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21 April, Sunday
Laois v. Offaly

28 April, Sunday
Meath v. Laois

5 May, Sunday
Kerry v. Laois

19 May, Sunday
Laois v. Down

26 May, Sunday
Westmeath v. Laois


The GAA website didn't have any fixtures listed, yet. I got these off the RTÉ website (no times or venues listed, yet).

Really need to be beating Offaly at home. Wouldn't fancy going to Westmeath needing the win to get to the final.

The extra game against Carlow is welcome and there should be an air of optimism heading into the the Offaly game.

Last year the team had a number of injuries or players just coming back from injury when we played Offaly in the opening round of the Joe McDonagh. We were also coming off the back of a poor league campaign. This year the team look to be in a far healthier place for the start of this year's championship and I really hope they will be carrying a feel good factor into the game with a victory over Carlow. It really looks like a three horse race between ourselves, Westmeath and Offaly for the Joe McDonagh. The last two performances in the league have been very encouraging- this Laois team might be peaking at the right time this year. Offaly have stepped up from last year as well. Should be a right competitive encounter when the two sides meet.   

One week to go until the hurlers kick off their 2024 campaign against Offaly. We really need to lay down a marker here and win this to have any strong hopes of making the JMD Final.

On another note, how long is the JMD competition running now? Since 2018? Still no competition sponsors. Shame on the GAA top brass.

Quote from: redsetanta on March 25, 2024, 04:33:17 PMReally need to be beating Offaly at home. Wouldn't fancy going to Westmeath needing the win to get to the final.

The extra game against Carlow is welcome and there should be an air of optimism heading into the the Offaly game.

I would have thought Offaly will be hot favourites to beat us based on the league where they played Waterford, Wexford, Clare, Kilkenny & Cork. Apart from the Cork game Offaly were reasonably competitive against top tier opponents including both finalists Kilkenny and Clare. All the while Laois play the likes of Carlow, Kildare & Meath.

If you were a betting man you would have to go for Offaly all day long.

Huge game for this group of players. Probably our best panel for many years. Offaly are c**k of the walk at the minute with all these superstars coming. I think our lads will wire into them, they have turned a corner since the league game with Carlow. Lose and we are in trouble, win and we have a real chance of getting to a final and can dream of the glory days of 2019 again. Wouldnt that be fantastic.
We need a big laois crowd on Sunday and the clubs need to drum up a big following. Its the least the players deserve for their efforts.

We are we capable of beating offaly

Quote from: mcwregor on April 17, 2024, 03:31:10 PMHuge game for this group of players. Probably our best panel for many years. Offaly are c**k of the walk at the minute with all these superstars coming. I think our lads will wire into them, they have turned a corner since the league game with Carlow. Lose and we are in trouble, win and we have a real chance of getting to a final and can dream of the glory days of 2019 again. Wouldnt that be fantastic.
We need a big laois crowd on Sunday and the clubs need to drum up a big following. Its the least the players deserve for their efforts.

Well said. The league final performance was one of the best Laois performances in years. Hopefully they can find another gear this weekend and having a good support at the game will surely help.

No Willie Dunphy, Ross or Picky in the starting 15. Big calls.

This is the 7th edition of the Joe McDonagh Cup having been launched back in 2018. Every year it has delivered as a very competitive competition and I'm sure this year will be no different.

Certain Munster hurling "snobs" try to belittle the Leinster hurling championship  let alone the Joe McDonagh. There needs to be more coverage and promotion of the smaller teams as the "big fish" get enough coverage as it is. Thankfully the link with the Liam McCarthy Cup remains despite an attempt last year to remove that link. Who can forget the famous day we beat Dublin in 2019 and got to contest and All Ireland quater final against eventual champions Tipperary.

As for this year, a massive game awaits today. Best of luck to Willie Maher and his men for this campaign. The ambition obviously has to be an appearance in the Joe McDonagh final on June 8th and see what we can achieve from there.

(https://scontent.fdub1-4.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/436350832_815228257307050_5963940277461736900_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=-vEVyj3JW80Ab5P8c0T&_nc_ht=scontent.fdub1-4.fna&oh=00_AfDFeBATNqzjDU8D3zcDgKJhKyfxptK4MvUnvQznenkUxQ&oe=662ACB9D)

Really strong bench.
That's what we need.
Rare we have it!

Have a good feeling about this one.

For @Mossy Bruce over on the west coast USA, you can watch the match live on clubber.tv for €12 / $13. They also have an annual pass for €149 which is great value as alot of club matches are shown also.

With the greatest of respect - f**k them!

Delighted with the win!
Even more delighted with how we won!

Oh that was one sweet win. Tom Cuddy hurled some game. Paddy Purcell deserves the freedom of Laois. Rowland was immense. Dooley came good in the second half as did Shanahan. A brilliant start to championship hurling 2024. Kerry beating Westmeath opens up the group. We should beat Meath and Down so we'd just need a win over either Westmeath or Kerry to make the final now.

Do you think maybe Rowland needs to go for fewer of those long range frees?
An awful amount of ball wasted today.
When it's not happening of a day, I think it has to be called to change tack.

There was a bit of pushing and shoving after the game. I only saw the aftermath where those involved were being separated. I heard someone saying that the opposing managers were involved. It fizzled out fairly quickly anyway.

Great finish from our lads who looked dead and buried when 6 points down. A grand day out in the sun  :)

Offaly manager johny Kelly couldn't take his beating. He was going at wille Dunphy aswell.

Quote from: Verbal on April 21, 2024, 03:37:34 PMDelighted with the win!
Even more delighted with how we won!

Exactly! Usually them that get the late goal to sink us, so this was indeed sweet. Not as good as the Dublin win, but still very good! Of course, it's only a first step. Great to have Picky to come in in the second half - and he had a lot to add to the mix besides just the frees. Purcell's trademark goal really the turning point. Up till then, our forwards couldn't really get motoring, with a lot of terrible ball in. In fairness, Offaly also guilty of hitting a bit of aimless ball. But after that first Purcell goal, it became real helter-skelter stuff, and in injury-time there can't have been a free given and the backs defended for their lives. Often wondered why Tom Cuddy was there, but he contributed well today. What's the odds of a re-match in the final? Quite short, I'd say!

Quote from: burdizzo on April 21, 2024, 07:50:44 PMWhat's the odds of a re-match in the final? Quite short, I'd say!

If Westmeath turn Offaly over next weekend, their season is effectively over.

Quote from: G@@ on April 21, 2024, 12:48:42 PMFor @Mossy Bruce over on the west coast USA, you can watch the match live on clubber.tv for €12 / $13. They also have an annual pass for €149 which is great value as alot of club matches are shown also.

Thanks, G@@! Unfortunately I forgot to set my alarm (for 5:30 am) to follow the match. AAAARGH! :'(  Anyway, I will check this out for future matches. Thanks, again.

What a great start to the JMD. Should be well capable of beating Meath next day out but need to be wary of both Down and Kerry while Westmeath despite their result yesterday will be a very tough game.
A lot of hurling to be done.
Very impressed with Tom Cuddy, Corby, Dooley and of course Paddy. Rowland excellent again too although as someone else said, maybe he could change it up a bit with the long range frees.
Wouldn't be impossible that we'll meet Offaly again. That would be great for hurling in the county.

powerful finish but we not be leavin it so late next time mauybes. paddy is a bayshyt n great to have willie n picky n roddy there to close it out. biffos left the park fare quiet this week

Great to see a bit of character and grit to get the win
.
There's not doubt it wouldn't have happened without the subs and lads are right, I don't remember seeing a bench with as much experience or talent on it.

I suppose the only downside is that Offaly could have been much further ahead at half time which would have made life a lot more difficult.

Anyhow, a major hurdle out of the way and hopefully the lads stay focused and power on to the final.

Fantastic to dig out the win but much to improve on. A lot of our passes were inaccurate with lads having to try catch balls high over their heads or stretch out a hurl which impacted the fluidity. It's been a while since we could comfortably make substitutions with lads of equal quality. After 50 mins I would have not been upset by a narrow defeat with a good chance of a rematch in the final down the road, but the win was a bonus. With the exception of Screeney, I don't think Offaly had the same depth on the bench. I have felt Picky has seemed a bit lazy the last while but he turned the game yesterday.
Well done to all involved.

It's no surprise that Laois' upturn in performance and results has coincided with Mossy Bruce's return to the forum!!!!

Quote from: Laois Rising on April 22, 2024, 01:31:27 PMIt's no surprise that Laois' upturn in performance and results has coincided with Mossy Bruce's return to the forum!!!!

I'm not going anywhere, so on to the All-Ireland Championship in June!

( :o  yikes)

Quote from: Mossy Bruce on April 22, 2024, 05:30:22 AM

Quote from: G@@ on April 21, 2024, 12:48:42 PMFor @Mossy Bruce over on the west coast USA, you can watch the match live on clubber.tv for €12 / $13. They also have an annual pass for €149 which is great value as alot of club matches are shown also.

Thanks, G@@! Unfortunately I forgot to set my alarm (for 5:30 am) to follow the match. AAAARGH! :'(  Anyway, I will check this out for future matches. Thanks, again.

Forgot to mention, the match commentary is in English too!

Meath away tomorrow in Trim at 3pm. Hopefully some of the bench can get a run out here and give them championship game time.

Team has been announced:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GMFWx5tXMAEDreS?format=jpg&name=medium)

Good that we have the luxury of letting the u20s play w/ the u20s.

Quote from: burdizzo on April 26, 2024, 11:56:44 AMGood that we have the luxury of letting the u20s play w/ the u20s.

Yup, right decision.

Quote from: G@@ on April 26, 2024, 12:10:12 PM

Quote from: burdizzo on April 26, 2024, 11:56:44 AMGood that we have the luxury of letting the u20s play w/ the u20s.

Yup, right decision.

I think Westmeath are in a bit of a bind on that one, in so far as they have a reasonably good u20 side playing Dublin on Sunday, but also a must-win game v Offaly in the McDonagh on Saturday. What do they do?!

If Laois were to lose to Kerry, Down or Westmeath you could have a scenario that the Joe McDonagh Final places end up being decided by points difference come end of the league part of the competition. Important that Laois put a decent score up on Meath this weekend.   

Quote from: Laois Rising on April 26, 2024, 04:03:48 PMIf Laois were to lose to Kerry, Down or Westmeath you could have a scenario that the Joe McDonagh Final places end up being decided by points difference come end of the league part of the competition. Important that Laois put a decent score up on Meath this weekend.   

Laois 7-29 v 1-16 Meath.
A 31 point cushion after a sluggish start. That's two games now where we start off rather slowly.

In Tullamore, Offaly scored 2-23 to Westmeath's 1-20. So, Offaly not gone yet.

Is that the biggest ever score by the Laois seniors?

Quote from: Zooming around on April 27, 2024, 07:40:06 PMIs that the biggest ever score by the Laois seniors?

Not sure! Most likely up there though. Not often we post 5 or more goals in a game.

Antrim beating Wexford tonight is very interesting. Dare we dream to win JMD and meet them in the All Ireland preliminary quarter final!  :o
Antrim would probably need to beat Dublin in Parnell Park on May 11th to accomplish that feat.

Quote from: G@@ on April 27, 2024, 10:38:38 PM...Antrim beating Wexford tonight is very interesting. Dare we dream to win JMD and meet them in the All Ireland preliminary quarter final!  :o

I like it!

