Laois head to Kinnegad in search of League honours

HAVING failed to reach hurling and football leagues in the last month, it is now the turn of the ladies to make a bid for National League honours.

Laois’s lady footballers battled well after a shaky start but then it all went pear-shaped on the run in.

However, today Laois camogie team and their mentors head to Kinnegad in search of a title that eluded them narrowly in Tullamore 12 months ago. Armagh picked their pockets in the dying minutes and of course nobody needs reminding of how Tipperary proved that little bit too powerful in last year’s championship decider on the hallowed turf in Croke Park.

How do you convince players that they can do much better and that they are entitled to win a trophy. Management were bitterly disappointed last year. They thought they had done enough. They did not apportion any blame on the players, and rightly so. Each and every player gave their best on the field of play. Now they know where they can do better.

It may be only the league but a league trophy, as we saw with Waterford and Cork last Sunday, is very valuable and both of them will use this success as preparation for the forthcoming Munster and All-Ireland championships.

Laois have enjoyed a good league campaign. Tyrone were very strong and maybe not so much Roscommon and Wicklow. Laois were comfortable winners in all their games which could be a problem in some ways. However, what more can you do but beat what is in front of you.

As Laois progressed there was competition for places and that is healthy with the championship only a few weeks away.

Last time out Laois travelled to Arklow and played a very complete game. Okay, they were already qualified, but they still hurled to their ability. The Roscommon game is the one that management will be looking over. Laois were comfortable on the day but deep down the Connacht side knew there was a strong chance the sides would meet again in the final.

That is how it has transpired. Some people are of the opinion that Laois are winning matches because the opposition is weaker than them. While that might be the case is no fault of the O’Moore girls.

Management will have them well prepared and the last thing they need is to be losing another final with the championship in mind.

Abbotstown is the venue, a perfect location and the Laois girls are familiar with the ground. Here is wishing the girls all the best and may the better team prevail.