Previewing all of Saturday’s Laois SFC and IFC action

The Laois GAA action continues today with four more games down for decision.

We have the three Round 1 games from the SFC and the final Round 1 game from the IFC

Below, we will take a look at how the games are likely to pan out:

Laois SFC Round 1 – Ballyfin v Portarlington
In O’Moore Park at 3pm

You know that saying about Dublin Busses? Well, that certainly applies here.

Before last month, Ballyfin and Portarlington had never played against each other in the championship and now they are set to do it again.

The 2020 championship semi final was a one-sided affair and it is hard to see anything different here.

Both sides have won league titles since – albeit Portarlington’s was Division 1A while Ballyfin’s was three divisions lower.

In terms of personnel, Portarlington are going to be without Jason Moore who has headed abroad with the Defence Forces but it is hoped Paddy O’Sullivan could be back from injury to fill in for him.

Ballyfin’s James Finn was set to be suspended following his red card in the semi final – but that was overturned on appeal and he is free to play.

Nevertheless, Portarlington should still run out winners and get their defence off to a winning start.

Odds – Portarlington 1/5, Ballyfin 7/2, Draw 11/1

Laois SFC Round 1 – The Heath v Graiguecullen 
In O’Moore Park at 5pm

These two clashed in Round 2 of the winners section last year but only one can make it to that stage now.

That was a very tight affair and Graiguecullen, despite playing with 14-men for the final quarter, won by three points. 

The Heath are set to be without three of the players who played that day as PJ Daly, Jimmy Nerney and Alan Whelan are all injured.

Graigue will be smarting for their recent county final loss but expect them to get back on the wagon today.

Odds – Graiguecullen 1/2, The Heath 15/8, Draw 7/1

Laois SFC Round 1 – Ballyroan-Abbey v Killeshin 
In O’Moore Park at 7pm

Ten years ago this season, Killeshin became a senior club when they defeated Ballyroan-Abbey in the IFC final.

Ballyroan-Abbey made the jump up a short time later but we can’t find a championship meeting between the sides since.

Killeshin memorably made the SFC final in 2019 but struggled last year and were eliminated by O’Dempsey’s in Round 3.

Ballyroan-Abbey have added a lot of new young players to their panel and the sounds coming from the camp are positive.

This one is hard to call, but perhaps this could be Ballyroan-Abbey’s day.

Odds – Killeshin 4/7, Ballyroan-Abbey 7/4, Draw 13/2

Laois IFC Round 1 – Portlaoise v O’Dempsey’s
In Ratheniska at 6.30pm

The final Round 1 game of the IFC will take place in Ratheniska this evening.

This is Portlaoise’s second team against O’Dempsey’s second team so it is hard to know who either will have or how it will go.

Portlaoise played just one game in Division 1B of the league before withdrawing.

O’Dempsey’s were in Division 2 and ended up in the relegation final where they received a walkover from Portarlington.

Both teams used a number of players who could have played at this grade in their senior games on Thursday and Friday night.

This is tough to call but perhaps O’Dempsey’s will prevail.

SEE ALSO – Barry and Finlay to the fore as O’Dempsey’s see off Emo in style

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