we're probably where we should be, and maybe even a level above. But ask yourself this. Do you see anything happening to change that? From all parties concerned? I don't. Our development doesn't exist
I 100 percent agree with you. The development officers have such an important role to play in establishing good practice and structures within the county. in this regards we (like a lot of counties) need more of them going into clubs, schools etc. providing coaching, passing on knowledge, programmes and expertise. Unfortunately (without naming names) the county board have recruited poorly or where we have got talented people in, they have moved on too quickly to have a lasting impact.
Ultimately though, the development of players lies within the clubs and having the right people with the drive and determination to push things on within a club- Rosenallis for me is a great example of a club that has invested hugely in their underage structures and it is starting to bear fruit. Both their footballers and hurlers have made serious strides and with younger players coming through over next couple of years you can see them making further strides. I wouldn't be surprised to see more players from this club representing Laois on county panels over the next number of years. I do think some of our bigger 'traditional football clubs' need to look at how they are running things at underage level within the club and ask are they maximising their potential- again this is easier said than done- you need a good number of individuals to dedicate a lot of their free time and energies to commit to doing this.
I hadn't heard the rumours about players being asked to sidestep Laois. I think it's a matter for the individuals themselves, their willingness to commit and how seriously they take inter county football. I've lost count of the amount of players who have dropped away and reappeared, sometimes replacing lads who are also trapped in the revolving door. This is why coaches will keep turning back to Ross and one or two others; they are reliable at the very least. It doesn't say much about a lad if he can't develop in a county panel and can't get by a 37 year old in the pecking order.
And this is another one of our problems. We seem to go looking for the reset button at the end of each season, whether it's been good or bad. If we're not changing the head coach, we're doing a roll call on who fancies it next year. That's an attitude problem, and you won't develop individually or collectively with that sort of approach. There are genuine reasons in some cases of course, but we're some county for turnover. Just one of many issues that we have to address.
Sounds like a trip to Fermanagh could well have implications for those travelling. Another inter county team pulled the plug this morning, citing the isolation period that would ensue.
Quote from: High Fielder on October 22, 2020, 10:04:23 AM
Sounds like a trip to Fermanagh could well have implications for those travelling. Another inter county team pulled the plug this morning, citing the isolation period that would ensue.
An isolation period only arises if you are in contact with a case while travelling e.g. like the Roscommon bus, so it is not inevitable.
Waterford GAA taking a different view. Whether we like it or not, going over the border is entering another jurisdiction, and the approach there has been even worse than in the Republic. Hence the proportionately shocking number of positives
Quote from: High Fielder on October 22, 2020, 12:00:39 PM
Waterford GAA taking a different view. Whether we like it or not, going over the border is entering another jurisdiction, and the approach there has been even worse than in the Republic. Hence the proportionately shocking number of positives
There are no isolation requirements for crossing the border and the number of Covid cases differs in each part of the country. A particular problem with Covid in one area might be a justification for moving a game, however no unit of the the GAA should be allowed take a partitionist approach. We'll end up in complete chaos if particular teams are able to make up their own rules when it suits them.
I'm speaking personally without any wish to be partitionist. Fermanagh is in Northern Ireland and therefore adopting different policies to our own. In my opinion, the approach taken in the North and in the rest of the UK has been negligent. That's just my opinion. It's up to Laois GAA and the players to decide if they want to play. I wouldn't personally but each to their own. You can settle yourself Armaghniac. Laois GAA are not in the habit of rocking any boats.
Is this game being televised by any of the streaming companies does anyone know??
Quote from: High Fielder on October 22, 2020, 12:32:44 PM
I'm speaking personally without any wish to be partitionist. Fermanagh is in Northern Ireland and therefore adopting different policies to our own. In my opinion, the approach taken in the North and in the rest of the UK has been negligent. That's just my opinion. It's up to Laois GAA and the players to decide if they want to play. I wouldn't personally but each to their own. You can settle yourself Armaghniac. Laois GAA are not in the habit of rocking any boats.
Where is this place you speak of?
Some amount of west brit 'gaa fans' on this board in fairness. Board is coming down with them. Although worse than that is the gaa from the 6 counties who use this type of term.
And you think that only Waterford are partitionists with their recent statements!
A bit of context there please. You might also note that I previously said whether we like it or not, before you go charging off on your high horse there.
::)
Best of luck to Laois against Fermanagh. Tough game for us at the moment
GAAGo jittery again this weekend for the game against Fermanagh. It would give you a headache. Is it the same for everyone else?
This isn't looking good at all. They need to put in an almighty shift in the second half to stay up in Division 2. Hopefully the bench can have some sort of impact.
