Written by Laois PR Team
Another impressive performance by the Laois Minor Footballers in the quarter final win over Waterford last night (Tuesday May 28th) , to follow up the great display also, in their preliminary quarter-final win over Antrim previously, (Saturday May 18th) sees Laois progress with plenty of optimism as they are now deservedly in the last 4 of the inaugural All Ireland MFC Tier 3 Competition vs Westmeath. The semi final is set to take place this Saturday June 1st at 12.30 in O’Brien Park, Tullamore. (The pitch located across the road from O’Connor Park)
Tickets for the semi final can be purchased online here: https://www.universe.com/events/electric-ireland-all-ireland-minor-football-tier-3-semi-final-tickets-FX7P2J
All Ireland MFC Tier 3 Quarter Final: Laois vs Waterford on Tuesday May 28th at 7pm in Carlow Centre Of Excellence, Fenagh.
Final score:
Laois: 3-11
Waterford: 2-8
Laois scorers: Ultan Dunne 0-6 (3 frees, 1 mark), Darren Brennan 0-3, Sean Michael Ward, Conor Callaghan and Callum McElroy 1-0 each, Ennae Byrne 0-2
The Laois team lined out as follows vs Waterford
Match Report
It was an energetic start to the game for Laois as they hit the ground running and dominated possession to score 4 points in a row after 10 minutes. Courtesy of an opening point from play by Ultan Dunne, an excellently converted 45 by Darren Brennan and scores from both a free and a mark by Ultan Dunne. Darren Brennan was electric up front and also created a goal chance in the opening minutes.
There were standout moments for Laois in defence during this period too.
Laois right half back Hugh Connolly was very lively in defence, producing a brilliant turnover which led to one of Ultan Dunne’s scores and Connolly again, made a crucial block to stop a certain Waterford score.
Laois right corner back Jack Murphy made a great interception to prevent Waterford forward John Brennnan from being one on one with the Laois keeper.
Laois’ first goal from play was a superb finish by Conor O’Callaghan after 20 minutes and another Ultan Dunne point to lead by 1-5 o 0-1. Ultan Dunne scores 2 more points and an Eannae Byrne point combined with 3 Waterford frees in that period, John Brennan with 2 and Paddy McCarthy with 1 to bring the score to 1-8 to 0-4.
In the last minute of the half, Laois goalkeeper Liam Conroy made an outstanding fingertip save to deflect the ball over the bar to prevent a certain goal from Waterford’s David Nyhan.
Half time score 1-8 to 0-5.
Waterford started the 2nd half on the front foot with 2 early goals courtesy of Ciaran Cotter and Tom Lynch to level the game 1-8 to 2-5.
But Laois responded with 2 great catches from Robbie Murphy in midfield (who had a superb game) which resulted in a Darren Brennan point and a fantastic goal by Calum McElroy to put Laois 3 points ahead.
Left half back Jack Julian was immense in this period with some excellent defensive turnovers and won possession back for Laois.
Then Laois scored 2 outstanding points from Eannae Byrne and Darren Brennan to leave it 2-11 to 2-6 with 6 minutes remaining.
A Sean Michael Ward goal with 3 minutes to go pushed Laois further ahead at 3-11 to 2-6.
Substitute Jack O’Dea also made an impressive impact when he came on in midfield for Laois in the 2nd half.
Waterford scored 2 late points to leave the final scoreline 3-11 to 2-8.
