The Laois senior hurlers are finally up and running for 2023 as they had 31 points in hand against Down.
It was a comprehensive win and below we will examine some of the main Talking Points.
1 – Man of the match – Ian Shanahan
When a team scores seven goals and wins by 31 points, it may seem a bit mad that we have chosen a back as man of the match.
But in his first season at this level, Ballinakill’s Ian Shanahan has looked right at home.
He operated as a sweeper in the first half and when he wasn’t cutting out ball, he was scoring a fine point.
He pushed onto the half back line in the second half and was instrumental in one of Stephen Bergin’s goals.
He has bags of potential and we probably haven’t even scratched the surface as regards what he is capable of yet.
2 – Several records broken
Stephen Bergin’s hat-trick made him just the second player since PJ Cuddy against Offaly in 1986 to do so.
Paddy Purcell was the most recent v Meath in 2017 with the one before Cuddy being Mick Mahon against Westmeath.
In terms of championship, 45 points was a record score for Laois while 31 points was a record margin of victory.
All of these stats were provided by Eoin Culliton of Laois GAA Bible on Twitter.
3 – Seven goals scored and easily could have been more
Laois scored seven goals but had it not been for Down keeper Stephen Keith and some poor executions, it would have been more.
Stephen Bergin (2), James Keyes and Tomas Keyes were among those to bring fine saves from the keeper and it is that clincial edge that Laois are still looking to develop.
4 – Defensive shut out
After conceding three goals in defeats to Westmeath, Antrim and Offaly, Laois conceded none today.
Now Down were poor but there was a determination amongst the Laois lads not to let any chances develop and Enda Rowland had no save to make.
Defending with as much aggression is required against from Laois throughout this season.
5 – Costly injuries
The only negative from the weekend is the hamstring injuries sustained by Willie Dunphy and Aaron Dunphy.
Both had been playing really well but with the short window, they will definitely miss the Carlow game and possibly Kildare two weeks later.
On the plus side, both John Lennon and PJ Scully returned from the bench and each contributed two points.
6 – Losing streak ended
Laois defeated Wexford in Round 1 of the Walsh Cup but in the three months that followed, results have gone bad.
They lost two more Walsh Cup games, all six National League games and Round 1 of this competition last week.
But Laois can put that behind them and build for the weeks ahead.
7 – Results elsewhere
Elsewhere, Kerry came back to snatch a draw against Carlow while Offaly enjoyed a big win over Kildare.
8 – What happens next?
Laois have a six day turnaround before heading to Carlow next Saturday for Round 3.
Offaly face Down while Kerry meet Kildare.
SEE ALSO – Deadly Delaney leads The Harps to Division 1 Feile hurling glory against Castletown