The picture is the least of my worries. Even for us, this is winnable, but we're just woeful. Hopefully we show a bit of improvement and urgency in the second half. Not looking very likely at the moment
What the f**k is going on here? Fair play lads. Fair f**king play. We upped the tempo and destroyed them. Subs were excellent in fairness
That's a huge result for Laois football. Staying up in Division 2 gives us a great platform going forward to bring through some of the young lads next year. Great morale boost for the lads heading into the Leinster Championship opener as well. Fair play to them.
LAOIS ABU
Wow - some turnaround. From the depths of despair to a huge win - well done lads.
Brilliant Laois. Great to see a bit of fight in a Laois team.
I turned off the jittery stream near the end when Laois were down 6 and Lillis got sent off. Turned it back on 10 mins later to see Laois score the second goal, couldn't believe that finish to the game!!! At the start of the league we somehow got a point out of Roscommon with two late goals and now we went one better and took a win with three late goals :D
Hard to know what to take from all that. We played with very little intensity for a large portion of the game. Daly and Bolger seemed to be driving us forward, and brought the others into it. Fermanagh crumbled on the back foot, but in fairness, they were winning a very tame encounter up until we sparked into life. Great to win. Great to see some fight. Even better to see some younger players stepping up.
Quote from: High Fielder on October 24, 2020, 03:56:59 PM
Hard to know what to take from all that. We played with very little intensity for a large portion of the game. Daly and Bolger seemed to be driving us forward, and brought the others into it. Fermanagh crumbled on the back foot, but in fairness, they were winning a very tame encounter up until we sparked into life. Great to win. Great to see some fight. Even better to see some younger players stepping up.
Love to see real fight in a Laois team. In next years division 2 I'd like to see more of the under 20s teams of last 2 years introduced. In the meantime hopefully we will get over Louth or Longford.
Based on what we saw today, I'm inclined to agree. We've been guilty of discarding players way too early in the past. It was noticeable today, good and bad, that our intensity improved as our age profile got younger.
Without a horrendous goalkeeping mistake from Fermanagh we most likely would have come home with tail between our legs. Fermanagh were still winning by 2 in injury time, already relegated and with a covid depleted panel. That goal handed us the win. Yes we rescued it to a certain extent but a lot of it was Fermanagh shooting themselves in the foot.
No doubting that SE. We should have been arrested at the final whistle. At least the last 5 minutes gives us some sort of idea of what we need to do for the full 70. We can't go on with that snail's pace approach to our play
Division 2 next year will be :
Westmeath
Clare
Kildare
Meath
Laois
Mayo
Cork
Down
Is it me or does that look significantly tougher than this year? Survival next year would be a great achievement for us .
It looks tougher because we still associate Cork, Meath, Down, Kildare and Mayo with being genuine All Ireland contenders. Mayo aside none of them are. They are all in div2 on merit.
We'd be odds on to drop for sure. Cavan went down and we stayed up, but Cavan would beat us six or seven times out of ten in my opinion.
We have to concentrate on winning the games we need to be winning, and hopefully improve as we do that. It's a tired tune these days, particularly in Laois, but we need our best players committing so that we can put together some sort of cohesion. Both the hurlers and footballers have to make do at times, and that's just not going to cut it. I don't know why Laois seem to suffer more than most with absenteeism, but the fact is we do, and it hurts us badly. There is no point throwing lads like Brennan, Quirke and Sugrue at the situation if we can't get our best players involved.
We drew with Roscommon and beat Armagh and both were promoted and should have lost to both teams that were relegated. It was a strange league for us overall. Next year, we will need to target the Clare, Down and Westmeath games. Mayo and Cork will be too strong. It could go either way against Meath and Kildare.
The way I see it it's probably going to be Mayo,Cork,Meath,Kildare fighting for promotion and then Westmeath,Down,Laois,Clare fighting to avoid relegation. Seems to be a bit of a gulf in class between the top and bottom teams in division 2 next year . I find it very interesting that Roscommon won division 2 this year with only half of their usual panel of players due to a number of different circumstances during the year in the squad . Armagh also got promoted and they are nowhere near division 1 standard from what I seen of them .I'd expect division 2 to be of quite a higher standard next year.
The performance on Saturday was extremely poor, notwithstanding the excellent last 10 minutes. That standard won't be near good enough in Division 2 next year.
Laois definitely played a 'get out of jail' free card last weekend. Fermanagh were the better team and we looked clueless in how to break down their defensive structure for most of that game- it was very much a continuation of Westmeath game where we were very one dimensional. A penalty and fortunate second goal at the death gave us the momentum shift and with Fermanagh having nothing to play for we knocked on a couple of additional scores to put a lop sided appearance on the final score board.
Saying all that delighted to get the win and the infusion of youth on proceedings near the end showed exactly what is needed for next year- plenty more energy, enthusiasm and speed.