I don't remember a scoreline like that for Laois. 50 points in total.

Must certainly be a biggest winning margin.

Nobody would have predicted Kerry and Laois at the top of the table with 2 from 2. Offaly go there next day out. Another 'knockout' game for Offaly.

Quote from: G@@ on April 27, 2024, 10:38:38 PM

Quote from: Zooming around on April 27, 2024, 07:40:06 PMIs that the biggest ever score by the Laois seniors?

Not sure! Most likely up there though. Not often we post 5 or more goals in a game.

Antrim beating Wexford tonight is very interesting. Dare we dream to win JMD and meet them in the All Ireland preliminary quarter final!  :o
Antrim would probably need to beat Dublin in Parnell Park on May 11th to accomplish that feat.

Laois definitely have the winning of this tournament in them, but would wait till after the win before getting Antrim.

Carlow have done really well considering no points but have not shipped the heavy defeat that Antrim had last week so when we meet our advantage is a home game against them.

Dublin are not going to take us lightly either so would take an even bigger result away from home to gain third for us.

 

Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 29, 2024, 02:37:46 PMLaois definitely have the winning of this tournament in them, but would wait till after the win before getting Antrim.

Carlow have done really well considering no points but have not shipped the heavy defeat that Antrim had last week so when we meet our advantage is a home game against them.

Dublin are not going to take us lightly either so would take an even bigger result away from home to gain third for us.

Absolutely, the team needs to stay focused on the tournament in hand. Us fans can merely speculate though!
The Laois V Kerry match on Saturday is the springboard game to coast into the final. For Offaly, every game for them going forward is knockout with their biggest threat in the form of Kerry at Tullamore later this month. These two games will really decide the Joe McDonagh Cup.
If we lose this Saturday and Offaly beat Kerry on May 19th then we are in a dog-fight with Westmeath in the last round - a dogfight in Mullingar is really where we don't want to be.
A vital game this Saturday coming up.

Quote from: G@@ on May 01, 2024, 11:56:15 AM

Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 29, 2024, 02:37:46 PMLaois definitely have the winning of this tournament in them, but would wait till after the win before getting Antrim.

Carlow have done really well considering no points but have not shipped the heavy defeat that Antrim had last week so when we meet our advantage is a home game against them.

Dublin are not going to take us lightly either so would take an even bigger result away from home to gain third for us.

Absolutely, the team needs to stay focused on the tournament in hand. Us fans can merely speculate though!
The Laois V Kerry match on Saturday is the springboard game to coast into the final. For Offaly, every game for them going forward is knockout with their biggest threat in the form of Kerry at Tullamore later this month. These two games will really decide the Joe McDonagh Cup.
If we lose this Saturday and Offaly beat Kerry on May 19th then we are in a dog-fight with Westmeath in the last round - a dogfight in Mullingar is really where we don't want to be.
A vital game this Saturday coming up.

Been a great competition which has not been given much credit or attention, while winning it wont propel you to tier one status, it moves you into a competitive tier two level and that where you want to be

Very quiet on here ahead of a very important fixture tomorrow. This arguably is the most important game of the rest of the campaign. Win this tomorrow and we've one foot firmly planted in the final.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GMpKlg2WIAApVya?format=jpg&name=medium)

Strong team announced and based on form this year so far, one couldn't complain with that starting 15.

Best of luck lads tomorrow. Any sort of win will do!  ;D

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GMvxJkuW0AAV982?format=jpg&name=medium)
Meath 3-16 v 5-31 Offaly
Down 3-19 v 1-25 Westmeath
Kerry 0-18 v 1-25  Laois

In the driving seat. Offaly V Kerry next week you feel will decide who Laois meet in the final. We cannot afford to drop the guard against Down in two weeks time, they should have really beaten Westmeath today.

What the hell has happened with Westmeath?! They're second from the bottom, right now.

( ;D )

Quote from: Mossy Bruce on May 06, 2024, 08:16:28 PMWhat the hell has happened with Westmeath?! They're second from the bottom, right now.

( ;D )

It's relatively straight forward brother, unlike Offaly, who have a winning mentality that they discovered in the mid eighties, when they picked up all irelands, and continuing through to the naughties, although they inevitably fell away because like ourselves and Westmeath, they are relatively small in terms of population and have both codes competing annually, ourselves and Westmeath are confidence teams, a couple of wins and everything changes almost immediately. When we lost to Carlow in the first league game this year, we could easily have fallen apart, but one win and then going the Dr Cullen and producing a great display totally changed the Laois mindset, then hanging on to the coat tails of Offaly in Portlaoise, keeping the within two scores of us for 55 minutes until Paddy Purcell got the first of two goals, has completely changed the teams mindset, but I personally believe that if Offaly turned us over by a few points then we most definitely be looking at a different Laois team. Westmeath are exactly the same as Laois. They, like ourselves have some wonderful hurlers, but after a poor league campaign and losing to kerry has caused them to fall through the floorboards confidence wise. In live in Nottingham so I can only watch via livestream, but I watched Laois minors lose against Offaly, quite simply because we never believed that we could have beaten them. Offaly didn't win that game, Laois totally threw it away, hitting the post with an open goal at his mercy, poor decision after poor decision in front of goal proved that Laois have an uncanny habit of beating themselves. Finally I truly hope that I am wrong but the u20s will probably be exactly the same, because Offaly know what it takes to get over the line with an inferior team. Laois Will play Offaly in the Joe McDonagh final, forget about Kerry or Down, We beat Kerry by 10 points and they beat Down by a similar margin in the second round. Can we beat Offaly in a final with this current squad ?? Absolutely, but will we, we'll that's where psychology plays a major part. Finally I have a question that I would love an answer, Abbeyleix got to a senior final last year, although they were well beaten, but in the last ten years, they have won minor and u20 championships more than once, please explain why there is only one player in the whole squad ? Let's be brutally honest, if a town is almost perennially winning underage finals then they must have a few good hurlers so what's their problem

A good win over Kerry.

We are on course to top the table so they have achieved their objectives so far. They were comfortable winners in the end. Maher happy with the win but admits the performance could have been better.

Laois are playing with a confidence at the moment and they will need it, if indeed we do meet Offaly again in the final.

Aaron Dunphy also taking the captaincy in his stride and showing great leadership.

Quote from: The infidel in exile on May 06, 2024, 10:08:19 PM

Quote from: Mossy Bruce on May 06, 2024, 08:16:28 PMWhat the hell has happened with Westmeath?! They're second from the bottom, right now.

( ;D )

It's relatively straight forward brother, unlike Offaly, who have a winning mentality that they discovered in the mid eighties, when they picked up all irelands, and continuing through to the naughties, although they inevitably fell away because like ourselves and Westmeath, they are relatively small in terms of population and have both codes competing annually, ourselves and Westmeath are confidence teams, a couple of wins and everything changes almost immediately. When we lost to Carlow in the first league game this year, we could easily have fallen apart, but one win and then going the Dr Cullen and producing a great display totally changed the Laois mindset, then hanging on to the coat tails of Offaly in Portlaoise, keeping the within two scores of us for 55 minutes until Paddy Purcell got the first of two goals, has completely changed the teams mindset, but I personally believe that if Offaly turned us over by a few points then we most definitely be looking at a different Laois team. Westmeath are exactly the same as Laois. They, like ourselves have some wonderful hurlers, but after a poor league campaign and losing to kerry has caused them to fall through the floorboards confidence wise. In live in Nottingham so I can only watch via livestream, but I watched Laois minors lose against Offaly, quite simply because we never believed that we could have beaten them. Offaly didn't win that game, Laois totally threw it away, hitting the post with an open goal at his mercy, poor decision after poor decision in front of goal proved that Laois have an uncanny habit of beating themselves. Finally I truly hope that I am wrong but the u20s will probably be exactly the same, because Offaly know what it takes to get over the line with an inferior team. Laois Will play Offaly in the Joe McDonagh final, forget about Kerry or Down, We beat Kerry by 10 points and they beat Down by a similar margin in the second round. Can we beat Offaly in a final with this current squad ?? Absolutely, but will we, we'll that's where psychology plays a major part. Finally I have a question that I would love an answer, Abbeyleix got to a senior final last year, although they were well beaten, but in the last ten years, they have won minor and u20 championships more than once, please explain why there is only one player in the whole squad ? Let's be brutally honest, if a town is almost perennially winning underage finals then they must have a few good hurlers so what's their problem

The two Byrne's are starting and playing well for Laois U20s and possibly will break into the Laois senior panel/team over the next few years. Shaun Fitzpatrick who was one of the main players on the teams that made successive U20 county finals is concentrating on football and is starting for the county footballers so is not available to the hurlers.

The majority of the senior team that made the county final are still very young and inexperienced. Perhaps one or two more will step up in the coming years to make a Laois panel e.g. Lawson Obulor. I don't think there is anyone in the club that you could argue is being wrongly overlooked by the Laois management. Remember, Abbeyleix were intermediate in Laois two years ago so those players need a couple of more years playing adult hurling to develop.

Of more concern is Portlaoise hurling and can it be revitalised over the next ten years that it's underage sides can be consistently contributing3/ 4/5 players to the county underage teams and in time feed players into the senior set up. On the current u20 panel I think I'm right in saying that Portlaoise only have one player who is the goalkeeper and I cannot think of anyone off the top of my head from Portlaoise on the senior panel this year. If Laois are to progress up the ladder we need a strong representation from the Town. I'm old enough to fondly remember the 80s with the likes of John Taylor, Pat Critchley, Liam Bergin, and Billy and John Bohan playing for Laois. Today's squad with 3/4 more players thrown in from Portlaoise of the ilk of these lads would give anyone in Leinster a game. We won't have a truly strong Laois side until hurling in Portlaoise is properly promoted and developed.   

Quote from: Laois Rising on May 08, 2024, 04:07:25 PM

Quote from: The infidel in exile on May 06, 2024, 10:08:19 PM

Quote from: Mossy Bruce on May 06, 2024, 08:16:28 PMWhat the hell has happened with Westmeath?! They're second from the bottom, right now.

( ;D )

It's relatively straight forward brother, unlike Offaly, who have a winning mentality that they discovered in the mid eighties, when they picked up all irelands, and continuing through to the naughties, although they inevitably fell away because like ourselves and Westmeath, they are relatively small in terms of population and have both codes competing annually, ourselves and Westmeath are confidence teams, a couple of wins and everything changes almost immediately. When we lost to Carlow in the first league game this year, we could easily have fallen apart, but one win and then going the Dr Cullen and producing a great display totally changed the Laois mindset, then hanging on to the coat tails of Offaly in Portlaoise, keeping the within two scores of us for 55 minutes until Paddy Purcell got the first of two goals, has completely changed the teams mindset, but I personally believe that if Offaly turned us over by a few points then we most definitely be looking at a different Laois team. Westmeath are exactly the same as Laois. They, like ourselves have some wonderful hurlers, but after a poor league campaign and losing to kerry has caused them to fall through the floorboards confidence wise. In live in Nottingham so I can only watch via livestream, but I watched Laois minors lose against Offaly, quite simply because we never believed that we could have beaten them. Offaly didn't win that game, Laois totally threw it away, hitting the post with an open goal at his mercy, poor decision after poor decision in front of goal proved that Laois have an uncanny habit of beating themselves. Finally I truly hope that I am wrong but the u20s will probably be exactly the same, because Offaly know what it takes to get over the line with an inferior team. Laois Will play Offaly in the Joe McDonagh final, forget about Kerry or Down, We beat Kerry by 10 points and they beat Down by a similar margin in the second round. Can we beat Offaly in a final with this current squad ?? Absolutely, but will we, we'll that's where psychology plays a major part. Finally I have a question that I would love an answer, Abbeyleix got to a senior final last year, although they were well beaten, but in the last ten years, they have won minor and u20 championships more than once, please explain why there is only one player in the whole squad ? Let's be brutally honest, if a town is almost perennially winning underage finals then they must have a few good hurlers so what's their problem

The two Byrne's are starting and playing well for Laois U20s and possibly will break into the Laois senior panel/team over the next few years. Shaun Fitzpatrick who was one of the main players on the teams that made successive U20 county finals is concentrating on football and is starting for the county footballers so is not available to the hurlers.

