Laois Today: Portlaoise ladies seeking to create further history in first ever Leinster final appearance

Almost ten months after they reached their first ever Leinster club final, Portlaoise ladies are hoping to make more history tonight.

Kinnegad is the venue with a 7pm throw in for the 2020 decider as Stephen Duff’s charges are hoping to maintain their winning streak.

Last year, they defeated Sarsfields to claim their first ever Laois championship success and followed that this year by winning their first ever Division 1 league title.

Tonight’s opponents Foxrock Cabinteely will be hoping to be crowned Leinster Senior Club Champions for a sixth successive time.

The Leinster final was postponed last October after a second national Lockdown was announced, much to the disappointment of all concerned.

However, with supporters back in situ and the game being live streamed on the Leinster LGFA Facebook page, there is sure to be plenty of support for both clubs.

After Sunday’s tremendous TG4 All Ireland Finals, this game is sure to whet the appetite for the 2021 Club Championship with plenty of inter county footballers featured on both panels.

Portlaoise had to battle hard in their semi-final last October when they saw off the challenge of Offaly’s Naomh Ciarán to book their first ever place in a senior provincial final.

The Laois victors were 2-3 to 1-2 ahead at the break. While the teams traded frees early in the second half, Portlaoise upped the gears and with a terrific defence kept the Naomh Ciarán attack at bay.

In what was a miserable day for football, Naomh Ciarán did reduce the gap to three before time ran out and Portlaoise ensured their spot in the Provincial Final with a 3-5 to 2-5 win.

Foxrock Cabinteely had received a walkover in the other semi-final owing to a Covid outbreak.

Looking ahead to tonight’s showdown, manager Duff says the support his side have received has been incredible.

He said: “The support we have received in the run up to the final has been brilliant.

“Martin Reddin Construction, Hughes Pharmacy, Portlaoise GAA and Peigs Bar have all back us big time.

“While Portlaoise Plaza, owned by Pat McDonagh, have sponsored a set of jerseys for our junior team.”

Laois captain Laura Nerney has transferred from Foxrock Cabinteely back to Portlaoise but she will not be available as this is a 2020 competition.

And manager Duff is set to be without two of his team that played in the Laois championship final.

He said: “Julia Cahill has been away this summer and although she is now home, she won’t be able to play.

“While Leah Loughman picked up an ankle injury back in February and won’t be recovered in time.”

This competition will not go forward to All-Ireland stage and regardless of the outcome, Portlaoise will start their 2021 title defence on Sunday against St Brigid’s.

Stephen said: “This is a big game for us and the club have gotten very excited about it as the day draws nearer.

“It has taken on a life of its own in the last few days and everyone is very excited now.”