After the Laois senior football championship took place last week, our second football Team of the Week for 2023 is here.
It was a very entertaining Round 2 of the championship with the majority of games close in nature.
Seven of the eight senior games were played in O’Moore Park with one in Ratheniska.
The meeting of Clonaslee-St Manman’s and Ballyfin was there – the second time Clonaslee were outside O’Moore Park, but this time they came good.
As it stands, four teams are out of the championship. Ballyfin, Rosenallis and Park-Ratheniska were knocked out during the week.
While The Heath joined them on Sunday after losing to Graiguecullen. Ordinarily, those teams would now face relegation semi finals.
But the new system means that they will all contest B quarter finals in five weeks time – and will be drawn against the losers of the Round 3 games.
Four teams now face a five week wait for their next game as they are straight through to the quarter finals.
Portarlington and Killeshin progressed during the week while O’Dempsey’s and St Joseph’s joined them on Sunday.
From the games, 12 clubs are represented in our second team of the week.
1 – Killian Roche (Killeshin)
Just like he was last round, Killian Roche is selected between the sticks and is well on the way to Team of the Year already.
He was simply outstanding against Killeen. Six points, two from play, all from the goals. Immense.
2 – Sean McGrath (Graiguecullen)
Graiguecullen were extremely comfortable winners against The Heath and several players shone.
But Sean McGrath was the most impressive. Tasked with marking Evin Keane, he barely gave the dangerous Heath forward a sniff all gone. A proper corner back.
3 – Johnny Kelly (O’Dempsey’s)
Unlucky to miss out on selection in Round 1, Johnny Kelly was a real standout for O’Dempsey’s once again.
He probably scored the goal of the season too in the victory over Emo – a bullet to the top corner.
4 – Jack Lacey (St Joseph’s)
St Joseph’s have one of the meanest defences around as they are yet to concede a goal in the championship this year.
And Jack Lacey has been integral to that, making a great block in the second half against Ballyroan-Abbey. Only 23, he is certainly worth a look for whoever becomes Laois manager next year as he has the physical size and technical ability for inter-county football.
5 – Jack Lennon (O’Dempsey’s)
Like Kelly, Jack Lennon was also brilliant and is an integral part of the team after spending the first part of the year abroad.
He kicked three points from wing back and his workrate is insane.
6 – Colm Begley (Stradbally)
Colm Begley rolled back the years with a vintage performance around the middle third of the pitch against Portarlington.
He kicked four points in total and was excellent in throughout as Stradbally tested the champions.
7 – James Kelly (St Joseph’s)
Blighted by injury this year, it was great to see James Kelly start and finish a game for St Joseph’s.
His calmness on the ball and ability in the tackle are useful traits for Mick Dempsey’s side.
8 – Niall Corbet (Clonaslee-St Manman’s)
Niall Corbet, who operated in midfield, scored an impressive tally of 1-9 which obviously helped his side immensely to overcome Ballyfin.
But his overall distribution of the football was impeccable throughout also. He was the main man that Clonaslee St Manman’s went to when they needed him to create an opportunity for his team.
9 – Kieran Lillis (Portlaoise)
The goals were the difference in Portlaoise’s win over Rosenallis and although Kieran Lillis didn’t score either, he did set them up.
His powerful running was the catalyst for goals from Chris Finn and Ricky Maher – and they would not have won otherwise.
10 – Eoin Lowry (Killeshin)
Missed the first round through holidays but returned with a series bang here against Arles-Killeen.
He kicked seven points in total, six from play – and his side are now safely through to the quarter finals.
11 – Colm Murphy (Portarlington)
Portarlington were on the ropes against Stradbally heading down the stretch but Colm Murphy stood up to be counted.
He kicked four points in total with three of those coming in the second half when they were badly needed.
12 – Davin McEvoy (Ballyroan-Abbey)
Quiet in Round 1, Davin McEvoy was Ballyroan’s main attacker against St Joseph’s last week.
Every ball stuck with him and he finished with a total of five points.
13 – Ryan Little (Courtwood)
It was certainly a surprise not to see Ryan Little feature from the start against Stradbally in Round 1.
But the teenager began the match against Park-Ratheniska and finished with four points following an all action display.
14 – Paul Kingston (Arles-Killeen)
In the absence of his brother Donie, Paul Kingston continues to carry the main scoring threat for Arles-Killeen.
And he is very good at it too – adding another ten points to his total.
15 – Davy Costello (Emo)
After impressing in Round 1, many believed Emo would turn O’Dempsey’s over in Round 2 but it wasn’t to be.
But that wasn’t for the lack of trying by teenager Davy Costello who shone again and kicked 1-6.
SEE ALSO – 11 clubs represented on our first Laois senior football Team of the Week