The majority of the senior team that made the county final are still very young and inexperienced. Perhaps one or two more will step up in the coming years to make a Laois panel e.g. Lawson Obulor. I don't think there is anyone in the club that you could argue is being wrongly overlooked by the Laois management. Remember, Abbeyleix were intermediate in Laois two years ago so those players need a couple of more years playing adult hurling to develop.

Of more concern is Portlaoise hurling and can it be revitalised over the next ten years that it's underage sides can be consistently contributing3/ 4/5 players to the county underage teams and in time feed players into the senior set up. On the current u20 panel I think I'm right in saying that Portlaoise only have one player who is the goalkeeper and I cannot think of anyone off the top of my head from Portlaoise on the senior panel this year. If Laois are to progress up the ladder we need a strong representation from the Town. I'm old enough to fondly remember the 80s with the likes of John Taylor, Pat Critchley, Liam Bergin, and Billy and John Bohan playing for Laois. Today's squad with 3/4 more players thrown in from Portlaoise of the ilk of these lads would give anyone in Leinster a game. We won't have a truly strong Laois side until hurling in Portlaoise is properly promoted and developed.   

Thank you for your explanation regarding Abbeyleix. But we have to accept that the four biggest towns in Laois are football towns. Portlaoise 22.000. Portarlington 7.900. Graigcullen 5.500. And Mountmellock 2.340. That's the reason I asked about Abbeyleix as it number five in the county. Then Rathdowney, the two hurling towns as Mountrath is struggling at the moment. We rely totally on rural clubs with small picks, forget about the Town, Their main secondary school won't play hurling, here in the UK football clubs are fighting against this woke culture that has ruined our children. Brocken Reilly's son is in goal.i know brocken well as he started refereeing when I gave it up. But Brocken is originally from Longford and the town he was from was a hurling town so he instilled that in his son. I heard about Obular, a friend told me that he is a good centre back, throw him in next year

Quote from: The infidel in exile on May 08, 2024, 08:20:35 PMThank you for your explanation regarding Abbeyleix. But we have to accept that the four biggest towns in Laois are football towns. Portlaoise 22.000. Portarlington 7.900. Graigcullen 5.500. And Mountmellock 2.340. That's the reason I asked about Abbeyleix as it number five in the county. Then Rathdowney, the two hurling towns as Mountrath is struggling at the moment. We rely totally on rural clubs with small picks, forget about the Town, Their main secondary school won't play hurling, here in the UK football clubs are fighting against this woke culture that has ruined our children. Brocken Reilly's son is in goal.i know brocken well as he started refereeing when I gave it up. But Brocken is originally from Longford and the town he was from was a hurling town so he instilled that in his son. I heard about Obular, a friend told me that he is a good centre back, throw him in next year

Not sure about throwing U20s into the Senior setup, I'd be fairly against that. Ger Quinlan looked quite tired this evening against Offaly.
In fact, Laois have never truly recovered from the 'experiment' under Damien Fox to cull all over 23s from the senior setup back in the day. We need experienced heads on the Laois team like Patrick Purcell, etc...
Bringing on lads before their time is going to give rise to burnout.

Quote from: G@@ on May 08, 2024, 08:45:55 PMNot sure about throwing U20s into the Senior setup, I'd be fairly against that. Ger Quinlan looked quite tired this evening against Offaly.
In fact, Laois have never truly recovered from the 'experiment' under Damien Fox to cull all over 23s from the senior setup back in the day. We need experienced heads on the Laois team like Patrick Purcell, etc...
Bringing on lads before their time is going to give rise to burnout.

So true. Happens at club level, and all. Too much, too soon.

Granted Portlaoise is a football first, hurling second club but with the numbers living in Portlaoise a long term plan at revitalising hurling in the club should yield some quality players. Obviously, it will take a ground up approach but with the population there and with the funding that is available to counties there is no excuse really.

It's a great point you make regarding the townlands in Laois. GAA in urban areas in Laois is really struggling in many of our towns and has been for a long time. Showing some initiative, getting good people involved and putting the work in at underage as Abbleyleix/(Ballyroan) and Portarlington have done shows what is possible. Portarlington is a football town but is now starting to feed players into underage hurling county squads. Not something anyone would have foreseen a few years back.   

Is Picky injured?

(https://laoisgaa.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IMG_20240517_131706_457.jpg)
Today's team according to https://laoisgaa.ie/joe-mcdonagh-cup-round-4-preview-laois-vs-down/

There's no doubt now, Laois no longer belong in the Joe McDonagh Cup!

Big score 4-31 to 0-17 v Down.

Could have been more - thought Dowling was very unlucky not to score his goal and then suffer a horrible injury (looks like a collar bone break).

All eyes on Tullamore tomorrow to see if it will be Offaly or Kerry joining us on June 8th.
Will Offaly hold back their U20s for their U20 Leinster Final V Dublin on Wednesday night in Portlaoise?

I would be amazed if Offaly didn't beat Kerry comfortably. Our lads look to be motoring well at the moment, but I'd still be very wary of Offaly in the final. Would far rather be facing Kerry, actually.

Quote from: burdizzo on May 18, 2024, 09:23:09 PM...but I'd still be very wary of Offaly in the final...

Beating them twice will be quite the feat. I hope the lads can do it!

Quote from: burdizzo on May 18, 2024, 09:23:09 PMI would be amazed if Offaly didn't beat Kerry comfortably. Our lads look to be motoring well at the moment, but I'd still be very wary of Offaly in the final. Would far rather be facing Kerry, actually.

Kerry tomorrow won't fear Offaly at all. They will be licking their wounds after the beating they got from us. While we beat them, we didn't give them a demoralising thumping. I think they'll look on it as a hard lesson learnt and build towards redeeming themselves tomorrow.
Absolutely I'd be wary of Offaly in the final, They in Offaly are building a very decent young team. They'd be the tougher of the two for us when considering Kerry.

Reflecting on today's win, was intrigued by Cuddy's selection at No. 4. Thought he mopped up alot of ball and didn't look like a fish out of water in that position, however - tougher opposition might shine a light there where Down couldn't today.
We done some amount on rotation in our full forward and half line today - it yielded four goals from Keyes and Willie Dunphy. One each from each wing after being moved across! Impressive.
Was delighted to see King and Duggan brought on and given a decent spell on the field. Would like to see Duggan win more ball because he has the talent in the stratosphere of Screeny, Duggan just needs to win more dirty ball. In fairness to Duggan - he flicked off a ball to a team mate when there was a goal (No. 5) on today. He really should have had a go himself as it was probably the easier option. His earlier point single-handedly was brilliant. Signs of his capabilities. 

Oh, that final is going to be a cracker of a match!!!
I sure hope someone is going to televise it!

Quote from: Mossy Bruce on May 19, 2024, 05:06:44 PMOh, that final is going to be a cracker of a match!!!
I sure hope someone is going to televise it!

Almost certain RTE TV will cover this game ahead of the Leinster Final on June 8th. It'll probably be a 3.30pm or 4pm Irish time throw in with the Leinster Final to follow at 6pm.

I don't know if RTE matches are geo-blocked outside of Ireland Mossy, if you can go to https://www.rte.ie/player/onnow (https://www.rte.ie/player/onnow) on Sunday from around 2pm Irish time and see if you can watch whatever game is on live.

If it doesn't work for you, then you'll need to look at getting some VPN software which allows you to cloak your location and set it to Ireland. There are plenty of free VPN software to be had at the end of a google search!

GAA Go might do it too for non Ireland?

Our neighbours in Offaly are beginning to play 'Laois only have to turn up to win card' across their forum.
Seems they didn't like the press they got last year for fielding their 2nd team against Carlow and waiting breathlessly to see what Laois team fields away to Westmeath this year.
The final is a 50 50 game. Just hoping the laois boys don't fall into that trap being set across the border. Sur don't they have the best u20 hurling team of all time.

I think this game is possibly more 60/40 in Offaly's favour. They were for a long period of time the better team in the opening round contest and had they been more ruthless in taking their chances we wouldn't have been in a position to mount the fightback that we did. They will bring that hurt into the game and look to rectify things come the final.

The added feel good factor and positivity that the u20s success will bring to the camp and the fact its playing Laois all tip the scales slightly towards Offaly I fear.

No disrespect to previous Joe McDonagh finals and winners but this final is probably the strongest one in terms of the two teams competing in the final yet. Really looking forward to it and the final should bring a big support out from both counties.   

The one thing I would say is that Laois have been unstoppable since that win against Offaly.
The best team in the competition.
The Offaly win seems to have given them a lot of confidence.
Plenty of players have been used and Maher has rotated with every game and during games.
We have a very good panel and subs have been used at the right time in games.
Overall I think management have also done very well and will have the lads ready for the final.
The only downside I see is Offaly in Croke Park, a place where we haven't fared so well against them in the past and tradition and mentality will play a big part.
Looking forward to what should be a cracking game of hurling.

Huge congratulations to all on reaching the Joe McDonagh final with a game to spare.

June 8th promises to be a fantastic occasion with a big crowd expected especially with the double header with the Leinster final.

I read earlier that it will be the first senior hurling game between Laois and Offaly at Croke Park since 1997.

Yes, I agree - firstly with the congrats to the management team, who seem to have the team ratchetting up nicely - but also w/ Laois Rising's assessment of this being slightly in Offaly's favour. Even if we do manage to beat them, though, I'd say it'll be the last time we do for quite a while.

The bookies cant separate them anyway, 5/6 for either to win. Offaly with u-20s success have a feel good factor but Laois know they can beat them. It will be a proper championship game with both sides getting a crack at the AI championship. This is the format hurling and football take, forget the provincials and run off the 2nd tier comp and the winners get a go at the big one as well as promotion for next season.

Quote from: redsetanta on May 20, 2024, 12:21:29 PMOverall I think management have also done very well and will have the lads ready for the final.
The only downside I see is Offaly in Croke Park, a place where we haven't fared so well against them in the past and tradition and mentality will play a big part.
Looking forward to what should be a cracking game of hurling.

I think you summed it up pretty well - we travel in hope more than confidence.
Let's hope for a repeat of the great clashes with Offaly in the early 1980s with us coming out on top for a change.

