Carlow v Laois: Joe McDonagh Cup Round 1 Preview

Laois travel to Netwatch Cullen Park tomorrow April 18th at 6pm to face Carlow in Round 1 of the Joe McDonagh Cup.

Ticket Information: Buy Your Match Tickets

Follow live match updates and scores on the official CLG Laois X account: @CLGLaois. Plus on our official Facebook page.

Laois team named to face Carlow:

Latest Key Laois Stats (Courtesy of Eoin Culliton @LeixGaelicStats on Twitter)

From the NHL Div.2 Final v Kerry.

Cillian Dunne scored his 3rd goal for Laois.

Tomas Keyes got his 6th National Hurling League goal.

150th league point was scored for Aaron Dunphy.

It was the first time in 30 years Laois had a 7th league win in a row. Happened twice before.

Ian Shanahan made his 30th League and championship appearance.

Podge Delaney made his 40th National Hurling League appearance. Plus his 70th league and championship appearance.

Fiachra C Fennell scored his 1st ever goal for Laois v Kerry in the NHL Division 2 Final.

Ben Conroy made his 70th overall appearance for Laois.

James Keyes made his 30th National Hurling League appearance.

Standout Performers for Laois throughout their 2026 Division 2 league campaign:

In the Final itself:

Aaron Dunphy was the standout performer as Laois secured the Allianz Hurling League Division 2 title, delivering an influential display from start to finish. He opened his account early and remained central to Laois’ attacking play throughout, contributing crucial scores both from placed balls and open play.

Dunphy’s sharp shooting and calmness over frees kept the scoreboard ticking, while his work rate and link up play helped Laois dictate the pace of the game. Dunphy’s accuracy and composure helped his side maintain control of the tempo, while his consistency ensured Laois always had a reliable scoring outlet. It was a complete performance from Dunphy with a total score of 0-11 (0-4 from play and 0-7 from frees)

Throughout the League campaign: Rounds 1-7

Cillian Dunne stood out for his aerial ability, winning a mountain of high balls. Plus his quick reactions shown to win a huge rate of possession and maintain it for Laois: consistently Dunne would get out in front of defenders to be first out to scoop up loose ball, breaking ball, both long and short passes pucked into him from his teammates: combined with quick turns to score all from play: a total of. Nearly every score from a range of tight angles, overcoming defensive pressure whilst doing so. His hard work rate earned frees, while his pace and clever movement caused constant problems for defenders.

He finished the league as a consistent attacking threat throughout. Displaying skills ranging from from his impressive ball winning, carrying, sharp hands, and intelligent playmaking skills that consistently creates scoring opportunities for Laois, alongside being able to rack up a high scoring rate himself as a complete forward. Total Score 3-7. Cillian also set up goals for his teammates, most notably James Keyes 2 goals vs Mayo in Round 1.

Whereas Cillian Dunne excelled in scoring from play from close range: Jack Kelly stood out for his ability to score from play from long range. Jack Kelly scored a total 0-13 brilliantly struck from distance from either the half forward line or midfield.

Podge Delaney was very strong defensively at centre back. He scored excellent points from frees, all from long distance and intercepted lots of ball from opposition forwards, turning over possession. Before then pucking these balls long and straight back into the Laois attack: to directly set up attacking opportunities after defensive turnovers and clearances.

Podge Delaney’s physicality and strength was a big factor in making solid tackles. His ability to read the game and turn a defensive move into a quick attacking move for Laois: through displays of hard work rate, combined with long runs full of pace down the wings from the back line, physicality to hold off challenges whilst on the run and his quick reactions using game intelligence to both defend and attack in one play, was a major asset to Laois the entire league campaign.