Back in June, Billy Sheehan’s side came through a dramatic quarter final against Limerick where their keeper made three outstanding saves.
The Laois senior footballers are preparing for a trip to Croke Park this Sunday to face Down in the Tailteann Cup semi final.
Billy Sheehan’s came through a dramatic semi final against Limerick where their keeper made three outstanding saves.
Killian Roche was the man of the match as his first half interventions kept Laois in the game and meant that when their purple patch came, they were able to reel Limerick in.
And then right at the end, Roche was the one who stepped up to nail a 45 and ensure Laois won by three – he was subsequently named on the Tailteann Cup team of the week alongside Paddy O’Sullivan, Kieran Lillis and Mark Barry.
Roche is no stranger to the inter-county stage having represented his native Clare at minor, U-21 and senior level.
“I’m a full time Killeshin and Laois man now,” he joked on the field in the Gaelic Grounds after the win on Saturday.
Roche received a call up with the Laois seniors this year and he delightfully accepted.
He said: “I always wanted to play at the highest level possible and I was with Clare when I was younger.
“So when the chance came I was delighted to get it from Billy and I am only trying to repay him ever since.”
And Roche has had to wait for his opportunity. He started the very first game of the season against Longford in the O’Byrne Cup.
Laois lost heavily and Roche made a couple of mistakes but as manager Sheehan said about him earlier this week, he never once complained about sitting on the bench.
Roche said: “I had to bide my time. It was hard to get in because Scott (Osborne) was playing very well.
“It is a panel game now and you need everyone. Scott is there and ready to go if we need him.”
Looking ahead to Croke Park on Sunday, Roche says that he is very much looking forward to the experience.
He said: “I have never actually played in Croke Park and if I am lucky enough to be given the opportunity, that would be great.
“I have togged out twice but I have never played. We kept believing in what we were doing (despite the difficult results).
“There is no point in being here if you don’t believe and we always did that so we will go out on Sunday now and do the best that we can.”
SEE ALSO – Check out all our Tailteann Cup coverage here
