Joe McDonagh Cup 2025

[The infidel in exile]

Van you fill us in Laois man, as I'm too far away to hear, but I said that I expected Ben Conroy to be on the bench, Duggan starting.

People tell me that Aaron is injured, but if fit, then he MUST Start, as he gets you at least 4 points or more from play. Possibly Mark Dowling, because he is a big physical man and would give Rian Boran a torrid afternoon, and should get you a goal. Personally my full forward line is Duggan Quinlan and Keyes, with mossy drawing out the left corner back, and both himself and young Duggan picking up wide deliveries into the corners. It would be hard on young Quinlan to be on the bench, as although he isn't prolific, he always pop's up with a couple of scores.

I don't know what you all think, but I wouldn't play a sweeper, take them on in every position, as they hate  being man marked.

After Portlaoise, we can't allow them an extra back.

We need to impose our game on them, we need to show them that they are still inferior to us, when it comes to the big one.
I stand over what I said about a half forward line of Corby Dunphy and Purcell, if they play to their best they will pop over 0.10 points between them. Finally I wouldn't be surprised if Paddy Purcell is at 14, Boran won't handle him, move mossy out to the half forward line, 12.

I know that some will disagree as I could be talking out me arse but really looking forward to giving this crowd a lesson l, as they think that all they have to do is turn up and lift the Cup.

[Verbal]

We keep telling you!!!

Aaron Dunphy is not injured.
He was injured.
He is recovering.
He played a portion of the Carlow match.
He looked off the pace.
Many of us don't believe he could be back up to the pace yet.

[Verbal]

I think Ben Conroy has done enough to warrant a starting place. Especially with Cha gone.

We need at least two scoring forwards to bring in. Dowling is one of those for me.

[Voice of tReason]

I'd love to see Mark Dowling start but like Aaron Dunphy, I think there are fitness concerns and Croke Park will expose players' lack of match fitness very quickly.

I'd imagine Fiachra Fennell will come back into midfield beside David Dooley leaving a possible forward line of Lennon, Corby, Purcell, Quinlan, Keyes and Conroy.

Though I'd personally start PJ Scully who is seemingly in great form.

We should have great options off the bench.

[Laois man]

A few changes in the backs which is a surprise.

[Zooming around]

A few changes in the backs which is a surprise.

What's the team?

[Ballygowen]

Not just on here but a lot of people think Croke park pitch is bigger than any other pitch. The COE pitch where Laois train is approx. 600m2 larger than Croke park so the size of Croke park won't matter to the Laois lads. there no magical extra space in Croke park.

Laois to win by 5 plus. you heard it here first   

[Zooming around]

Not just on here but a lot of people think Croke park pitch is bigger than any other pitch. The COE pitch where Laois train is approx. 600m2 larger than Croke park so the size of Croke park won't matter to the Laois lads. there no magical extra space in Croke park.

Laois to win by 5 plus. you heard it here first   

The middle pitch in the COE is outstanding. A lovely pitch to hurl on.

[Joeythelips]

Not just on here but a lot of people think Croke park pitch is bigger than any other pitch. The COE pitch where Laois train is approx. 600m2 larger than Croke park so the size of Croke park won't matter to the Laois lads. there no magical extra space in Croke park.

Laois to win by 5 plus. you heard it here first   

Croke park is 145m long by 88m wide while O'Moore park is 142m long by 86m wide. It was at O'Moore Park where Kildare were tearing through the Laois defence a few weeks ago. Not much of a difference anyway but imo it will suit Kildare. Luckily the pitch wont be togging out    so its up to our lads to set the record straight. My gut thinks Laois' greater experience and skill levels will see them over the line but my head is telling me I am still underestimating Kildare and they too have room to improve. Will go with my gut.

Hopefully we will be celebrating some silverware this weekend.

H'on Laois

[Karate kid]

Laois: Cathal Dunne; Cody Comerford, Lee Cleere, Diarmaid Conway; Tom Cuddy, Padraig Delaney, Ryan Mullaney; Fiachra C Fennell, David Dooley; Aidan Corby, Tomás Keyes, Paddy Purcell; Mark Dowling, Jer Quinlan, Ben Conroy.

Subs: Eoin Fleming, Padraic Dunne, Donnacha Hartnett, Jordan Walshe, John Lennon, James Keyes, Martin Phelan, Aaron Dunphy, James Duggan, PJ Scully, Colin Byrne.

[redsetanta]

Not too many changes in fairness.

Comerford in for Hartnett and Fennell in for Lennon.

Cha was out anyway so Mark Dowling comes into the forwards.

Is Hartnett carrying a knock?

[Laois man]

That's not the starting team 3 of the backs from the carlow game dropped.??

[Blow-in]

That's not the starting team 3 of the backs from the carlow game dropped.??

What is the team Laois man? Have you inside information or has it been announced? Exciting times.

[Laois man]

Tom cuddy Hartnett and Ryan Mullaney not starting.

[Plentymorehurlsontheline]

Cuddy and Mullaney named on the team, couldn't imagine them being dropped on Sunday?