1986 – when Laois scored a comfortable win over Westmeath
The Laois team that defeated Wexford 1-18 to 2-13 in the Leinster semi-final, including Eugene Fennelly (second from right standing) who the following year scored 2-4 in the defeat of Westmeath in the Leinster Championship. Standing l-r: PJ Cuddy Pat Cleary, Pat Criotchley, Mick Bolger, Matin Cuddy, Michael Ahearne, Eigene Fennelly, John Bohane; Kneeling l-r: Michael O'Sullivan, John Taylor, Joe Dollard, Christy Jones, Michael Walsh, John Delaney, Morgan Kelly
Laois 3-20
Westmeath 2-7
THIRTY NINE years ago Laois and Westmeath clashed in the Leinster SHC at Croke Park when the prize for the winners was a semi-final meeting with the reigning champions, Offaly.
Westmeath had to go back to 1968 since beating the O’Moore County when in Tullamore they won 3-7 to 1-10. A year later the sides clashed again in O’Connor Park, Laois winning 5-12 to 0-1.
But back to Croke Park and 1986. Laois were favourites. After all they were Leinster finalists a year previous. Westmeath had been promoted to Division 1 of the National League. Jimmy Doyle had succeeded the late George Leahy as Laois manager.
Mick Sullivan pointed for Laois and they were never led after that. A long ball from John Delaney reached Joe Dollard who beat the Westmeath keeper for the opening goal. Westmeath were awarded a penalty which Martin Hickey elected to send over the bar. At the other end PJ Cuddy pointed from play.
Westmeath then hit Laois with a well taken goal by Brian McCabe to narrow the gap approaching the end of the first quarter.
Then Laois stepped up a gear and posted eight unanswered points. Westmeath’s only reply was a single point. Eugene Fennelly was deadly accurate from frees while John Taylor, Billy Bohane and Borris-in-Ossory man, William Kirwan all added scores and at half time Laois were ahead 1-12 to 1-2.
Pat Critchley replaced Pat Cleary for the second half as Eugene Fennelly opened the second half scoring from a close in free. David Kilcoyne pointed and five minutes into the new half the same player finished a great move for a second Westmeath goal.
However within minutes, PJ Cuddy went on a solo run and fed the unmarked Eugene Fennelly who scored a Laois goal.
The final quarter saw Laois add a string of points by Eugene Fennelly, Billy Bohane, William Kirwan and ten minutes from the end Eugene Fennelly scored his second Laois goal.
Although Westmeath never gave up it was Laois who eased to victory with points by John Taylor, Billy Bohane, PJ Cuddy wrapping up a comfortable victory for the O’Moore County.
SCORERS:
Laois: Eugene Fennelly 2-4, Joe Dollard 1-1, Billy Bohane and William Kirwan 0-4 each, PJ Cuddy 0-3, John Taylor 0-2, Pat Critchley and Michael O’Sullivan 0-1 each.
Westmeath: David Kilcoyne 1-1, Brian McCabe 1-0, Michael Kilcoyne 0-2, Martin Hickey, Michael Cosgrave, Dinny McCormack and Sean Kilcoyne 0-1 each.
LAOIS: Kevin Fennelly; Johnny Phelan, John Bohane, Tom Lennon; Niall Browne, John Delaney, John Taylor; Christy Jones, William Kirwan; Billy Bohane, Joe Dollard, Eugene Fennelly; PJ Cuddy, Pat Cleary, Michael O’Sullivan.
Subs: Pat Critchley for Cleary, PJ Hassett for Delaney, Seamus Plunkett for O’Sullivan WESTMEATH: Sean Greville; Ger Daly, Tommy Doyle, Michael Murtagh; Jimmy Kilcoyne, Richie Shaw, Martin Hickey; Dinny McCormack, Michael Kilcoyne; Pat Clancy, Brian McCabe, Sean Kilcoyne; David Kilcoyne; Michael Cosgrave, Eddie Gallagher.
Subs: Martin Callaghan for Clancy, Pat Curran for Daly.
Referee: John F Bailey (Dublin)
