The stage is set for the brand new Palmer Cup competition in the Centre of Excellence – with all proceeds today set to go to Laois Hospice.
This will be the first time that the competition was staged since 2019 – with Camross the last champions.
The draw for the 2020 edition was made but it was never played due to the Covid-19 pandemic and didn’t return in the years that followed.
However, it has been brought back and will be played in a new format with six teams taking part.
Rosenallis, Castletown, Clonaslee-St Manman’s (Group A) Rathdowney-Errill, Ballinakill and Colt-Shanahoe (Group B) will battle it out in an 11-aside format.
The action begin at 2pm and following the conclusion of the groups, the top team reaches the semi final and second and third face off in quarter finals.
The final is scheduled for 7pm in O’Moore Park where the winners will be crowned.
Teams must name a panel of 18 players and this cannot be changed after 12pm today.
Games will consist of 15 minutes aside with 5-minute break and teams receive three points for a win and one point for a draw.
Teams which score four goals or more in any game will receive a bonus point if they win or lose.
Goals count for four points and sideline cut counts for two points.
In the event of teams ending up on the same points, group status will be determined by head-to-head followed by bonus points received followed by score difference.
If a quarter final or semi-final ends in a draw, extra time will be played with the first team to score wins.
Repeat pairing at semi final stage will be avoided if possible.
Laois GAA Hurling chairman Mattie Collier is excited for the day and is hoping the Laois GAA community get behind the fundraiser.
He said: “Since it’s inception in the late 1980’s, Laois Hospice has provided care and support for Laois families at very sad and difficult times.
“As a community, we are lucky to have Laois Hospice to help us when we are at our most vulnerable.
“They depend on voluntary contributions to keep up this good work.
“Entry to all games is free but there will be collection buckets for Laois Hospice around the venue.
“We are hoping that all players, mentors and spectators will contribute on the day.
“Even if your club is not participating, maybe people could call into the COE on Monday, watch a few games and make a contribution.”
