When Laois white washed the Lillies

Laois 1-19 

Kildare 1-10 

TODAY Kildare and Laois meet in a very important Joe McDonagh Cup hurling clash in Laois Hire O’Moore Park (3pm). They may be near neighbours but have not met very often at senior hurling level.

Last week last Saturday Kildare caused a huge upset when they travelled to Netwatch Cullen Park and inflicted a rare defeat on the Joe McDonagh favourites Carlow. Not too long ago Kildare faced Offaly in a National Hurling League decider in Portlaoise and Offaly prevailed but for most of the game the men in white were serious challengers.

Today we reflect on a National Hurling League clash between the neighbours 12 years ago. Kildare had been crowned Kehoe Cup champions a week previous and were in confident mood when the O’Moore County arrived in Newbridge with Seamas ‘Cheddar’ Plunkett as manager.

Stephen Maher fired over the opening score and Kildare replied per Paul Divilly. Laois added points by Matthew Whelan, James Walsh, Willie Hyland. James Walsh then took a pass from Willie Hyland and brought the Laois total to 0-6 after ten minutes.

Laois were dominating all over the field, but Kildare raised their game. A fine passing movement was completed by a combination of Paidi Reidy who fed Paul Divilly and he drove past the Laois keeper.

Willie Hyland and Matthew Whelan replied with a brace of points but Laois were lucky that some of the Kildare shooting let them down especially in front of goal.

Laois finished the half well. Brian Dunne went on a solo run before hammering beyond Paddy McKenna and at the interval Laois led 1-10 1-4.

The second half saw Kildare reduce the deficit by three points and again they looked like causing difficulties for the visitors. Only four points separated and defences were dominating at both ends.

Stephen Maher and Willie Hyland lifted the O’Moores approaching the final quarter. Kildare then converted two frees and it was back to a four point game.

The home supporters were getting behind their men. However Laois closed ranks and Stephen Maher scored two further points to ensure a comfortable winning margin.

SCORERS:

Laois: Stephen Maher 0-9, Willie Hyland 0-4, Brian Dunne 1-0, Matthew Whelan 0-2, Cahir Healy, Zane Keenan, Cahir Healy, James Walsh and Tommy Fitzgerald 0-1 each.

Kildare: Paul Divilly 1-5, Richie Hoban and Gary Keegan 0-2 each, Mark Moloney 0-1.

LAOIS: Eoin Reilly (Abbeyleix); John A Delaney (Clough/Ballacolla), Darren Maher Clough/Ballacolla), Brian Campion (Rathdowney/Errill); Joe Fitzpatrick (Rathdowney/Errill), Matthew Whelan (Borris/Kilcotton), Cahir Healy (Portlaoise); James Walsh (Ballinakill), Shane Dollard (Rathdowney/Errill); Brian Dunne (The Harps), Zane Keenan (Camross), Willie Hyland (Clough/Ballacolla); John Brophy (The Harps), Tommy Fitzgerald (Portlaoise), Stephen Maher.

Subs: Willie Dunphy (Clough/Ballacolla) for Dollard, Ben Conroy (Slieve Bloom) for Keenan.

KILDARE: Paddy McKenna; Paul Keegan, Fiachra O’Muineachain, Patrick Curtin; Kieran Divilly, Richie Hoban, Paidi Reidy; Dan Butler, Niall O’Muineachain; Mark Moloney, Paul Divilly, Ross Kelly; Tony Murphy, David Kennedy, Gerry Keegan.

Subs: Eanna O’Neill for O’Muineachain, Peadar Downey for Kennedy, Brendan Deavy for Murphy, Conor Hehir for Divilly.

Referee: Tony Carroll (Offaly)