‘Now would be the time to reach our potential’ - Corby

Laois vice-captain Aidan Corby is hoping for a very different outcome to last year’s decider as the side prepare to take on Kildare in the Joe McDonagh Cup final. The Clough/Ballacolla man captained his club to county glory in 2024 and says Laois haven’t yet reached their full potential this season, but now would be the time to do so.

“I'm looking forward to the match anyway, hopefully it goes a bit better than last year. We haven't really fulfilled our full potential this year, but we feel like it's coming, and hopefully it comes now on the big day,” he said.

The build-up to this year’s Joe McDonagh Cup was short and sharp for Laois, coming just a short time after their relegation from Division 1B of the league. While the sting of that disappointment still lingers in the background, Corby says their focus shifted quickly to their main target.

“Even after the match, I haven't really put much thought into it because the main goal for us really is getting back into the Leinster Championship. You kind of have to wait until the end of the year to reflect on that. There hasn’t been much thought really put into it because there was only a short break, so all the focus was on the Joe Mc after that,” he added.

Corby knows what it takes to lead a team to silverware, but despite his own recent success at club level, he says captain David Dooley hasn’t needed much guidance. The Rosenallis man, though still young, has earned immense respect within the squad.

“Not really. Dooley is one of the biggest leaders we have here. I know he’s young, but he's been setting an example for us really since he came in here. I could nearly go to him and ask him stuff,” he said.

This year, Corby has been lining out at half-forward rather than his usual midfield role, but the switch hasn’t changed his desire to influence games. He says he relishes being around the middle of the pitch, where he can get on the ball and drive Laois forward.

“That's where I want to be, I don't want to be inside waiting for the ball. I'd rather be out around the middle looking for it, try and make some bit of an influence. I'd much rather be out there running around. I don't know how they do it inside,” Corby said.

Kildare’s powerful performance in that middle third during the round-robin clash in Portlaoise left a strong impression. Corby is expecting another big challenge there, but says Laois have taken their lessons and will be ready this time.

“They're big men, they're physical and they're fit. They're savage hurlers too, they’re touch tight, so we're fully prepared for this time anyway,” he ended.