It served as a reminder of the deep ties between Laois and the Irish community in London

LAOIS’S trip to London could easily have become a banana skin. An overseas journey, a humid afternoon in Ruislip, and a home side with nothing to lose are the sort of ingredients that have undone many teams before. Instead, this was a display of maturity, power and depth from Justin McNulty’s side, who looked every inch a team growing in confidence as they powered to a comprehensive 15-point win in McGovern Park.

There was something fitting too about the manner of the victory. This was not a case of Laois simply turning up and overwhelming weaker opposition through reputation alone. The county made a real commitment to the trip, flying to London with an overnight stay beforehand to ensure preparation was right. In years gone by, those logistical details might have been overlooked, but modern inter-county football leaves little room for shortcuts. Laois approached the game professionally and were rewarded accordingly.

There was also a lovely local connection woven into the occasion. Two men originally from Emo, Finbarr and Liam Crowley, lined out for London and would have gone to school with Pa Kirwan. It served as a reminder of the deep ties between Laois and the Irish community in London. These games are never just about football; they are also about emigration, identity and connection to home.

What stood out most was the composure Laois showed throughout the afternoon. Even in difficult conditions, there was very little panic or wastefulness to their play. The team looked organised, physically sharp and completely tuned into what was required. There was an efficiency about them that good teams possess, they absorbed pressure when needed, punished mistakes and kept their focus for the full seventy minutes.

Another encouraging aspect was the growing sense of depth within the panel. Too often in recent years Laois have looked over-reliant on a handful of players, but this performance suggested something healthier is beginning to develop. Scores came from all over the field while the impact from the bench was hugely significant. Paul Kingston’s contribution after coming on was a perfect example of the energy and hunger now pushing standards within the squad.

The performance also reflected a team that appears to be buying fully into McNulty’s demands. There was relentless work rate without the ball and a real appetite to attack with pace when opportunities opened up. Laois looked fitter and stronger as the game wore on, which is often one of the clearest signs that a group is confident in its preparation and conditioning.

By the finish, Laois looked like a side enjoying their football. Fifteen points was an emphatic margin, but perhaps more importantly it was the professionalism and hunger shown throughout that will please management most. London away has tripped up teams before. Laois made sure there was never any danger of that happening here.