Laois senior football manager Billy Sheehan praised all of his squad following his side’s great win over Limerick yesterday.
Laois finished the first half poorly and started the second by conceding four more points but Sheehan was pleased with how they responded.
He said: “The boys stuck in there. We were disappointed with the start to the second half when they went 0-14 to 0-9 up.
“But since I have taken this job I have always said that these lads have true character and it has taken time.
“We had only five of the starting team that faced Limerick 15 months ago so to change the team like that and get the result, I’m thrilled for the lads.
“I’m delighted for Mark Timmons, Kieran Lillis and James Finn – they are three lads that I soldiered with.
“Does Kieran Lillis get the credit that he deserves? I don’t think so. He has been playing with Laois for 10 or 12 years and as far as I can see, he is playing his best football now.
“He may not be captain but he is a real leader for us out there. He does everything.
“They show day in and day out how good they are and that age is nothing and attitude is everything.”
Mark Timmons’ season looked in doubt last week when he was withdrawn 10 minutes from the end of the game against Fermanagh clutching the back of his leg.
But speaking after the game, manager Sheehan outlined all that the 37-year-old did to put himself in the position to undergo and subsequently pass a fitness test four hours before the game.
He said: “Mark Timmons bought ice boots himself and on Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights, he was up wearing those.
“He did everything he could during the week, he took off work, he did everything possible to be able to play for Laois.
“He did a fitness test at 11am and we didn’t think he would make it through but credit to him he did and played the full 70 minutes which shows his character.”
Killian Roche caught the headlines as he pulled off three great saves and Sheehan was keen to praise him and the number two – Scott Osborne.
He said: “I’m thrilled with Killian and I’m thrilled with Scott Osborne for the way he has driven Killian on.
“Scott played every game but unfortunately fell out of form but he has really pushed on Killian.
“The two boys have stuck together, there is no negativity, and Killian’s performance can be put down to the work the lads do together in training with constantly facing shots.
“I’m delighted for Scott because the easiest thing for him to do would be to throw the head after he came out of the team – but he has done the opposite.
“After the O’Byrne Cup against Longford, everyone was going on about Killian but I think he has been man of the match in two of our Tailteann Cup games now which shows his character.
“When it went wrong against Longford, he sat on the bench for the rest of the O’Byrne Cup, the league and the Leinster championship. He never said a word about it, waited for his opportunity, and took it.”
SEE ALSO – Croke Park awaits as Roche’s saves and Murphy’s goal crucial helps Laois defeat Limerick
