Laois v Antrim: Joe McDonagh Cup Round 2 Preview
Laois are at home tomorrow on Saturday April 25th at 4pm in Laois Hire O’Moore Park to face Antrim in Round 2 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 Antrim:
Latest Key Laois Stats (Courtesy of Eoin Culliton @LeixGaelicStats on Twitter)
From Carlow game in Round 1
Ben Conroy scored his 8th SHC goal.
Lee Cleere made his 30th championship appearance.
Aidan Corby made his 80th overall appearance.
Mossy Keyes made his 50th overall appearance.
Round 1 Result for Laois:
Carlow: 4.17
Laois: 1.17
Standout Laois Players from Round 1
Picky Maher was Laois’s most influential performer despite only featuring from half time. He made an immediate impact, finishing with 0-4, three of those scores coming from play, which underlined his sharpness and eye for a score.
His ability to win possession and convert under pressure gave Laois a much needed attacking spark during their best spell of the game as they clawed back at the deficit in the 2nd half and drew level on 40 minutes with a Picky score contributing on the 36th minute and Picky’s 2nd score again had still had kept Laois right within reach at 2 points behind in the 48th minute.
One of the standout moments of his display was a superb long range free from his own half, highlighting both his confidence and striking ability.
Ben Conroy also played a key role in Laois’s attacking efforts and was central to their second half resurgence. He finished with 1-2, with his goal coming at a crucial time when Laois were building momentum. The goal, created after a strong run in the build up, showcased his pace and directness, and it helped bring Laois right back into contention. Beyond his scoring, Conroy’s movement and willingness to take on defenders added a different dimension to the Laois forward line.
David Dooley, operating in midfield, contributed steadily with a point and a strong work rate. His influence was felt in the middle third where he helped link defence and attack. During Laois’s brief revival, his ability to win possession and drive the team forward was important in shifting momentum. His leadership and consistency remain valuable, particularly shown in a game where Laois struggled at times for intensity and Dooley’s work rate contributed to bringing this intensity during their strong 2nd half spell.
Antrim’s Top Scorer this year:
Seann Elliot ammased a massive 1-53 in the Division 1B campaign and a further 0-11 v Down in Round 1
Round 1 Result:
Antrim: 0.23
Down: 1.22
Laois v Antrim Previous Meeting:
Division 1B 2025
Antrim: 4.22
Laois: 0.21
