The Harps Make History with Total Domination in Laois SHC Final

The Harps Make History with Total Domination in Laois SHC Final

The Harps etched their name in the record books on Sunday afternoon at O’Moore Park, securing their first-ever Laois Senior Hurling Championship title in the club’s 42-year history with an emphatic 2-23 to 0-13 victory over Camross.

Despite failing to beat Camross in their three previous league and championship encounters this year, they completely flipped the script when it mattered most. Under the guidance of Ken Hogan, The Harps controlled proceedings from the throw-in to deliver a masterclass in relentless high-tempo hurling.

Camross registered the opening score inside two minutes through James Cuddy, but the initial burst was quickly extinguished. Ciarán Comerford levelled from a free before Justin Duggan and Comerford again edged The Harps into a lead they would never surrender.

Podge Delaney set the standard for the afternoon with an outstanding display at centre-back, anchoring the defense and frustrating the Camross attack.

Beyond Delaney’s defensive heroics, captain Padraic Dunne dominated the midfield battle, supplying a vibrant forward line featuring Justin Duggan, Eoin Delaney, Hugh Whelan, and Ross Deegan. The game’s first major breakthrough arrived midway through the opening period.

When Hugh Whelan’s point attempt was deflected, the ball fell kindly to Ross Deegan on the 21-yard line, and he made no mistake in slamming it to the net.

Further scores from Dunne, Eoghan Murphy, and James Duggan extended the cushion. Camross attempted to stem the tide with points from Cathal Cuddy and Mark Dowling, and goalkeep Tadhg Doran pulled off a superb double save to deny Dunne and James Duggan a second goal.

Camross brought on talisman Zane Keenan late in the half, but his 21-metre free was parried away by Bobby Murphy.

At the break, The Harps held a firm 1-11 to 0-8 lead. Any hopes of a Camross comeback were extinguished in the second half. Murphy and Justin Duggan immediately tagged on points before The Harps struck the decisive blow 15 minutes from time. Ross Deegan’s blocked effort broke to Justin Duggan, who smashed home his side’s second goal to put the result beyond doubt.

Further points from Whelan, Comerford, Eoin Delaney, and James Duggan stretched the advantage to 16 points as the closing stages turned into a victory parade.

Camross managed sporadic scores through Keenan frees and Ciarán Collier, but they had no answer to the energy and sharpness of their opponents.

When referee John Lalor blew the final whistle, it sparked wild celebrations among the heavy Harps support. The young squad where no starting player was older than 26 displayed a level of composure far beyond their years, ending a 28-year wait for a final appearance in the ultimate style. The Harps now advance to represent Laois in the Leinster Club Championship on November 8th v Kilkenny champions.

Podge Delaney was their outstanding leader as usual at centre back and both Justin Duggan (1-3) and Eoin Delaney (0-3) ran riot in attack, both recieving a derserved rapturous response from the stands as they came off in the final minutes of the game.