From Hoganstand:
Saturday 15 / Sunday 16 June
All-Ireland SHC preliminary quarter-finals
Joe McDonagh Cup winner v 3rd placed Munster team, TBC, TBC
Joe McDonagh Cup runner-up v 3rd placed Leinster team, TBC, TBC

The winner of the Joe McDonagh Cup draws the short straw - a probable date with Cork  :(

Quote from: G@@ on May 20, 2024, 10:01:32 AMAlmost certain RTE TV will cover this game ahead of the Leinster Final on June 8th. It'll probably be a 3.30pm or 4pm Irish time throw in with the Leinster Final to follow at 6pm.

I don't know if RTE matches are geo-blocked outside of Ireland Mossy, if you can go to https://www.rte.ie/player/onnow (https://www.rte.ie/player/onnow) on Sunday from around 2pm Irish time and see if you can watch whatever game is on live.

If it doesn't work for you, then you'll need to look at getting some VPN software which allows you to cloak your location and set it to Ireland. There are plenty of free VPN software to be had at the end of a google search!

Quote from: imtommygunn on May 20, 2024, 10:05:00 AMGAA Go might do it too for non Ireland?

RTÉ is geo-blocked, here in the States. A few years back, I tried watching a match on RTÉ via a VPN but RTÉ could detect it and I was still blocked (clever bastards). I do have a better VPN service, now, so I might try again.

I do have a GAAGO account so that's going to be first choice.

I'm REALLY looking forward to this match. It's going to be a brutal fight.

https://www.gaago.ie/championship-2024.html

JMD Final is not on their schedule Mossey. I'd be confident it will be on Clubber TV though. So, perhaps they'll have it? They've covered it all so far: https://www.clubber.ie/sports/gaa/joe-mcdonagh-cup

Failing that, Aer Lingus have a sale on! Flights, Buses and Match Day tickets probably under $1k and ring the folks in Laois for a bed! :D

Quote from: G@@ on May 22, 2024, 04:52:37 PMFailing that, Aer Lingus have a sale on! Flights, Buses and Match Day tickets probably under $1k and ring the folks in Laois for a bed! :D

Haha! There's an idea!

Quote from: Mossy Bruce on May 22, 2024, 07:48:37 PM

Quote from: G@@ on May 22, 2024, 04:52:37 PMFailing that, Aer Lingus have a sale on! Flights, Buses and Match Day tickets probably under $1k and ring the folks in Laois for a bed! :D

Haha! There's an idea!

wud ya foot turf for a week for the b n b?

Quote from: georgedoylesrightleg on May 23, 2024, 07:44:21 AM

Quote from: Mossy Bruce on May 22, 2024, 07:48:37 PM

Quote from: G@@ on May 22, 2024, 04:52:37 PMFailing that, Aer Lingus have a sale on! Flights, Buses and Match Day tickets probably under $1k and ring the folks in Laois for a bed! :D

Haha! There's an idea!

wud ya foot turf for a week for the b n b?

Four days hauling turf, include lunch and a voucher for pints, and you have a deal.

Quote from: Mossy Bruce on May 20, 2024, 08:52:42 PM

Quote from: G@@ on May 20, 2024, 10:01:32 AMAlmost certain RTE TV will cover this game ahead of the Leinster Final on June 8th. It'll probably be a 3.30pm or 4pm Irish time throw in with the Leinster Final to follow at 6pm.

I don't know if RTE matches are geo-blocked outside of Ireland Mossy, if you can go to https://www.rte.ie/player/onnow (https://www.rte.ie/player/onnow) on Sunday from around 2pm Irish time and see if you can watch whatever game is on live.

If it doesn't work for you, then you'll need to look at getting some VPN software which allows you to cloak your location and set it to Ireland. There are plenty of free VPN software to be had at the end of a google search!

Quote from: imtommygunn on May 20, 2024, 10:05:00 AMGAA Go might do it too for non Ireland?

RTÉ is geo-blocked, here in the States. A few years back, I tried watching a match on RTÉ via a VPN but RTÉ could detect it and I was still blocked (clever bastards). I do have a better VPN service, now, so I might try again.

I do have a GAAGO account so that's going to be first choice.

I'm REALLY looking forward to this match. It's going to be a brutal fight.

Yeah I bought Nord VPN a couple of years ago, you could get most things like Netflix US version but Rte player would not work. If like me you have GAA Go account you are sorted anyway as it will be on there for sure.

Poor result from Mullingar this afternoon. Yes, it was a game of nothing but with eight lads starting I thought we might demonstrate a bit of depth in the bench. Alas, it wasn't. We'll need our best fifteen in Croker in two weeks time.

Quote from: The Boy Wonder on May 20, 2024, 08:19:40 PM

Quote from: redsetanta on May 20, 2024, 12:21:29 PMOverall I think management have also done very well and will have the lads ready for the final.
The only downside I see is Offaly in Croke Park, a place where we haven't fared so well against them in the past and tradition and mentality will play a big part.
Looking forward to what should be a cracking game of hurling.

I think you summed it up pretty well - we travel in hope more than confidence.
Let's hope for a repeat of the great clashes with Offaly in the early 1980s with us coming out on top for a change.

From Hoganstand:
Saturday 15 / Sunday 16 June
All-Ireland SHC preliminary quarter-finals
Joe McDonagh Cup winner v 3rd placed Munster team, TBC, TBC
Joe McDonagh Cup runner-up v 3rd placed Leinster team, TBC, TBC

The winner of the Joe McDonagh Cup draws the short straw - a probable date with Cork  :(

So the winners of Joe McD get to face Cork while the runners up play Wexford. A bit harsh on the winners. How is it decided? Is it rotated each year?

Think it's rotated as Tipp played Offaly last year

When are tickets on sale for the Joe McDonagh final ?

A 16 point defeat isn't what I was expecting in our final game. It was still a decent enough team that was put out.
Anyhow it's all about the gane against Offaly now

Very surprising to lose how we did. I thought some of the fringe players would tear into that game looking to make an impression and push for selection come the Joe McDonagh Final. I hope we don't follow Offaly's example of last season when they threw their final group game only to be sucker punched in the final by a fantastic Carlow performance. This loss might take away some of the optimism and momentum that we had built up in recent weeks. It might also act to refocus minds. Hopefully the latter.

Quote from: Saffrongael on May 26, 2024, 07:36:54 PMThink it's rotated as Tipp played Offaly last year

I guess the flip side is if we did manage to somehow get past Cork we play the losers of Kilkenny v Dublin instead of the losers of Limerick v Clare.

Quote from: Joeythelips on May 28, 2024, 12:07:50 AM

Quote from: Saffrongael on May 26, 2024, 07:36:54 PMThink it's rotated as Tipp played Offaly last year

I guess the flip side is if we did manage to somehow get past Cork we play the losers of Kilkenny v Dublin instead of the losers of Limerick v Clare.

Sure we're practically into the All-Ireland semi-final at this stage. I like how we are taking it for granted that we will defeat Offaly and play Cork in the preliminary quarter-final.

This could be the year!

Interestingly, we've done quite well defensively in this competition, only conceding three goals, I think - two of them being in the dead rubber against Westmeath.

Quote from: Laois Rising on May 28, 2024, 10:32:57 AM

Quote from: Joeythelips on May 28, 2024, 12:07:50 AM

Quote from: Saffrongael on May 26, 2024, 07:36:54 PMThink it's rotated as Tipp played Offaly last year

I guess the flip side is if we did manage to somehow get past Cork we play the losers of Kilkenny v Dublin instead of the losers of Limerick v Clare.

Sure we're practically into the All-Ireland semi-final at this stage. I like how we are taking it for granted that we will defeat Offaly and play Cork in the preliminary quarter-final.

Who is taking it for granted? Laois v Offaly is a 50/50 game as the odds would suggest. Offaly having their u-20s back might give them the edge in terms of who is favs but very little in it. We were just discussing the fact the winners of JMcD have the more difficult fixture that is all.

Laois goal this season would be to win JMcD and get back in Leinster championship for next year so Laois v Offaly is the biggest game of the year for both sides. Anything after that is bonus territory.

Although I watched the game over here in the UK, I actually felt that W.M told the boys to go out and enjoy themselves, the result was meaningless as Offaly with a Full 15 only won in the last 8 minutes against the same opposition. Im not one bit Afraid of Offaly but unless im solely mistaken then Padge Delaney is gone for the Offaly game, unless they can get the Red rescinded. Yes Offaly have a good u20 Team, lost to Galway two years ago and we all know what happened to Galway last weekend. Senior hurling is an entirely different animal, they have two really good forwards but we have some very sticky backs. They are not scoring as much goals as us, that makes them slightly less clinical, and Rowland is still easily top four in the Country still. Even if we lose, even though I believe that we won't, get within 2 points and Antrim and Carlow proved that Wexford are no great shakes, at least our hurlers are doing better than the footballers.

Laois Today reported it as a second yellow Podge got. Hope they're right!

Hope the county board are putting a effort into getting a big laois crowd to Croke park.

3.30 throw in for Joe McDonagh with Leinster final at 6pm. Tickets €40.

Quote from: redsetanta on May 29, 2024, 12:29:43 PM3.30 throw in for Joe McDonagh with Leinster final at 6pm. Tickets €40.

There should be a good crowd in for that.

Quote from: Mossy Bruce on May 20, 2024, 08:52:42 PM

Quote from: G@@ on May 20, 2024, 10:01:32 AMAlmost certain RTE TV will cover this game ahead of the Leinster Final on June 8th. It'll probably be a 3.30pm or 4pm Irish time throw in with the Leinster Final to follow at 6pm.

I don't know if RTE matches are geo-blocked outside of Ireland Mossy, if you can go to https://www.rte.ie/player/onnow (https://www.rte.ie/player/onnow) on Sunday from around 2pm Irish time and see if you can watch whatever game is on live.

If it doesn't work for you, then you'll need to look at getting some VPN software which allows you to cloak your location and set it to Ireland. There are plenty of free VPN software to be had at the end of a google search!

Quote from: imtommygunn on May 20, 2024, 10:05:00 AMGAA Go might do it too for non Ireland?

RTÉ is geo-blocked, here in the States. A few years back, I tried watching a match on RTÉ via a VPN but RTÉ could detect it and I was still blocked (clever bastards). I do have a better VPN service, now, so I might try again.

I do have a GAAGO account so that's going to be first choice.

I'm REALLY looking forward to this match. It's going to be a brutal fight.

Good news so, both Laois games this weekend are on GAAGo (https://www.gaago.ie/matches/live).

As I thought Offaly are now very slight favourites with the bookies given the buzz from the u-20s win. Laois are awaiting in the long grass, a proper championship final so should be a cracking game.

Any word from the camp?

Any injury worries ahead of Sunday?

Hopefully all the lads are fine and Maher has a full hand to pick from.

Has the team been named?

I heard James Keyes is out with a hamstring injury.

Enda Rowland (Abbeyleix St Lazarian's);
Ian Shanahan (Ballinakill), Ryan Mullaney (Castletown), Diarmuid Conway (Clough-Ballacolla);
Liam O'Connell (Rathdowney-Errill), Padraig Delaney (The Harps), Tom Cuddy (Camross);
Aidan Corby (Clough-Ballacolla), Paddy Purcell (Rathdowney-Errill);
Fiachra C Fennell (Rosenallis), Aaron Dunphy (Borris-Kilcotton), David Dooley (Rosenallis);
James Duggan (The Harps), Jer Quinlan (Borris-Kilcotton), Tomas Keyes (Camross).


