Win was less about celebration and more about relief

FOR a county that had spent much of the year chasing bigger ambitions, Saturday’s victory over Wicklow was less about celebration and more about relief.

Laois’ three-point win in the TG4 Intermediate relegation final was far from glamorous, but it was exactly what was required. After a season that promised plenty at different stages, Peter O’Leary’s side found themselves fighting for their championship status after a disappointing defeat to Cavan in the relegation semi-final. It was a position few would have envisaged when the campaign began, yet it left Laois with one final opportunity to ensure they would remain an Intermediate County in 2027.

To their credit, they took it.

There were moments when Laois looked capable of putting the game to bed much earlier. Katie Donoghue’s first-half goal and Emily Lacey’s accuracy from frees and open play gave them control, while Fiona Dooley once again typified the work rate that has become synonymous with this team. Yet Wicklow refused to disappear, and when Laura Butler’s late free crashed into the top corner, Laois suddenly found themselves looking over their shoulders.

That is where experience counted.

Eimear Barry produced two outstanding saves at crucial moments, first denying Elizabeth Bourke in the opening half before coming to her county’s rescue again late on when Sarah Evans looked destined for goal.

Those interventions proved every bit as valuable as any score at the opposite end, reminding everyone why Barry remains one of the county’s most dependable performers.

There was another familiar sight on the sideline. Peter O’Leary, serving the suspension handed down following his red card in the championship defeat to Wexford, watched proceedings from behind the fence rather than his usual position in the technical area. While unable to directly patrol the line, his influence on the group was still evident as Laois remained composed during Wicklow’s late rally.

Retaining Intermediate status should not be viewed as the ultimate goal for this group. There is too much quality within the squad for mere survival to become the benchmark. A strong core of experienced players have consistently shown they can compete comfortably at this level, while a younger cohort continues to develop and grow with every outing.

However, after the disappointment of the Cavan defeat, there was only one objective in Abbotstown. Laois achieved it. There will be time over the coming months to reflect on opportunities missed throughout the season, but those conversations can wait.

For now, the overriding emotion is relief. The job that absolutely had to be done was done, and Laois will have another opportunity to prove their worth in the Intermediate Championship next season.