IT’S been a long week for Laois hurling manager Tommy Fitzgerald and his players with three Walsh Cup matches in eight days, eventually coming to a head with the visit of Kilkenny to Rathdowney on Sunday.

AFTER taking a hiatus last year the Walsh Cup returned for 2026 and with that Wexford came to Rathdowney to tackle Laois and despite a good start from the hosts, Wexford travelled home with the victory.

Dioralyte Walsh Cup Round 1 Wexford 1-20 Laois 0-17 ONCE again Rathdowney played host as the Laois senior hurlers got their campaign up and running for the year with the visit of Wexford for Round 1 of the Walsh Cup.