Subs: Cathal Dunne (Clough-Ballacolla),
Donnchadh Hartnett (Rosenallis),
Padraic Dunne (The Harps),
Lee Cleere (Clough-Ballacolla),
John Lennon (Rosenallis),
Gearoid Lynch (Ballinakill),
Ross King (Rathdowney-Errill),
Willie Dunphy (Clough-Ballacolla),
Picky Maher (Clough-Ballacolla),
Martin Phelan (Castletown),
Eric Killeen (Rathdowney-Errill)

Great to see the strength of the bench. Plenty of experience to come in when required.

They will all be needed that's for sure.

I know it's been a long time since we played Offaly in a hurling championship game but when was the last time we beat them in Croke Park. I don't remember.

Offaly have gone with a very fast full forward line I see. Dan Burke probably won't start inside. Duggan getting a start for us best of luck to all. Big day tomorrow it's our All Ireland.

Surprised about Duggan and Fennell, to be honest. Maybe they're hoping the big pitch will suit faster lads?

Dummy t

Quote from: redsetanta on June 07, 2024, 11:33:15 AMEnda Rowland (Abbeyleix St Lazarian's);
Ian Shanahan (Ballinakill), Ryan Mullaney (Castletown), Diarmuid Conway (Clough-Ballacolla);
Liam O'Connell (Rathdowney-Errill), Padraig Delaney (The Harps), Tom Cuddy (Camross);
Aidan Corby (Clough-Ballacolla), Paddy Purcell (Rathdowney-Errill);
Fiachra C Fennell (Rosenallis), Aaron Dunphy (Borris-Kilcotton), David Dooley (Rosenallis);
James Duggan (The Harps), Jer Quinlan (Borris-Kilcotton), Tomas Keyes (Camross).


Subs: Cathal Dunne (Clough-Ballacolla),
Donnchadh Hartnett (Rosenallis),
Padraic Dunne (The Harps),
Lee Cleere (Clough-Ballacolla),
John Lennon (Rosenallis),
Gearoid Lynch (Ballinakill),
Ross King (Rathdowney-Errill),
Willie Dunphy (Clough-Ballacolla),
Picky Maher (Clough-Ballacolla),
Martin Phelan (Castletown),
Eric Killeen (Rathdowney-Errill)

Dummy team??

Thought the same, actually.

Quote from: ottoman on June 07, 2024, 01:31:24 PM

Quote from: redsetanta on June 07, 2024, 11:33:15 AMEnda Rowland (Abbeyleix St Lazarian's);
Ian Shanahan (Ballinakill), Ryan Mullaney (Castletown), Diarmuid Conway (Clough-Ballacolla);
Liam O'Connell (Rathdowney-Errill), Padraig Delaney (The Harps), Tom Cuddy (Camross);
Aidan Corby (Clough-Ballacolla), Paddy Purcell (Rathdowney-Errill);
Fiachra C Fennell (Rosenallis), Aaron Dunphy (Borris-Kilcotton), David Dooley (Rosenallis);
James Duggan (The Harps), Jer Quinlan (Borris-Kilcotton), Tomas Keyes (Camross).

Subs: Cathal Dunne (Clough-Ballacolla),
Donnchadh Hartnett (Rosenallis),
Padraic Dunne (The Harps),
Lee Cleere (Clough-Ballacolla),
John Lennon (Rosenallis),
Gearoid Lynch (Ballinakill),
Ross King (Rathdowney-Errill),
Willie Dunphy (Clough-Ballacolla),
Picky Maher (Clough-Ballacolla),
Martin Phelan (Castletown),
Eric Killeen (Rathdowney-Errill)

is Picky injured??

He's coming back from injury. He must be fit to be on the bench. Possibly he only has a half in him? He turned the game when he came on last time, anyway.

Quote from: Laois man on June 07, 2024, 11:43:26 AM... Big day tomorrow it's our All Ireland.

Definitely!

Bought my ticket to stream the match on GAAGO.

Laois abú!

Can't see that team starting.

Fennell & Duggan most likely to not start.
Fennell half forward?

I'm quite worried about this one I'd have to say.

God I hope I am wrong.

We're all worried about it! It's Offaly in Croke Park. Read somewhere that Laois have never beaten Offaly in Croke Park. Could that really be true?

That will on change today 🙏🙏

Quote from: burdizzo on June 08, 2024, 08:39:48 AMWe're all worried about it! It's Offaly in Croke Park. Read somewhere that Laois have never beaten Offaly in Croke Park. Could that really be true?

The 2015 win was the first since 1972 (which was in Portlaoise).
I don't think as many semi finals were played in Croke Park pre the 1980s.
Neither county were in many Leinster finals pre 1980.

We lost them multiple times in Croke Park in the 1980s.
Lost in 1996 & 1997 in Croke Park.
Don't think we have played them there since?
I'd say it is true.

Will Tom Cuddy swap with Shanahan and pick up Screeney?
Did Cuddy do a stint in the corner over the last few weeks?

What do we think the 6 starting forwards will be?
Dunphy, Dooley, Quinlan, Keyes
+
Fennell (dropping way out the field)
+
Picky?

28 minutes, 1st half

Jaysus, Laois are in this! What intensity!

Am I seeing any of you GAA Forum lads on TV, there?

Awful ball going into our full forward line.
Fennell, Rowland, Mullaney all guilty of it.

100%, some aimless passing costing Laois. Lucky not to concede another goal but well on this. Hopefully they can kick on 2nd half but need to not be running down cul de sacs and be smarter with their passing.

FFS. A goal straight away, Laois are so naive at the back, Offaly goal chances just too easy. Sign of poor coached side to be honest

Not making a change in forward line at half time is something we are going to look back at with regret.
Dunphy or Picky where Duggan was for those two situations could have had very different outcomes.

The wides! (tears flowing) The w-i-d-e-s! :'(

It might be the novelty of seeing the lads play on TV (when being used to following them on Midlands Radio) but I feel they played a good match, regardless. They kept up the intensity, never gave up, and had two massive comebacks from behind. Good job, lads! I've truly enjoyed following you this year. On to Wexford!

Quote from: Mossy Bruce on June 08, 2024, 05:03:32 PMThe wides! (tears flowing) The w-i-d-e-s! :'(

Quote from: Mossy Bruce on June 08, 2024, 05:03:32 PMThe wides! (tears flowing) The w-i-d-e-s! :'(

The goal chances

I only seen them a couple of times on TV (GAAGo) this year but I thought today they should have won that match. Maybe overly critical but they looked ill prepared, and Id say about 5 or so of the team played at the level required to win imo. The amount of mistakes they made was criminal, 18 wides, a tonne of poor passes and poor decision making and gave up 3 glorious goal chances to Offaly who simply ran down the middle. To me it smacked of a team poorly coached. I know that may sound harsh but just going on what I saw.

Theres a serious look at the (what looks like) selfishness in the forward line.
A serious amount of reflection needed.
Is it selfishness or lack of awareness.
Establishing that is the first step

Would give the lads more of a chance v Wexford than Offaly will have v Cork in Tullamore with a Cork Double Header there

The 7 day turnaround is tough though

The "Downbeatness" will be hard to shake

That was a game Laois could easily have won it was almost like the players subconsciously thought we do not want to meet Cork next weekend so lets not win this. I know that's not the case as every team goes out to win, but by golly how could a team be so unlucky, goals missed, missed passes and 18 wides
As yer man said on the TV Offaly played more as a team while Laois played more as individuals, that was kind of evident too in a few instances.

I don't know what this team needs to push on and make the breakthrough its hard to know, I do know its frustrating when you look at Offaly similar county to ours and the success they are having. Something needs to change badly or we keep on getting the same results.

The pre-eminent feeling at the end was desolation.
Laois were clearly the better team but left it behind.

Quote from: The Boy Wonder on June 08, 2024, 09:23:21 PMThe pre-eminent feeling at the end was desolation.
Laois were clearly the better team but left it behind.

That is absolutely the case: the better team lost. The call against Lennon for over-carrying near the end was very, very harsh, and was the losing of the game. Complete sickener. Yes, the goals gifted to Offaly, the wides - but still and all, we should have won that. I know we beat Offaly earlier in the competition when they should have won, so maybe it balances out. I don't believe it's because they were poorly coached. As was said, they were the better team. I assume Maher will get the gig again next year, because the CB won't have the imagination to find someone else. I also assume there'll a few of the older lads step away. We don't have pucks of talent coming through, though.

Again - a sickener.

We had 4 goal chances and took none of them we gave them 2 handy goals that was the difference. Pity hard luck lads.

Absolutely sickened to lose that. The only positive for me was the ability to fight back they showed. In previous times we would have thrown in the towel and lost by 10 or 12 points. I think the management have improved us a lot but it came down to poor decision making on the field. Hopefully exposure to a higher level in the league will improve that.

Fair play to the Laois management with having a bit of ingenuity it getting the whole panel onto the pitch yesterday ;)  Never seen it done before but 3 players with 29 on their backs ;D  ;D

I disagree with those saying that Laois, Offaly & Carlow should all be allowed play in Leinster next year.

The competitiveness of the Joe Mc is based on their being 2-3 teams there capable of challenging.
It's important to win it.
Ditto- it's important to finish 5th rather than 6th in Leinster.

People should be careful what they wish for!

I agree. You would end up with what the Christy ring used to be of one team hammering all round them.

I think the way things are in the hurling are as good as they are going to get. The Joe McDonagh is very competitive, and is not easy won.

The more teams you have in Leinster, the more mismatches you will have throughout the season.

Neil McManus was saying a promoted team should have a minimum of 2 years in the Leinster without the threat of relegation, if that was the case, Carlow v Antrim would have been a dead rubber this year. There would have been no jeopardy for Carlow.

Offaly slipped as far as the Christy Ring in recent years, so the current structures show imo, that there are systems in place to let teams progress.

Time will tell if Offaly are competitive at leinster in the next 3-5 years but for the first time in a while, a team coming out of Joe McDonagh have a strong underage set up to compliment their seniors. This is where county's like westmeath, Laois Antrim, Carlow Kerry etc probably need to follow the same template.

Obviously, easier said than done, but for sustained progress I don't think a bonus year will help the likes of Carlow or Antrim and at the same time will weaken the Joe McDonagh cup which has been very competitive since it started and would only increase the gap between Joe McDonagh and Liam McCarthy.

Gutted, sickened etc. But watching back on it I think there's a load of positives to be taken.
They worked like absolute dogs, they didn't sh!t the pants like the Dubs. They gave a great account of themselves but just disappointing the decision making & shooting wasn't that bit better to give them a deserved win.
It'll be hard but Wexford are absolutely there for the taking. The clubs coming out of Wexford the last few years have been chronic, nothing to fear. They should give them a good rattle to finish the year on a high to reward the work they put in.

Lots of complaints about the manager, but sure isn't there always! With club and county, the nature of it. When Cody's golden generation went he wasn't a cut above many other managers out there. Have to play beyond the manager.

It's how we react now and leave on a good note for next year.

Quote from: bluespower on June 08, 2024, 08:57:20 PMThat was a game Laois could easily have won it was almost like the players subconsciously thought we do not want to meet Cork next weekend so lets not win this. I know that's not the case as every team goes out to win, but by golly how could a team be so unlucky, goals missed, missed passes and 18 wides
As yer man said on the TV Offaly played more as a team while Laois played more as individuals, that was kind of evident too in a few instances.

