Laois Shopping Centre SFC Final Replay Recap
Standout Players from the Replay
Courtwood:
Robert Tyrell stood out with his high rates of possession. strong tackling and key interceptions, forcing turnovers in midfield. In the half back line, Eoghan Slattery impressed defensively, particularly under high ball and dealing well with dangerous deliveries. Matthew Byron’s accuracy from placed balls, including several two-pointers, proved vital on the scoreboard.
Portarlington:
Alex Mohan was immense in the back line, making vital interceptions, tackles, and blocks both in the full-back line and out around his own 45. His clearances relieved pressure and even directly set up a two-pointer kicked by Sean Byrne. Keith Bracken excelled in midfield, consistently winning breaking ball, while Colm Murphy was lively in attack: winning and calmly converting a crucial penalty that proved decisive in the win.
Standout Players from the Drawn Game
Courtwood:
Niall Donoher delivered a massive performance, solid defensively with excellent tackling and turnovers that led directly to scores and vital frees to relieve pressure. Paul O’Flynn impressed with clever link up play, finding space, delivering quick handpasses, and setting up scoring opportunities, while also scoring a superb goal himself. Mark O’Halloran made a major impact after being introduced in the second half; his work rate was immense, winning numerous high balls and driving Courtwood forward. He played a key role in the build-up to a goal and added a fine point from play.
Portarlington:
Sean Byrne was outstanding in midfield, stretching to claim key kickouts and delivering accurate long kick passes that set up scoring chances for the forwards. Robbie Piggot produced arguably the best defensive display of the entire championship: rock solid at full back, making two crucial blocks to deny almost certain Courtwood goals. His turnovers set up attacks quickly, one of which led directly to Jake Foster’s goal after an excellent long delivery from Paddy O’Sullivan, who showed great vision throughout the game.
Portarlington will meet Old Leighlin of Carlow in Round 1 of the Leinster SFC this Saturday November 1st at 6.15pm in Dr Cullen Park.
Portarlington won their 5th title in 6 years of the Laois SFC, their 17th title overall.
Old Leighlin sealed their 5th overall Carlow SFC title in their history with a thrilling last gasp, 1 point win over Rathvilly, courtesy of a Cathal Coughlan free. Mikey Bambrick played a key role in the final, providing pace, excellently setting up a goal and scored 0-2 himself.
Portarlington v Courtwood results:
Final:
Portarlington: 1-15
Courtwood: 2-12
Replay:
Portarlington: 1-7
Courtwood: 0-7
Old Leighlin v Rathvilly Result: Carlow SFC Final
Old Leighlin: 1-11
Rathvilly: 0-13
By Aoife McEvoy Tue 28th Oct
