The Laois minor footballers are hoping to reach their fourth successive Leinster minor semi final when they face Louth in Stabannon this afternoon.
In each of the last three seasons, Laois have reached the final four – only to lose out to the eventual champions.
In 2018, Meath proved way too strong as they demolished Laois on the way to Leinster glory.
Neighbours Kildare edged Laois out by 0-12 to 1-6 in the 2019 semi final before defeating Dublin in the decider.
While last year, in a Covid hit campaign, Laois were once again beaten by Meath who subsequently saw off Offaly last week in the 2020 final.
Laois began their 2021 campaign two weeks ago when they faced Wexford in O’Moore Park.
Laois played for 10 minutes with 14 men and 20 with 13 men but managed to force extra time and then saw victory snatched from them there before coming back to win on penalties.
Keeper Conor Brown was Laois’s hero as he pulled off two saves and scored a penalty in the shoot-out – a feat which saw him nominated for player of the month.
Graiguecullen’s Jack Byrne was dismissed in bizarre fashion in the first half of the game.
In the 28th minute, vice-captain Byrne was fouled on the 45 but the linesman called referee Stephen Fallon over after spotting something in the aftermath of the free.
He adjudged that Byrne had attempted to headbutt a Wexford player and sent him off.
It looked a very harsh call on first viewing and the video of the incident that surfaced afterwards looked like Byrne was very hard done by as there did not appear to be a headbutt – attempted or otherwise.
Laois GAA officials mounted an appeal and it was successful. Byrne had initially been handed a two match ban but that was squashed.
Clonaslee’s Cathal Lee was the second player to be sent off but red card was not appealed and he will now miss the next two games – meaning he will only return if Laois reach the Leinster final.
His place on the starting team goes to Ballyroan-Abbey’s Patrick Whelan and there are no further changes to the team that defeated Wexford.
On the same day, Louth defeated Westmeath 3-10 to 0-10 in Mullingar.
The Wee County were in full control of the game after running into the half time break with a 2-05 to 0-5 margin.
Liam Flynn and Kieran McArdle played no small part in that lead after both scored a goal in the fourth and 20th minutes respectively.
Another goal by Flynn after the hour mark, as well as his four successful frees saw the side run out winners on a nine point margin.
Today’s game in Stabannon in Louth throws in at 12pm and you’ll be able to follow all of the action as it happens on our Live Blog.