I don't know what this team needs to push on and make the breakthrough its hard to know, I do know its frustrating when you look at Offaly similar county to ours and the success they are having. Something needs to change badly or we keep on getting the same results.

This was what I meant about looking like the poorer coached side (not saying they actually are btw), they did seem to play more like individuals compared to Offaly. It was impressive to come from 7 down  in the second half but those goals  they conceded in first few minutes for each half in unacceptable for any level.

hard to watch that back again, should had really won it. I thought at the game with 15 minutes to go Offaly were looking tired and we were going to push on and win it especially as we had a lot of our finishers on the field. For whatever reasons we kept making dreadful errors and sloppy mistakes which was a feature throughout the game and Offaly punished us. Even more of a surprise that it was our more experienced players that were doing it. There were a few very strange managerial and  tactical decisions, were we too cautious ? the conceding of the puckout especially when they were struggling for an out ball near the end allowing them to work it through the lines. Kiely there centre back is a noted puc fada champion, how did they think standing off him wasn't going to be a problem, could they have switched Ryan Mullaney onto Duignan or tried someone else as the free man? maybe been a bit more ruthless with the subs introduced into the forwards, some players just weren't going well. doesn't matter now but it was a glorious chance to get one finally over Offaly in Croke Park.

A few things:

1. Sleeping in the first 5 mins of both halves. I think it was the full-back who was rounded far too easily for the goal right after half-time.

2. Shooting 18 wides was brutal. No excuses. Some of the shooting from easy positions was crazy.

3. A few people blaming the manager. He didn't shoot 18 wides or make bad decisions on the ball.

Laois have only themselves to blame. Game was there for the taking in the 2nd half.

Quote from: marty34 on June 10, 2024, 08:30:39 AMA few things:

1. Sleeping in the first 5 mins of both halves. I think it was the full-back who was rounded far too easily for the goal right after half-time.

2. Shooting 18 wides was brutal. No excuses. Some of the shooting from easy positions was crazy.

3. A few people blaming the manager. He didn't shoot 18 wides or make bad decisions on the ball.

Laois have only themselves to blame. Game was there for the taking in the 2nd half.

Not blaming the manager, just thought it came across the Offaly were the better coached side where as Laois seemed more like a group of individuals. Either way 18 wides is what cost them which as you said was not the managers fault. But it is the managers job to prepare the team, have a tactical plan for different eventualities to get the best out of them and based on what I saw on Saturday that was not the case, in my opinion.

The 18 wides were criminal but a lot of them were from shooting off the back foot and taking the wrong option. Good few of these were from some of our most experienced personnel who probably felt they should be starting

Quote from: Galtee1 on June 11, 2024, 01:00:58 PMThe 18 wides were criminal but a lot of them were from shooting off the back foot and taking the wrong option. Good few of these were from some of our most experienced personnel who probably felt they should be starting

Maybe that's why they weren't starting?

They had handy chances but didn't take them.  It's on the players, nobody else.

Quote from: burdizzo on June 08, 2024, 10:03:38 PM

Quote from: The Boy Wonder on June 08, 2024, 09:23:21 PMThe pre-eminent feeling at the end was desolation.
Laois were clearly the better team but left it behind.

That is absolutely the case: the better team lost. The call against Lennon for over-carrying near the end was very, very harsh, and was the losing of the game. Complete sickener. Yes, the goals gifted to Offaly, the wides - but still and all, we should have won that. I know we beat Offaly earlier in the competition when they should have won, so maybe it balances out. I don't believe it's because they were poorly coached. As was said, they were the better team. I assume Maher will get the gig again next year, because the CB won't have the imagination to find someone else. I also assume there'll a few of the older lads step away. We don't have pucks of talent coming through, though.

Again - a sickener.

ahh come on. was at least 8 steps? the 18 wides and 4 goal chances and youre blaming the referee for making the correct call?

Quote from: marty34 on June 11, 2024, 03:12:52 PM

Quote from: Galtee1 on June 11, 2024, 01:00:58 PMThe 18 wides were criminal but a lot of them were from shooting off the back foot and taking the wrong option. Good few of these were from some of our most experienced personnel who probably felt they should be starting

Maybe that's why they weren't starting?

They had handy chances but didn't take them.  It's on the players, nobody else.

I never implied it wasn't on the players. There was numerous occasions where the wrong option was taken and as it was suggested above it looked like selfishness. My point being this was from some of our most experienced players who were probably sour / disappointed not to be starting.

However, numerous reports coming from the camp with dissatisfaction with the management set up.

Quote from: Verbal on June 09, 2024, 12:35:52 PMI disagree with those saying that Laois, Offaly & Carlow should all be allowed play in Leinster next year.

The competitiveness of the Joe Mc is based on their being 2-3 teams there capable of challenging.
It's important to win it.
Ditto- it's important to finish 5th rather than 6th in Leinster.

People should be careful what they wish for!

It wont happen due to the pull of the Munster championship but think they should scrap the provisionals. It should be properly seeded and you could have like it is now, 2 separate competitions the AI series and JMcD cup.
So for example:
Group 1
Limerick
Cork
Waterford
Galway
Carlow

Group 2
Clare
Kilkenny
Tipp
Wexford
Antrim

All play each other, top 3 go into quarters and 4th plays off JMD finalists in playoff to get into quarters as it is now. Bottom 2 play off to see who goes down and replaced with JMD winners.

I would do similar in football but I would promote 2 from lower tier as gap is not as great as hurling imo.

Quote from: Galtee1 on June 11, 2024, 05:00:54 PMHowever, numerous reports coming from the camp with dissatisfaction with the management set up.

Yeah, I heard that, too. However, I more or less discounted it since it seemed to be coming from 'fringe players'.

Why was Paddy put in at full forward at the start of the second half?

Quote from: redsetanta on June 13, 2024, 11:17:06 AMWhy was Paddy put in at full forward at the start of the second half?

I heard that Paddy broke his  hand in the first minute and it was a miracle he got through the game at all.

guttung loss last weke. how we cantr get over line in these games is shockin n i do feel for players too.

experience players leavin panel now wit a few days to go. sad to see n usual will come out bout laois now again. same ol same ol.

Yeah, often said Laois need to be 10 points better than a team, just to beat them by one!

Who left the panel?

Quote from: burdizzo on June 14, 2024, 11:28:54 AMYeah, often said Laois need to be 10 points better than a team, just to beat them by one!

Who left the panel?

Lee Cleer and Wille Dunphy are two that I know off anyway, I don't think Wille Maher really fancied either of them so not sure how much of a loss they'll be for this weekend.

We have not beaten Wexford in a senior hurling championship match in nearly 40 years it's not if they are winning All Ireland's every second year

Quote from: ottoman on June 14, 2024, 12:43:46 PM

Quote from: burdizzo on June 14, 2024, 11:28:54 AMYeah, often said Laois need to be 10 points better than a team, just to beat them by one!

Who left the panel?

Lee Cleer and Wille Dunphy are two that I know off anyway, I don't think Wille Maher really fancied either of them so not sure how much of a loss they'll be for this weekend.

Aye, they were playing for Ballacolla tonight in a 'must-win' league game v Abbbeyleix. Both looked sharp, in fairness. Cleere wouldn't get game time w/ Laois, Dunphy might have, but only as a sub. Suppose they reckoned Laois' year was over.

Bullshit, imagine being that selfish to throw the toys out of the pram and walk out on your team mates, a lot of them young, with one training session and one match left.
They don't walk away when it was Croke Park waiting.

What does that already do to morale this week for the rest of the team & management trying to pick themselves up,
Some way to finish up,

Best of luck to the rest of the lads tomorrow, another big day out,
Left it behind last week hopefully put up a good showing that the home supporters can get behind

Totally agree with you brother, typical Laois. I used to watch them for years and it's always been the same. A couple of individuals acting like infant's just because they are not getting game time. Please tell me why in other countries, the Jersey comes first. In Cork, kilkenny and even Counties like Antrim and Offaly, you don't see players acting like their Joe Canning and MUST start every game. Dunphy has been a good servant but he has let himself, his team mates, his County and everyone who follows Laois, just because he is a substitute due to the fact that Willie Maher decided to play three young lads who are quite simply better than Dunphy. Dooley, Quinlan and Keyes are the future. Finally I want to mention something criminal that I witnessed whilst watching the game here in Nottingham. Picky almost single handedly lost that game for Laois due to his selfishness when, instead of passing the sliotar to Aaron Dunphy, who, with 8 minutes left, was totally unmarked just on the 14 yard line, with no Offaly players near him, picky goes himself from an angle too acute, with two Offaly players bearing down on him. He definitely saw Aaron but wouldn't pass for the captain to score a certain goal. It's all academic now. But I just backed Laois over here in Ladbrokes at 10/1. Simply because I actually believe that I watch the best Laois team since Eddie Brennan last Saturday. Laois can emulate Antrim and beat the yellow bellies.

Looking back on last Saturday, it was great to have Laois on TV in a national final with great exposure and a really competitive battle which unfortunately we came out the wrong side of it.

Despite the 18 wides, it comes back also to the old adage that goals win games. They came as a real tonic to Offaly. We got the goals back in April and they got the goals last year in Tullamore.

We showed great fighting spirit to back from 5 points down early on to get level and especially to come back from 7 down in the second half. Paddy Purcell and Aidan Corby put in immense performances as did our captain Aaron Dunphy.

Today we have a free shot against Wexford. Nobody is giving us a chance and in fact there are a lot of hurling "experts" from Munster counties who think we have no business being here and would much prefer if Galway and Waterford were playing Cork and Wexford today. Don't forget that last year they attempted to remove the link between the Joe McDonagh finalists and the All Ireland series.

To win today would be nothing short of sensational having not beaten Wexford in the championship since the mid 80s but hopefully today we can be at least as competitive as possible and give some of the "big boys" something to think about.

In fairness, I think both could've had a bit more game time. Lee Cleere in particular didn't seem to get much of a chance although he's a reliable back

Look Giovanni, please tell me who would you have taken off to give either of the two starts In the games?. Willy Dunphy has hurled for Laois for at least 8 years ( someone help me out on that one) and he has been a good servant, but he is being totally unprofessional, because whispers in a dressing room is virus that spreads hate, it's actually infantile. Look at Ross King, now there's a man who plays for the Jersey. Has he ever walked away and sulked because he hasn't started much for three years now, that is what you call professional, I'm actually surprised that Willy has apparently done this, because he had 70 minutes against Westmeath to prove to maher. Anyway let's leave it because its not a healthy conversation to have. I really believe that we will give Wexford a right run today, their not that good, and they are ageing and they are struggling at under age level. We drew with them at u20 this year and apparently should have won. God bless Y,all

Don't disagree that it's not what you'd want from senior players but there were plenty of opportunities to give Lee Cleere a game. I agree Willie Dunphy hasn't as much cause for complaint although he is more proven in big games than some others. Anyway, you're right - there's not much point in talking about it now.

