Laois Minor & U20: Round 1 Standout Players from recent Leinster Championship games
Leinster Minor Hurling Championship: Phase 1, Round 1
Next game: Our minor hurlers recieved a bye to Phase 1 Round 3 after their win over Kerry. If Laois win Round 3, they progress to Round 4. If Laois win Round 4, they then enter the Leinster Minor Hurling Championship Proper in a group stage format alongside either Kilkenny and Dublin or Wexford and Galway.
Laois 1.19
Kerry 0.15
Laois opened their campaign with a strong win over Kerry, built on control at midfield, sharp attacking play, and a dominant half-back line.
Rory Standish was outstanding in midfield, repeatedly winning puckouts and driving Laois forward. His delivery into the forwards was excellent, including a precise ball to Tadhg Lowry for a point from play. He also set up Bobby O’Connor after a powerful run and added an impressive long-range score himself.
Oisin Gilligan was a constant threat in the full-forward line, using his pace to break in from the wing. He assisted Cillian Hoey for a point early on, then followed up with a fine score of his own. His direct running drew multiple fouls, leading to converted frees by Lowry. Gilligan finished with an excellent 0-4 from play.
In defence, Oisin McRedmond dominated the half-back line, winning numerous aerial battles and breaking up Kerry attacks with key tackles. His turnovers and distribution, both long and short: were vital in launching Laois scores, including a key interception that led to a Lowry point.
Overall, a well-rounded performance from Laois, combining defensive solidity with clinical attacking play.
Leinster Minor Football Championship; Round 1
Next up: Laois face Louth away on Tuesday April 7th in Round 2 of the group stage before facing Meath at home on Tuesday April 14th in Round 3.
Laois 0-09
Kildare 1-12
Laois were beaten by Kildare despite some strong defensive displays.
Will Craig stood out at right half-back, making key interceptions, winning turnovers, and driving forward with pace. His off-the-ball movement and defensive pressure in man marking prevented scoring positions and made Kildare forwards have to recycle the ball at times, while his long, accurate kick passing cut through the Kildare defence to create scoring chances for Laois. He also helped set up an Ethan Neilon free, and another excellent delivery led to a Fionnan Brennan 45.
Fionnan Brennan impressed at centre-back with strong tackling, good positioning, and dominance under kickouts and high ball.
U20 Leinster Football Championship: Round 1
Next up: Laois face Meath away in Round 2 of the group stage next Wednesday April 1st before facing Carlow at home in Round 3 on Wednesday April 8th.
Laois 1-15
Longford 2-17
At left half forward, Darren Brennan led the ascoring with 1-3 (including a two-point free and a 45), with his accurate free-taking helping bring Laois back into the game in the 2nd half. His pace down the wings was also an attacking threat.
Danny McGrath impressed with a crucial tackle and turnover that led to an Eannae Byrne point. He also delivered excellent kick passes to launch attacks and scored a superb two-pointer from play.
Eoin Johnson stood out with his aerial ability, winning key kickouts and playing a central role in the build-up to Darren Brennan’s goal. He also showed great pace and vision to set up an Eannae Byrne goal chance and added a point himself.
Darren Brennan, Danny McGrath, and Eoin Johnson all showed outstanding work rate and determination throughout as they fought hard to win back possession for Laois to create turnovers.
