Laois minors start as underdogs but a repeat of last week’s performance could see them cause an upset

MINOR hurling manager Brendan Phelan has made two changes to the team that put up a right good challenge against Galway last week.

Rosenallis’ Tadhg Hughes in midfield Rathdowney/Errill’s Rory Standish.

The second change comes up front where Dan Downey, after last weekend’s game, makes a return in place of Cillin Hoey.

The minors return to action this afternoon when they welcome Wexford to Laois Hire O’Moore Park (12pm) for their latest championship outing.

Brendan Phelan’s side have enjoyed a strong campaign to date, recording three wins from four matches. Their route to Tier 1 began in March with a comprehensive victory over Kerry, a result that secured them a bye into Round 3.

Laois made the most of that advantage, overcoming Kildare in testing weather conditions. That success set up a winner takes all Round 4 encounter with Antrim, where an outstanding display from LJ Cuddy helped Laois claim a two point victory and continue their progress.

Their winning run ended last weekend, but only by the narrowest of margins, as they produced a spirited performance against All Ireland contenders Galway.

Wexford began their Leinster minor campaign last weekend with a trip to Dublin and were edged out by three points, losing 2 14 to 1 14. Joey Tobin was their standout performer, finishing with 1 6, while Cathal Whelan also impressed with a strong showing around the middle of the field.

While Laois enter the game as underdogs, a repeat of last week’s performance would see them well capable of challenging their Leinster opponents.

LAOIS: Ryan Keeshan (Rathdowney-Errill); Conor Hickey (Borris-Kilcotton), Jack Rice (Mountrath), Darragh Keeshan (Borris-Kilcotton); Harry Donoghue (The Harps), Dan Bowe (Rathdowney-Errill), Oisin McRedmond (Portlaoise); Luke Hynes (Camross), Tadhg Hughes (Rosenallis); Dan Downey (Park-Ratheniska/Timahoe), Bobby O’Connor (Trumera), Killian James (St Paul’s); Oisin Gilligan (Ballyfin), LJ Cuddy (Camross), Callum Jones (Borris-Kilcotton) 

SUBS: Fionnan Gilligan (Ballyfin), Eoin O’Loughlin (Ballyfin), Luke Delaney (Castletown), Jamie Mahony (The Harps), Rian Dwyer (Ballinakill), Tadhg Lowry (Camross), Jerry O’Connell (Abbeyleix), Cillin Hoey (Portarlington), Bobby McWey (Ballypickas)