NHL Division 2 Round 5 Preview: Laois vs Westmeath

Photo credit: Oonagh Maher

Laois head into Round 5 of the Allianz Hurling League Division 2 with big momentum. Following a thrilling win 1 point win at home to Kerry in Round 4, attention now turns to a vital away clash with Westmeath tomorrow at Cusack Park, Mullingar.

Why Round 5 Matters for Laois

Round 5 offers Laois the chance to gain promotion to Division 1B in 2027 with a win over Westmeath and 2 games to spare. The game is also very important to Westmeath, who are still in the hunt for promotion too, at the moment, a 3 way race alongside Laois and Kerry.

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 on Twitter)

Ryan Mullaney made his sixth appearance vs Kerry in the NHL, becoming the sixth Laois hurler to do so after Joe Dollard & Matthew Whelan (both 7), John Bohane, Mick Mahon and Neil Foyle.

Cody Comerford made his 20th league and championship appearance for Laois (vs Kerry in Round 4)

Lee Cleere made his 60th overall appearance.

Eoin Gaughan made his 25th overall appearance.

Podge Delaney’s penalty v Kerry was his 1st ever NHL goal. Delaney’s goal was also the 11th that Laois have scored from a penalty in the NHL.

It was Laois’ 14th ever 1pt win in the NHL and the first one since 2022 (vs Antrim).

It’s the third such win over Kerry:

2002 Laois 0-14 Kerry 0-13
2017 Laois 1-30 Kerry 4-20 aet
2026 Laois 1-18 Kerry 1-17

It was Laois’ 22nd ever NHL win vs Kerry.

Round 4 Recap: Laois v Kerry

Final Score:

Laois: 1.18
Kerry: 1.17

Standout Laois Performances:

Ryan Mullaney delivered an outstanding defensive performance, showcasing real physicality throughout the game. He won a huge amount of possession, particularly in the air, and created several turnovers from Kerry attacks. He also made excellent forward runs when the opportunity arose and was rewarded with a well-taken point from play.

Photo credit: Oonagh Maher

Aidan Corby was a commanding presence in midfield, cutting out dangerous deliveries and distributing superb long balls into attack with great accuracy. He chipped in with 0-1 himself and made a significant defensive contribution, including a brilliantly timed tackle that proved crucial in preventing a Kerry goal opportunity.

Photo credit: Oonagh Maher

Jack Kelly once again demonstrated his sharp eye for scoring from play. He worked tirelessly up front and took his points superbly, finishing with an impressive 0-4 from play. His scores were particularly important as the game intensified in the second half, playing a key role in securing the win for Laois.