The reigning champions should get their campaign off to a comfortable start

THE reigning champions begin the defence of their Laois Senior Hurling Championship crown this evening when Clough/Ballacolla take on Rosenallis in Laois Hire O'Moore Park at 7.30pm. As championship openers go, this is a fascinating contest between a side chasing history and a Rosenallis team hoping to cause one of the shocks of the opening weekend.

Clough/Ballacolla enter the campaign as the team to beat. Crowned county champions in 2025, they are now aiming to secure a sixth title in seven seasons and complete a third successive championship triumph. Their remarkable consistency over recent years has established them as the dominant force in Laois hurling.

While much of the attention will focus on the champions, Rosenallis will quietly fancy their chances of making life difficult for their opponents. Drawn in Group A alongside Camross, Ballinakill, Abbeyleix and Portlaoise, they know that every result matters in the championship's crossover format and a positive result here would significantly boost their knockout ambitions.

Clough/Ballacolla's strength lies in their blend of experience and emerging talent. Captain Mark Hennessy recently highlighted the quality of younger players coming through the club, underlining the depth that has helped maintain their position at the summit of Laois hurling.

For Rosenallis to spring a surprise, they will need to match the champions physically, limit scoring opportunities and make the most of every chance that comes their way. Championship openers can sometimes be unpredictable, and Rosenallis will hope that a strong start can place pressure on the favourites.

However, Clough/Ballacolla's championship pedigree is difficult to ignore. They have consistently delivered in the biggest games over recent seasons and possess the experience required to navigate difficult spells during matches. If they find their rhythm early, they will be hard to contain.

Prediction: The champions' firepower, depth and winning mentality are likely to see them begin their title defence with a comfortable victory