Laois face double London test in crucial championship weekend

LAOIS GAA supporters are set for a hectic weekend in London later this month after the confirmation of key fixtures in both football and hurling.

Earlier this week, the Laois senior footballers were drawn away to London in Round 2A of the Tailteann Cup. That tie will now take place on Saturday 23 May, with a 2pm throw-in at Ruislip.

The football clash comes less than 24 hours before the county’s senior hurlers are due to face the same opposition at the same venue. Tommy Fitzgerald’s side will take on London on Sunday 24 May, at 1pm in Round 5 of the Joe McDonagh Cup.

There had been speculation that the GAA might schedule the two fixtures as a double header to accommodate travelling supporters, but it has now been confirmed that the games will proceed on separate days.

The weekend carries significant importance for both Laois teams.

For the hurlers, their meeting with London could prove decisive in their Joe McDonagh Cup campaign. Should they overcome Down in their preceding fixture, a victory in Ruislip would secure qualification for the competition’s final at Croke Park.

Meanwhile, the footballers also have plenty at stake. A win over London would keep their Tailteann Cup hopes alive, with progression either to a quarter-final or a preliminary quarter-final. In the latter scenario, Laois would earn a home tie against New York.

The scheduling ensures a major travelling effort for Laois supporters, with back-to-back championship encounters offering the prospect of a highly significant weekend for the county in both codes.