Can Courtwood finally get over the line?

AFTER coming agonisingly close in recent seasons, Courtwood enter next Sunday’s Laois Senior Football Championship final with genuine belief that their breakthrough may finally be within reach.

Standing in their way are reigning champions Portarlington, who have dominated the county over the past decade and are chasing yet another title. However, Courtwood arrive in the decider with plenty of momentum after defeating St Joseph’s by 2-16 to 0-20 after extra-time in the semi-final to reach a second successive county final.

The biggest positive for Courtwood is that they have recently proven themselves to be one of the top teams in Laois. They claimed the Division 1 league title earlier in the year with a final victory over St Joseph’s and have backed that up with an impressive championship run.

Their championship form has been particularly encouraging. Victories over O'Dempsey’s, Ballyroan Abbey, Stradbally and St Joseph’s show a team that has found different ways to win. They have produced big scoring returns throughout the campaign, notably hitting 5-16 against Ballyroan Abbey and 2-16 in the semi-final against St Joseph’s.

The experience gained from last year's final appearance could also prove invaluable. Courtwood pushed Portarlington all the way in 2025 and forced a replay before eventually falling short. That disappointment should leave them better equipped for the pressure of county final day.

A key factor will be their attacking leaders. In the semi-final win over St Joseph’s, players such as goalkeeper Matthew Byron for his free taking, Cian Doyle and substitute Dylan Keane delivered when it mattered most, with crucial scores in extra-time helping Courtwood over the line.

The obvious concern is the calibre of the opposition. Portarlington looked extremely impressive in their semi-final demolition of Killeshin, winning by fifteen points and producing a powerful attacking display. Players such as Colm Murphy, Jordan Fitzpatrick, Robbie Piggott and Rioghan Murphy all contributed heavily as the champions advanced comfortably.

Portarlington's championship pedigree is difficult to ignore. They are chasing a third successive county title and a sixth championship in seven years, achievements that underline the standards Courtwood must overcome.

Courtwood's chances are certainly stronger than they were 12 months ago. They have added another league title, gained valuable county-final experience and shown resilience throughout the championship.

The challenge, however, remains immense. Portarlington possess the greater championship pedigree and looked exceptionally sharp in their semi-final.

If Courtwood can turn the game into a tight contest entering the final quarter, their experience from last year's final and the confidence gained from their extra-time semi-final victory could give them a real opportunity. But they will need one of their best performances ever to dethrone a Portarlington side that continues to set the standard in Laois football.

Portarlington remain slight favourites, but Courtwood appear capable of pushing the champions all the way in what could be a much closer final than the form book suggests.