Joe McDonagh Cup 2025

[Laois man]

Will we see a few changes in the team for the final? Will comerford and Dunphy start if fit will mark Dowling come in at full forward?

[Verbal]

It's good to have fellas like Dowling to come in and make a difference. You need subs. Scoring subs are a real gem.

I don't think Dunphy could be fully match fit. At the same time it might be safer to start him & get what you can out of him. Especially with Cha can.
If you bring him on you don't know how he'll go or will you have to replace him again.
I'd certainly hold Dowling.

Sad to see Cha gone.
I don't see Tommy going anywhere, so that's likely to be the last we see of him unless there's a major climb down

On top of all of his scoring and skill he was a fantastic guy to bust up the play and get the crowd going when it was needed
Sometimes taking the divilment over the line
Which we all loved
 

[The infidel in exile]

We are only six days away from the final, and I assume that Tommy and the management team will drop the news on Wednesday/Thursday regarding the team for the decider. We all have personal subjective opinions on who we would like to see.
With that in mind I am going to give my humble opinion on the starting forward line, but before I do, I want to wish Tommy all the best with whomever they decide on the starting XV. Aidan Corby/10, Aaron Dunphy/11, Paddy Purcell/12, James Duggan/13, Ger Quinlan/14, Thomas Keyes/15.
I expect Mossy to roam, and interchange with paddy and Ger Quinlan, because there isn't a hope in hell that Tommy will allow Rian Boran to dominate like he did in Portlaoise.
Aaron is a quality hurlers, who got 19 minutes against Carlow, and will be much further down the road to fitness come Sunday.
I also understand that Mark Dowling would cause Boran massive problems if he started or came on at 14. The wide pitch will suit us far more than Kildare. But whilst I don't believe that we will beat them out of the park, I expect us to beat them by 7/8 points, as I have great faith in the lad's winning it for the second time. Last year against Offaly, we were very unlucky, hitting the post, allowing Offaly in for two Early goals, in both halves. One final thing, could some of you from the Rathdowney/Erroll area, or close by, please give me a rundown on Mark Kavanagh, as I noticed that he scored a few points against Abbeyleix in a drawn game a few days ago. Will he ever be good enough to hurl for Laois? Because he was one heck of a stick man.

[les Antiques]

Aaron Dunphy won't be starting.  Nowhere near the fit enough.  Will be great to introduce with 15/20 left .

[Laois man]

I would bring corby to midfield wonder is Fennell fit to start? Start Dowling inside. Will Conroy start. Croke park should suit kildare aswell there a  big fit team. Jack sherdin is a danger man for them getting alot of scores and very strong in the air. Best of luck to laois anyway hopefully we get over the line.

[Joeythelips]

They will all take watching, Kildare had 11 different scorers when they beat us a few weeks back. I know people may say Laois had an off day but judging by the highlights, Kildare play a strong running game and well able to take their scores, looking at that you would say Croke Park will suit them even more.

Hopefully Laois will have learned their lessons but it looks like they will in for a huge battle this Sunday.

[Laois Rising]

I think Joey is right here. I've seen Naas play in Croke Park twice in recent years (granted one of those games was a wet winter's day) and the bigger pitch suited their style of play. Kildare raked up big score in Christy Ring Final there last year and have a nice balance to their team with some physicality and direct runners who could thrive in Croke Park if they get the space to operate. We are not favourites for this game. Our performance against Carlow confirms that.

Cha is a serious loss as I think he would have been ideal type player to bring on with twenty minutes to go. Management were left with no option and no one player is bigger than the collective. It's a shame as Laois cannot afford to lose calibre players.

[Plentymorehurlsontheline]

One final thing, could some of you from the Rathdowney/Erroll area, or close by, please give me a rundown on Mark Kavanagh, as I noticed that he scored a few points against Abbeyleix in a drawn game a few days ago. Will he ever be good enough to hurl for Laois? Because he was one heck of a stick man.

Mark is back going well enough considering he hasn't played for a couple of years. I doubt he would be back at the county though, he's had serious knee problems in the past

I'd also agree, Kildare have alot of running power and might relish the big spaces. I do think we weren't at the races the last day against Kildare though so hopefully we have more in us this weekend. I can see a few of the bigger name players doing damage 🤞

[The infidel in exile]

We shall soon know how good Kildale actually are, or just how terrible Laois were in Portlaoise a few weeks ago. I know that I  am in the minority, but I truly believe that on our day, and with a dry sod expected. Laois have better hurlers, thus I expect us to win with a few to spare.

They may have improved but I noticed that Kildale are actually NOT A YOUNG TEAM. I'm expecting Mossy, young Dooley, Corby, Purcell and I expect James Duggan to lay down a marker for Laois hurling on Sunday. With two minutes remaining against Carlow, the way the lad threw the dummy and scored a super score off the hurl. I'm not one bit ashamed of claiming that we will be back where we truly belong by 3.20pm on Sunday afternoon at headquarters.

[The Boy Wonder]

We shall soon know how good Kildale actually are, or just how terrible Laois were in Portlaoise a few weeks ago. I know that I  am in the minority, but I truly believe that on our day, and with a dry sod expected. Laois have better hurlers, thus I expect us to win with a few to spare.

From my reading of previous posts most on here would be quite confident of Laois doing the business provided they bring their 'A' game. At the same time I don't think any of us are underestimating Kildare.

But yes, in a lot of other respects you are a bit of a contrarian but no harm there 

[The infidel in exile]

Your correct Boy Wonder, in fact Contrarian would be a rather apt description, as I'm certainly NOT a yes man, but I often ponder, after jumping in with both feet. But with respect, although I'm disagreeable by nature, thus love a good debate, afterwards I always try to respect others viewpoints, unless their views are woke victim playing, poor me comments. You don't get them on here, but in the UK, all you have to do is get on a bus, and they are all over with purple hair, Palestinian head bands (even though they can't find it on a map) organising yet ANOTHER PRIDE MONTH). anyway I will stick to hurling

[Joeythelips]

The infidel in exile, I am sure there were plenty of people who would have struggled to find Ireland on a map during the troubles but people were supportive of nationalists cause around the world due to work by people raising awareness of the issues. It is hardly woke. Plenty of people with purple or coloured hair and piercings back in my college days (mid 90's). We simply live in a era where online algorithms are shaped to sow division and getting people enraged, they make Ian Paisley sound like a choir boy. But you are right its best to leave politics at the door on this forum.

[Laois man]

Wonder how tickets sales are going for the Joe mcdonagh??

[The infidel in exile]

Joey, as I said to Boy wonder, after making an observation I clearly stated that I Don't nor won't mention facts that I've studied. I'm only interested in Laois hurlers, and my beloved Notts County getting a good manager in. I have a massive tri colour that's on YouTube and efl replays every Saturday night. Laoighis Agus Notts County ABU  💯

[Laois man]

Big changes for Sunday I believe.