Laois finally have lift-off in Division 3, and it feels significant.

AFTER a stuttering start to their Allianz Football League campaign, Saturday evening in Portlaoise delivered more than just two points. It delivered reassurance. Reassurance that the work being done under Justin McNulty is beginning to translate. Reassurance that this squad has the resilience to respond, and perhaps most importantly, reassurance that belief still runs strong within the group.

The early weeks of a league campaign can shape the entire narrative of a season. A slow start can breed doubt, tighten shoulders, and turn every missed chance into a source of anxiety. Laois desperately needed a performance that cut through that tension. What they produced was controlled, assertive, and reflective of a team that understood the stakes.

This was not simply about taking advantage of conditions or riding momentum. It was about composure. When setbacks came, there was no panic. When opportunities presented themselves, there was clarity in decision-making. That psychological steadiness is often the difference between mid-table drift and genuine promotion contention in Division 3.

Encouragingly, responsibility was shared. Rioghan Murphy and Evan O’Carroll once again underlined their importance, both finishing with six points and providing a steady scoring outlet. But this did not feel like a one-dimensional attacking display. Darragh Galvin’s contribution, Brian Byrne’s leadership, and the energy injected from the bench all pointed to a healthier balance within the panel. Successful league campaigns are built on depth as much as star quality, and Laois are beginning to show signs of both.

There was also a maturity to the performance that will please management. In previous outings, momentum swings proved costly. Here, Laois showed an ability to manage the ebb and flow of the contest without losing their shape. Even when the scoreboard tightened, there was a sense that they trusted their system. That trust is not accidental, it is earned on training pitches long before it appears on match day.

Division 3 is notoriously unforgiving. A couple of defeats can drag a side toward the lower end of the table just as quickly as a winning run can spark promotion dreams. That is why this result matters beyond the immediate celebration. It halts any creeping negativity and replaces it with possibility.

Still, perspective is essential. One win does not guarantee consistency. The real test lies in backing it up. Clare away presents a different challenge, a change of venue, different conditions, and a side equally hungry for points. If Laois can replicate the composure and collective drive shown in Portlaoise, they will travel with genuine confidence.

For now, though, the mood shifts. The campaign has a pulse. The pressure eases, replaced by renewed ambition. Laois have their first win on the board, and in a league defined by momentum, that can make all the difference.