The meeting of the Laois and Kildare footballers is always one of the most anticipated fixtures in this part of the world.
Be it championship, league or O’Byrne Cup, it’s a game that has thrown up some great moments over the years.
While Kildare have had the upper hand for most of the past 20 years, Laois have come out on top in the last two meetings – in last year’s Tailteann Cup quarter-final in Tullamore and in the 2022 O’Byrne Cup semi-final, after penalties, in Carlow.
This Saturday they meet in the redeveloped St Conleth’s Park in Newbridge, a 7pm throw-in under the lights that wouldn’t have been the worst choice for RTE’s live game.
Kildare, under new manager Brian Flanagan, have won their first three games and are top of the table. Laois, though they lost to Offaly in their first outing, are in third place having won their last two, including an impressive win over Sligo last Sunday.
To look ahead to the game, we have a special preview podcast, recorded live in the Joe Mallon Motors showrooms in Naas.
Joining us for the chat are former Kildare footballer Johnny Doyle, as well as three-time All Ireland final referee Maurice Deegan, who is currently a member of the Football Review Committee that have introduced the new changes to the game.
LaoisToday’s Steven Miller and Alan Hartnett chat to the two lads about the rules, what they like and don’t like, the form of both team, the new St Conleth’s Park and some of Johnny’s memories from playing Laois.
You can listen to or watch the episode below in full here, or on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
LaoisToday are proud brand ambassadors for Joe Mallon Motors and this episode was recorded in their showrooms on the Sallins Road in Naas. You can check out the Joe Mallon Motors website here.
Thanks to Anthony Mallon and Oisin Morris in Joe Mallon Motors and our videographer Paul Dargan for their support.
