THE last time Laois and Galway hurlers crossed swords history was made as the Tribesmen were making their debut in the Leinster championship.
To mark the occasion a pitch battle ensued and a few players were sent for an early shower.
Then Joe Canning scored a goal and ten points but was not top scorer as Niall Healy blasted three goals and five points as Galway romped to a 5-29 to 0-17 victory.
On Sunday next history will be made when, after 58 years, the Walsh Cup will be played at a Connacht venue and only the second time that a game has been played outside the eastern province.
Four years ago Antrim staged the final and having defeated Kilkenny away then created history beating the Faithful County in the final at Casement Park.
Teddy McCarthy will not be interested in the history of the occasion. When Galway last met Laois in the league at O’Moore Park five years ago they led at half time by 4-13 to 0-4.
Final score then was 6-26 to 0-8 and Ger Farragher accounted for two goals and 11 points but this year new manager, Anthony Cunningham has deemed Farragher surplus to requirements.
On Sunday last Cunningham made his senior management debut and although he said he enjoyed the work out, his charges racked up another impressive six goal tally and twenty five points.
Teddy McCarthy would have been pleased with his charges scoring a total of five goals and 27 points in two games but next Sunday will be a far greater test.
The sides met once in the Walsh Cup in Rathdowney two years ago and Laois looked on their way to a first victory since 2003 when the visitors got a late equaliser and in extra time finished 4-24 to 2-17 winners.
Galway have reached the final on two out of three occasions they have participated, losing to Kilkenny after extra time and then beating Dublin two years ago.
If Laois are to reach a first final in 11 years they will have to stop the Tribesmen from scoring goals.
The winners will meet Kilkenny or Westmeath in the final in two weeks time.