Tailteann Cup Quarter Final Preview

The Laois senior footballers face Down tomorrow Saturday June 13th in the quarter final of the Tailteann Cup at 4pm at home in Laois Hire O’Moore Park.

The winner tomorrow will go through to the Tailteann Cup Semi Finals in Croke Park the following weekend June 20th/21st, with opponents to be confirmed by an open draw (subject to repeat pairings) on RTE Radio 1 after the 8.30am news on Monday June 15.

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Photo credits: Captured by Oonagh

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Watch live on: GAA Plus

Laois team named to face Down:

Down team named to face Laois:

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

From the London Game:

Evan O’Carroll scored his 7th SFC goal.

Significantly though, it was Laois’ 400th ever in championship football.

Ronan Coffey became the first Portarlington player to open the scoring in a football championship match since Colm Maher v Westmeath in 1991.

The only other Port player (since 1923) to do this was Steve Allen v Carlow in 1972.

Simon Fingleton made his 30th L&C appearance.

Kevin Swayne made his 60th overall app.

Highest score ever in Laois’ SFC history.

Most scorers (13), passing the 2025 total v Waterford (12).

Twice v London, Laois scored six times in a row during the game.

It’s the first time since 1994 (v Longford) that we have done this and only the third time since 1923 (also v Offaly 1990).

Laois led for 97% of the match time v London having completed 91% vs Wicklow (rounded to minutes, not seconds).

It’s the first time we have ever done 91%+ back-to-back and it’s the first time since 1963 (v Carlow, Offaly) that we have done 90%+ back-to-back.

Round 2A

Laois: 1.29
London: 1.14

Standout Players vs London:

Evan O’Carroll was undoubtedly Laois’s standout performer and deservedly emerged as the game’s leading figure. His clinical finishing proved decisive, with the forward causing problems for the London defence throughout. O’Carroll’s first half goal arrived at a crucial stage of the contest and gave Laois a valuable cushion, while his ability to continue adding to his tally in the second half underlined his composure and consistency. Whether taking on defenders directly or finding space inside for scoring positions, he constantly looked dangerous and provided the cutting edge that separated the sides. Score 1-5.

Paddy O’Sullivan’s contribution went far beyond the scores he registered. His work rate and intensity enhanced Laois’s approach, with one moment in particular capturing his influence. O’Sullivan produced a brilliant turnover deep in his own half before helping launch the move that resulted in O’Carroll’s goal. He repeatedly linked defence and attack, chipped in with important scores of his own, and ensured Laois maintained their energy levels when London threatened to build momentum.

Killian Roche delivered one of the most important moments of the game from between the posts. His outstanding first half save denied London what looked a certain goal and prevented the visitors from gaining a significant psychological advantage. Roche’s calmness under pressure gave confidence to those in front of him, while his accuracy from placed balls added further value as he contributed scores from frees. (0-2) It was a composed and assured performance that highlighted his importance to the team.

The impact made by substitutes Cian Nolan and Paul Kingston was another major factor in Laois’s victory.

Nolan injected fresh energy into the attack and immediately made his presence felt with a superb two-pointer, helping to halt London’s momentum and swing the game back in Laois’s favour. His direct running and willingness to take responsibility provided a spark exactly when it was needed.

Kingston’s introduction proved equally influential. Coming off the bench as London closed the gap, he delivered four points, including an important two-pointer, to restore Laois’s control of the contest. His ability to make an immediate impact and convert chances under pressure ensured that any hopes of a London comeback were quickly extinguished.

Together, Nolan and Kingston demonstrated the strength of Laois’s bench and the value of having game changers in reserve.

Standout Down Players So Far For Them This Tailteann Cup Campaign:

Pat Havern once again demonstrated why he remains Down’s attacking leader throughout their Tailteann Cup campaign. Against Leitrim, he contributed 0-5, including a superb two-pointer: 0-5 again v Offaly and 0-2 v Longford) and consistently punished any defensive lapses with his accuracy from both play and placed balls. Havern’s movement, experience and decision making continually created opportunities for those around him, making him the focal point of Down’s attack and a player opposition defences had to account for at all times.

Other Standouts: Eamon Brown and Ronan Burns

Down’s standout results this year in league, championship and Tailteann Cup

Div 3 League Final

Down: 0.21
Wexford: 0.18

Ulster Quarter Final:

Down: 3.21
Donegal: 1.21

Their 3 Tailteann Games:

Down: 1.27
Leitrim: 0.16

Offaly: 3.22
Down: 1.20

Down: 4.18
Longford: 1.15

Laois v Down Previous Meetings

Div 3 2026