DIVISION 1 National Football League action returns to O’Moore Park, Portlaoise on Saturday, when Laois launch back into the top-flight against Mayo.
Last year Dublin won the O’Byrne Shield tournament title before, of course, going on to capture All-Ireland championship glory.
But Laois boss Justin McNulty doesn’t consider that following in the Dubs’ footsteps in the early-season tournament – by virtue of Sunday’s comfortable final win over Wexford – suggests that his men are destined for a season to remember like the Dubs in 2011.
“I am not sure that is an omen for anything,” he smiles when reminded of how the Dubs started last season.
McNulty, while pleased that his players are “working hard and doing some serious preparations”, is adamant that Laois must raise their performance a couple of notches to meet the challenges now facing them, with Saturday’s home date against Mayo being followed by a trip to Donegal and then a home fixture against Dublin.
“We simply have to perform to a much higher standard than we did against Wexford or else we simply won’t be competing with the likes of Mayo or Donegal, who are two serious All-Ireland contenders,” he declared, noting Mayo’s formidable early-season form they hammered the students of NUI Galway by 0-14 to 0-4 last Friday to retain the FBD Insurance Connacht League title.
“They are a really form team and have shown in the last couple of championships just what a good side they are.”
The Laois boss isn’t expecting to add to his panel ahead of the Mayo match, stating that his side “was pretty much at full-strength” against Wexford.
As regards last Sunday’s game, he surmised: “We just got a bit of a run on Wexford (to lead by 1-5 to 0-2 after 24 minutes) and then we were able to defend more effectively. We wouldn’t read much into that result because the O’Byrne Cup is only a build-up to the season ahead, and we have to get a lot better to stand any chance in this League.”