NFL Division 3 Round 5 Preview: Laois vs Westmeath

Photo credit: Oonagh Maher

Laois head into Round 5 of the Allianz Football League Division 3 campaign: with survival now the main objective. Following a tough 0-24 to 2-15 defeat away to Clare in Ennis during Round 4, despite an excellent and spirited Laois performance: focus now turns to a crucial home clash with Westmeath tomorrow at Laois Hire O’Moore Park.

Why Round 5 Matters for Laois

Round 5 offers Laois a key opportunity to respond on home soil and stabilize their Division 3 campaign. With the league table starting to take shape, a win would significantly boost survival chances, while another setback could leave Laois playing catch-up in the closing rounds. This game is equally as important to Westmeath, who are chasing promotion.

Table Standings:

Team	P	+/−	Pts
Down	4	19	8
Westmeath	4	15	6
Wexford	4	7	4
Sligo	4	2	4
Clare	4	-1	4
Limerick	4	-3	3
Laois	4	-10	3
Fermanagh	4	-29	0

Ticket Information

Supporters can purchase tickets online here:
Buy Laois v Westmeath Tickets Online

Tickets are also available in person at selected SuperValu stores in Laois:

SuperValu Stradbally

Breslin’s SuperValu Rathdowney

McConville’s SuperValu Mountmellick

McLoughlin’s SuperValu Portarlington

Mulhall’s SuperValu Portlaoise

SuperValu Abbeyleix

SuperValu Parkside Portlaoise

Follow live match updates and scores on the official CLG Laois X (formerly Twitter) account: @CLGLaois.

Laois Team News

Laois team named to face Westmeath:

Key Player Stats – Laois (Courtesy of Eoin Culliton: @LeixGaelicStats)

Evan O’Carroll scored his 12th NFL goal vs Clare, becoming the sixth Laois footballer to reach this milestone. The record is held by Noel Delaney with 19 goals.

O’Carroll also reached 200 points in the NFL vs Clare, alongside 300 League & Championship points and 350 overall points

Round 4 Recap: Laois vs Clare

Final Score:

Laois 2-15

Clare 0-24

Standout Laois Performances

Photo credit: Oonagh Maher

Paddy O’Sullivan (although played at right half-back) excelled in attack, delivering precise long kick passes and long runs through the centre. His long balls and quick hand passes led directly to scores for Evan O’Carroll (goal) and Brian Byrne (2 pointer from play) while his diagonal deliveries also consistently troubled Clare’s defence. O’Sullivan capped an outstanding performance by scoring a goal with Paul Kingston and O’Carroll also involved, doing brilliant work to set up O’Sullivan.

Jake Darcy made a huge impact off the bench at halftime, improving Laois’ defensive intensity and contributing to attacks. Darcy’s speed, determination, and intelligent movement combined with superbly timed blocks: disrupted Clare’s forward play and Darcy also played a key role in setting up O’Carroll’s goal.

Westmeath Previous Results – NFL Division 3 2026

Round 1: Westmeath 2-14 Sligo 1-16

Round 2: Clare 1-17 Westmeath 2-19

Round 3: Down 2-15 Westmeath 1-15

Round 4: Westmeath 1-26 Fermanagh 2-11

Westmeath Top Scorers

Luke Loughlin – 1-24 (including 4 two-point frees, 0-4 frees, 1-13 from play)

Sam McCartan – 0-12 (3 two-pointers from play, 0-1 free, 0-5 from play)

Brian Cooney – 2-06 (2-04 from play, including 1 two-pointer)

Previous Meeting – Laois vs Westmeath

Tailteann Cup Preliminary Quarter Final 2025, Mullingar:

Westmeath 3-26