The Laois GAA Masters team are set to return as they are in action on Saturday when they face Dublin in the first round at 2pm in Annanough.
Laois are seeking revenge against a side that beat them 0-8 to 0-11 in Dublin last time around.
But they could face a fairly formidable force as multiple All Ireland winner Bernard Brogan is believed to be involved with Dublin.
He was seen on Twitter training with the Dublin Masters team during the week.
Francis Finn from O’Dempsey’s has taken over from Leo Turley as manager and will be tasked with formulating a plan to stop Brogan co this weekend.
Laois have been building a strong squad this year and after a good campaign last year hold onto many of the players that came through then and are supported by a couple new additions.
Former county stars Greg Ramsbottom (Stradbally), Paul Lawlor (Emo) and Paul Dunne (The Rock) are all set to feature and will be pivotal for Laois throughout the competition.
This year’s focus has been to bring in players in that are continuing to play in Laois and neighbouring championships at Junior, Intermediate and Senior level with their respective clubs.
Players of the calibre of Mick “Birdy” Hand (Graiguecullen), Paddy Dunne (Rosenallis), Cathal Brennan (Killeshin), Damien Murphy (Stradbally), Ronan Molloy (Portlaoise) and Kieran Hogan (Clonaslee-St Manman’s) are now all eligible and will all soon don the blue and white.
Laois will continue their campaign by facing off against a combined Leitrim and Longford side in the second round.
This will be succeeded by games against Wicklow, Roscommon, Westmeath and then finally Mayo.
Annanough GAA have recently opened their new club bar and will be serving refreshments on the day.
Manager Francis (087) 233 7874 and secretary Eamon O’Brien (086) 828 1537 are still fine-tuning the team and are welcoming in new players.
The Masters are not finished recruiting and know there are others in the county who may be willing and eligible to play this year, with a list of new teams that are in the competition, anyone who is 39 turning 40 in this calendar year are eligible and still playing for their clubs are more than welcome on board.
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