Quote from: The infidel in exile on June 15, 2024, 01:23:39 PMLook Giovanni, please tell me who would you have taken off to give either of the two starts In the games?. Willy Dunphy has hurled for Laois for at least 8 years ( someone help me out on that one) and he has been a good servant, but he is being totally unprofessional, because whispers in a dressing room is virus that spreads hate, it's actually infantile. Look at Ross King, now there's a man who plays for the Jersey. Has he ever walked away and sulked because he hasn't started much for three years now, that is what you call professional, I'm actually surprised that Willy has apparently done this, because he had 70 minutes against Westmeath to prove to maher. Anyway let's leave it because its not a healthy conversation to have. I really believe that we will give Wexford a right run today, their not that good, and they are ageing and they are struggling at under age level. We drew with them at u20 this year and apparently should have won. God bless Y,all

Willie made his debut for Laois in 2012, so he hads given more years than most to his county. Whatever his reason are let him off, very easy for lads with made up avatars to have a cut at you on an online forum.

Very disappointing to hear personalised criticisms of players.
It's one thing to voice such opinions in private conversation but very unwarranted and unfair on an online forum.

Quote from: The Boy Wonder on June 15, 2024, 03:32:46 PMVery disappointing to hear personalised criticisms of players.
It's one thing to voice such opinions in private conversation but very unwarranted and unfair on an online forum.

Agree, I'm not from Ballacolla so I don't know Wille personally, or at all actually. But I did hurl long enough with Laois myself to know what it takes out of you. and regardless of your reasons, I'd never have a cut at any Laois man who has done likewise on an anonymous online public forum.

Quote from: County Man on June 15, 2024, 12:27:26 PM...hurling "experts" from Munster counties who think we have no business being here and would much prefer if Galway and Waterford were playing Cork and Wexford today. Don't forget that last year they attempted to remove the link between the Joe McDonagh finalists and the All Ireland series...

Bastards

Hard luck to the lads today. Wexford will probably feel they had us rather comfortably at arms length after 20 mins but there were a few positive performances. The loss of Conway was a huge blow as he had started well.

Some strange decisions from the line with lads not picked for the panel last weekend coming on ahead of players who started. That kind of inconsistency has been oddly common for the last couple of years.

Hopefully the bulk of the playing panel will recommit next year. No need for any of the more experienced lads to be contemplating stepping away. The new Div 2 will give us great games in the spring and another shot at Joe Mc is definitely there for us.

Quote from: Voice of tReason on June 15, 2024, 10:05:29 PMSome strange decisions from the line with lads not picked for the panel last weekend coming on ahead of players who started. That kind of inconsistency has been oddly common for the last couple of years.

On the other hand, it was nice to get a look at Cody Comerford. Did quite well, and a good prospect, I thought.

Quote from: burdizzo on June 16, 2024, 01:51:17 AMOn the other hand, it was nice to get a look at Cody Comerford. Did quite well, and a good prospect, I thought.

Oh absolutely.
He's going to be a big player for us moving forward. I think he'd have been an asset on a big pitch like Croke Park.

Quote from: Mossy Bruce on June 15, 2024, 08:56:10 PM

Quote from: County Man on June 15, 2024, 12:27:26 PM...hurling "experts" from Munster counties who think we have no business being here and would much prefer if Galway and Waterford were playing Cork and Wexford today. Don't forget that last year they attempted to remove the link between the Joe McDonagh finalists and the All Ireland series...

Bastards

Since it came in with the round robin in 2018

There has been 13 of these preliminary quarter finals

The Joe MacDonagh team has won just 1

The winning margin before yesterday was an average of 22 points

I'm all for the promotion of hurling but Joe Mac teams playing 3rd in Leinster or Munster 6/7 days after the final is a complete mismatch and waste of time

The Joe MacDonagh should be a standalone competition with more media coverage,2 semi finals and spread out so that the final is the curtain raiser to the All Ireland Final

Very surprised Cody Comerford didn't get some game time in the Joe Mc final. He has the makings of a serious hurler

Quote from: clonadmad on June 16, 2024, 08:23:12 AM

Quote from: Mossy Bruce on June 15, 2024, 08:56:10 PM

Quote from: County Man on June 15, 2024, 12:27:26 PM...hurling "experts" from Munster counties who think we have no business being here and would much prefer if Galway and Waterford were playing Cork and Wexford today. Don't forget that last year they attempted to remove the link between the Joe McDonagh finalists and the All Ireland series...

Bastards

Since it came in with the round robin in 2018

There has been 13 of these preliminary quarter finals

The Joe MacDonagh team has won just 1

The winning margin before yesterday was an average of 22 points

I'm all for the promotion of hurling but Joe Mac teams playing 3rd in Leinster or Munster 6/7 days after the final is a complete mismatch and waste of time

The Joe MacDonagh should be a standalone competition with more media coverage,2 semi finals and spread out so that the final is the curtain raiser to the All Ireland Final

Fully agree.

Sadly I didn't get the chance to see the game yesterday so I had to listen to it on south East radio, but the Wexford commentators were wax lyrical about Mullanney, Dunphy and a couple of other Laois lads, although they never sounded in fear of an upset. Also I want to apologise about anything I may have said about Willy Dunphy as that was never my intention as I claimed that he has been a great servant to the County. I actually didn't start the conversation regarding players being upset with management. Anyway on a better note I think that it's been a positive season for the County as we are playing division 1 hurling and I believe the the Joe Mcdonagh will not be as Strong next year as both Offaly or Antrim won't be in it. We have the beating of Carlow, and we should have the beating of Westmeath as I assume its in Portlaoise next year. Hopefully we can unearth a couple more young lads to compliment Cuddy, Dooley, Quintana, Keynes and Comerford, I also think that young Duggan of the Harps has a lot more in his locker, and Byrne of Abbeyleix, Although only 19, certainly knows where the onion bag is.

Quote from: The infidel in exile on June 16, 2024, 05:48:52 PMSadly I didn't get the chance to see the game yesterday so I had to listen to it on south East radio, but the Wexford commentators were wax lyrical about Mullanney, Dunphy and a couple of other Laois lads, although they never sounded in fear of an upset. Also I want to apologise about anything I may have said about Willy Dunphy as that was never my intention as I claimed that he has been a great servant to the County. I actually didn't start the conversation regarding players being upset with management. Anyway on a better note I think that it's been a positive season for the County as we are playing division 1 hurling and I believe the the Joe Mcdonagh will not be as Strong next year as both Offaly or Antrim won't be in it. We have the beating of Carlow, and we should have the beating of Westmeath as I assume its in Portlaoise next year. Hopefully we can unearth a couple more young lads to compliment Cuddy, Dooley, Quinlan, Keyes and Comerford, I also think that young Duggan of the Harps has a lot more in his locker, and Byrne of Abbeyleix, Although only 19, certainly knows where the onion bag is.

Quote from: clonadmad on June 16, 2024, 08:23:12 AM

Quote from: Mossy Bruce on June 15, 2024, 08:56:10 PM

Quote from: County Man on June 15, 2024, 12:27:26 PM...hurling "experts" from Munster counties who think we have no business being here and would much prefer if Galway and Waterford were playing Cork and Wexford today. Don't forget that last year they attempted to remove the link between the Joe McDonagh finalists and the All Ireland series...

Bastards

Since it came in with the round robin in 2018

There has been 13 of these preliminary quarter finals

The Joe MacDonagh team has won just 1

The winning margin before yesterday was an average of 22 points

I'm all for the promotion of hurling but Joe Mac teams playing 3rd in Leinster or Munster 6/7 days after the final is a complete mismatch and waste of time

The Joe MacDonagh should be a standalone competition with more media coverage,2 semi finals and spread out so that the final is the curtain raiser to the All Ireland Final

I disagree.
Joe McDonagh is getting stronger every year.
The lower ranked teams in Leinster performed better this year than they have done. That would need to continue for a few more years before you could say it was a trend!

It's great that winning it allows you to progress and get a no lose game.
It's great that it's at home.
Had Laois won last week and been playing Leinster No. 3 yesterday at home I reckon there would have been a huge crowd.
That could be the situation next year.

The Leinster/Munster No. 3 team comes in rested.
The Joe Mc finalists are at home but playing two weeks in a row.
I think that's balanced and appropriate.

The JMcD is a stand alone competition.
It should get more coverage absolutely.
It needs a sponsor too.
Don't agree that there should be semi finals.
It needs to stay cut throat.

The issue is not that Joe Mac finalists are getting to play in the "real championship". The issue is that they are being asked to do it 6/7 days after the final itself. If that continues, it's not hard to see what the trend is going to be.

I do agree, though, that the gap is narrowing. I feel that if Laois has played Wexford in the Joe Mac final, it would have been a very close game.

I agree with the last post. Laois at their best might not beat Wexford but would have been a lot closer if they had another week's break. They looked jaded.

Quote from: Verbal on June 16, 2024, 09:06:57 PM

Quote from: clonadmad on June 16, 2024, 08:23:12 AM

Quote from: Mossy Bruce on June 15, 2024, 08:56:10 PM

Quote from: County Man on June 15, 2024, 12:27:26 PM...hurling "experts" from Munster counties who think we have no business being here and would much prefer if Galway and Waterford were playing Cork and Wexford today. Don't forget that last year they attempted to remove the link between the Joe McDonagh finalists and the All Ireland series...

Bastards

Since it came in with the round robin in 2018

There has been 13 of these preliminary quarter finals

The Joe MacDonagh team has won just 1

The winning margin before yesterday was an average of 22 points

I'm all for the promotion of hurling but Joe Mac teams playing 3rd in Leinster or Munster 6/7 days after the final is a complete mismatch and waste of time

The Joe MacDonagh should be a standalone competition with more media coverage,2 semi finals and spread out so that the final is the curtain raiser to the All Ireland Final

I disagree.
Joe McDonagh is getting stronger every year.
The lower ranked teams in Leinster performed better this year than they have done. That would need to continue for a few more years before you could say it was a trend!

It's great that winning it allows you to progress and get a no lose game.
It's great that it's at home.
Had Laois won last week and been playing Leinster No. 3 yesterday at home I reckon there would have been a huge crowd.
That could be the situation next year.

The Leinster/Munster No. 3 team comes in rested.
The Joe Mc finalists are at home but playing two weeks in a row.
I think that's balanced and appropriate.

The JMcD is a stand alone competition.
It should get more coverage absolutely.
It needs a sponsor too.
Don't agree that there should be semi finals.
It needs to stay cut throat.

1 win with some unmerciful hammerings for the Joe Mc Teams in 13 games suggests otherwise

It's like putting the finalists in the intermediate county final and they then playing 2 preliminary quarter finals in the County Senior Championship

Expecting the 2 Joe Mc Teams to play the 3rd teams within 6/7 days further limits the chances of an upset


Should be a properly resourced standalone competition played before the actual all ireland final

The one week turn around is too short. Laois looked tired and consequently off the pace of Wexford. Again, to their credit, they didn't throw in the towel and this is to me a very encouraging sign. The Joe McDonagh has been a big success since it was introduced, but playing a rested third place team straight away is too much. If you remove the link between the Joe McDonagh and the Liam McCarthy then there is no route for progression for teams and the top tier becomes a closed shop.  In contrast with the Tailteann where better teams are parachuted in once they get knocked out of the Sam Maguire -reducing the chances of a lesser team winning, the Joe McDonagh rewards teams for progressing. If Laois/Offaly/Antrim/Carlow etc are ever to bridge the gap then getting to play in the Liam McCarthy for a couple of years at a time at least is vital.

Quote from: Mad Mentor on June 17, 2024, 07:26:57 PMThe one week turn around is too short. Laois looked tired and consequently off the pace of Wexford. Again, to their credit, they didn't throw in the towel and this is to me a very encouraging sign. The Joe McDonagh has been a big success since it was introduced, but playing a rested third place team straight away is too much. If you remove the link between the Joe McDonagh and the Liam McCarthy then there is no route for progression for teams and the top tier becomes a closed shop.  In contrast with the Tailteann where better teams are parachuted in once they get knocked out of the Sam Maguire -reducing the chances of a lesser team winning, the Joe McDonagh rewards teams for progressing. If Laois/Offaly/Antrim/Carlow etc are ever to bridge the gap then getting to play in the Liam McCarthy for a couple of years at a time at least is vital.

There is a route to progression though

You win the final

You are in Liam McCarthy the following year

As for allowing Teams up for 2/3 years

How do you then relegate teams ?

It is standalone as it is.
It has a definitive line up, start point & end point.
That is standalone.

It they can find an extra week to give the Joe Mc finalists a week off, great!
If it's a choice between playing consecutive weeks or not getting a preliminary quarter final, it's a no brainer.
Take the game 6 days later!

Tho stats re the history of Joe Mc finalists is one thing.
Another thing is Laois' experience in these games.
It has been largely positive.

I'd say Laois players will look back on the Wexford game last Saturday as more beneficial/memorable/useful than 4 of the 6 games they played in the Joe Mc.

You talk about making it a more prestigious competition.
The most prestigious thing about it is the status you earn the following year.
The second most prestigious thing is the free shot a week later.
I don't thing there's a huge gulf between the two in terms of value to those who win it.

Nobody involved has a problem with these games.
Speaks volumes.

I've said in an earlier post- you can't offer immunity for any length of time.
It bloats the Leinster championship & dilutes the Joe Mc.
Recipe for disaster.

Quote from: Verbal on June 17, 2024, 09:54:15 PMIt is standalone as it is.
It has a definitive line up, start point & end point.
That is standalone.

It they can find an extra week to give the Joe Mc finalists a week off, great!
If it's a choice between playing consecutive weeks or not getting a preliminary quarter final, it's a no brainer.
Take the game 6 days later!

Tho stats re the history of Joe Mc finalists is one thing.
Another thing is Laois' experience in these games.
It has been largely positive.

I'd say Laois players will look back on the Wexford game last Saturday as more beneficial/memorable/useful than 4 of the 6 games they played in the Joe Mc.

You talk about making it a more prestigious competition.
The most prestigious thing about it is the status you earn the following year.
The second most prestigious thing is the free shot a week later.
I don't thing there's a huge gulf between the two in terms of value to those who win it.

Nobody involved has a problem with these games.
Speaks volumes.

I've said in an earlier post- you can't offer immunity for any length of time.
It bloats the Leinster championship & dilutes the Joe Mc.
Recipe for disaster.

I agree, I don't think there's a whole pile wrong with the current format, as it's hard to please all sides. Getting to the Joe MaC final and knowing you have a cut at the Liam Mac is a just reward. I think a 2 week break would be better between matches though.

On the Wexford game itself, I do think the lads were tired and it told as Wexford could always keep us at arm's length. One thing that did stand out to me, however, was our threat up front is not there yet against the top teams. I looked back at the 2019 Joe Mac year, and we had forwards in their peak like Roddy, Picky and Willie Dunphy, we had Mark Kavanagh and Cha and of course Arron Dunphy who is still doing the business to be fair. I think our current crop up front are young and not at the level of those guys yet.

Wexford had 23 points from play, while we scored seven from play - and one of them from the full-back!

I think its a fair reward that Joe MCD winners get a cut at pre-lim quarter final.

Again its down to our devotion for provincial competitions that the system is not a better format.
Scrap those and have two proper seeded groups for AI series, each team play each other. 4 teams in each group go through to AI quarter final apart from the lowest ranked one which plays off against Joe McD cup winners. This gives team coming up a taster of the level they need to be at for next season and if they are good enough (as Laois were in 2019) a chance at an AI quarter final spot.

Bottom 2 in each AI group playoff with losers dropping down.

Its simple and fair. Same should be done with football. That way theoretically everyone gets a chance at the AI and you cut down on the constant mismatches.

I think that is an excellent point regarding our starting forwards. They are not at the level of the 2019 team but there is scope for improvement to reach and perhaps exceed those standards. I actually think this Laois team will be all the better for one more year at Joe McDonagh, especially with the new league format in place for 2025 giving us access to competitive games. The scope is there to continue and develop- the likes of Dooley, Cuddy etc. who will benefit from being a year stronger and more experienced. It might serve us better to develop the side further next year at Joe Mc level as opposed to going into a Leinster championship in 2025 and possibly coming back down after only 1 year up there. 

Carlow have peaked as a side and I think will find it hard coming off relegation to reach the heights they have reached at times in the last two years. Lets not forget that last year we were the stronger side in our Joe McD encounter only for us to take the foot off the accelerator and also concede a fortuitous last minute penalty to level a game we should have won by 5/6 points. In the league final we showed that when we get into our groove you have enough talented hurlers to really hurt them.

My prediction is that we will Joe McDonagh in 2025 with a bit to spare and hopefully be in a position to really have a crack off of whoever finishes third in a premlim quarter-final. Of huge importance is getting a talented U20 team right for 2025. Last year, we saw Kilkenny walk goals in against what was perceived to be a good Laois team and Offaly blow them away in opening ten minutes in O'Connor Park. This side has a number of players capable of stepping up and improving our lot at senior level in years to come. It is important therefore that they are managed, developed properly and are competitive in 2025.     

I wouldn't be so optimistic. I reckon we could minimum see 4/5 retirements from that panel. I think we missed a huge opportunity especially retaining older players to aid the development of the younger players. Hopefully I'm wrong.

We need to establish a constant supply of 2/3 players graduating from our u20s who are ready and good enough for senior Hurling. I think results should not be the main goal of this team rather producing quality future players. This should be the focus of every underage section in clubs too, not winning at all costs which is killing player development.

Our minors and development squads are so important, exposing them to high standards and aiming to create a culture of players wanting to play at the highest level possible. Putting a top level manager coach at minor level is key and leaving them there for a period rather than putting someone in for the sake of it and changing constantly like what has happened in recent years.

We have so much work to do it's scary. 

I would share the previous poster's view.

We are going to lose several really important players.
Others are going to wane.

We need a seriously steady influx.

I'm going to be a little controversial here.

Our hurlers prepare really well. They train hard, look after themselves and miss plenty to play county.

However did they need 2/3 days on the beer after the Joe Mc loss? Could we have taken 1 more step towards quality preparation and put day 2/3 on ice until after wexford? We were always going to be up against it but a preliminary q final vs a possibly beatable team (on a very good day) is surely why lads are playing. Why make it more difficult for ourselves?

Also before ppl chime in about beer being no harm,if that was the case teams would be at it all the time.

Are we ambitious enough?

Quote from: Verbal on June 20, 2024, 07:36:53 AMI would share the previous poster's view.

We are going to lose several really important players.
Others are going to wane.

We need a seriously steady influx.

Yeah. Just looking at the team sheet, at least six of the 2013 minor team still were involved and playing against Wexford. Except for Quinlan and Cuddy, how many of the 2022 Leinster final minor team are coming through, or expected to come through in the next couple of years?

I would agree. Lads could have went for pints after the offaly game and left it at that. You could see in the second half that lads were out on their feet. It was to their credit that we only lost by 12 but a fully prepared team with everything going to plan would have made things interesting.

Quote from: Blow-in on June 19, 2024, 06:51:54 PMI wouldn't be so optimistic. I reckon we could minimum see 4/5 retirements from that panel. I think we missed a huge opportunity especially retaining older players to aid the development of the younger players. Hopefully I'm wrong.

We need to establish a constant supply of 2/3 players graduating from our u20s who are ready and good enough for senior Hurling. I think results should not be the main goal of this team rather producing quality future players. This should be the focus of every underage section in clubs too, not winning at all costs which is killing player development.

Our minors and development squads are so important, exposing them to high standards and aiming to create a culture of players wanting to play at the highest level possible. Putting a top level manager coach at minor level is key and leaving them there for a period rather than putting someone in for the sake of it and changing constantly like what has happened in recent years.

We have so much work to do it's scary. 

Of the starting team for the final I reckon the only player in his 30s is Paddy Purcell. After the year he has had I very much doubt he will want to step away. The other two players in their 30s are Willie Dunphy and Picky Maher. Huge servants to Laois. Willie has a lot of milage put up and is no longer a definite starter so he might consider calling it a day. Picky is just 31 and if he got an proper run of training and stayed injury free would probably be able to nail a starting place come next season. Ross King is 29 and was late back to panel this year. I would like to think at 29 and as he works his way back to full sharpness and fitness would want to be involved and have another crack at winning the Joe McDonagh next year.

I honestly think with the likes of Rowland, Podge Delaney, Ryan Mullaney, Aaron Dunphy etc. we are in good hands in relation to keeping things on track for the coming years and showing leadership and setting standards for the younger players coming through. All these lads are in their mid 20s but have already built up huge experience and have memories of winning a Joe McD and know what is required to reach set targets and goals.
   
For that reason I am optimistic. We won't face an Offaly team next year in the Joe McD. We will surely be strong favourites to win it and with the reformatted league should get a number of competitive games against high standard opposition and a crack off a 3rd placed Leinster team in the preliminary quarter-final (if it is not dropped next year).

All going to plan we should see a competitive Laois team entering into the Leinster championship come 2026. 
The future is positive for this Laois side if players buy into it and structures/money are put into place to support the development of this team.     

Wille Maher steps down as laois manager.

Quote from: Laois man on July 09, 2024, 10:28:53 PMWille Maher steps down as laois manager.

Just see that.
Couple of keyboard warriors might consider it. One in particular from your own club!!

Quote from: Laois man on July 09, 2024, 10:28:53 PMWille Maher steps down as laois manager.

He hinted at that in his post-match comments, all right, so not surprised. In all honesty, I think he did an OK job. Sure, we didn't get over the line when we should have, which was a terrible pity - but we had the chances.
Anyway, hopefully a good lad will see us as a prospect. Actually, what's Tommy Fitz at?

Tommy would be a great candidate.

Quote from: Laois man on July 09, 2024, 10:28:53 PMWille Maher steps down as laois manager.

I'm not overly surprised with that. There was a players meeting held after the league with view of getting rid of him, it was only over turned because the chance of getting someone in instead before the Joe Mac was slim.

So I can't imagine the player confidence would have been high going into another year under his management.

Are we in line to stay inside or outside the county for the next appointment?
Tommy Fitz a good and also realistic candidate.

I spotted Willie Maher at one of the league semi finals so I had assumed he was going to continue.

The word is that the Waterford gig is between Peter Queally & Derek McGrath. Maher was selector with D McG during his last tenure so maybe they're linking back up.

In fairness I think overall we are in a better place than we were a few years ago. Several young players have been added to the squad and definitely there is a fighting spirit there where we don't just roll over when behind as shown in both games against Offaly this year. Hopefully we get a progressive new manager who can drive it on. As long as it's not Davy.

How could we afford Davy🤣

Davy's stock may have fallen a bit. Not that he'd be my first choice.

I'd say Mc Grath will get the Waterford gig.

Aussie will come back in this year after taking a year out. Plus a core of key players are still there - De Burca, Barron and the Bennetts etc.

Anything to be said to lure Brian Cody? We'd save a bit on the mileage anyways.