The Laois GAA action continues tonight with three more games down for decision.
We have the first game of Round 1 of the SFC and two more IFC games.
Below, we will take a look at how the games are likely to pan out:
Laois SFC Round 1 – Courtwood v Portlaoise
In O’Moore Park at 7.45pm
Courtwood’s third season at this level kicks off the 2021 championship season where they face Portlaoise in O’Moore Park.
This will be the second time that these two teams will meet in the championship since Courtwood’s promotion in 2018.
Portlaoise had too much for Courtwood on that day as they advanced to the quarter finals and ultimately went on to claim glory in 2019.
The sides met in the league this year where a depleted Courtwood went down by 3-11 to 0-13.
Courtwood battled relegation last year but have reappointed Eddie Kinsella as manager and got captain Niall Dunne back to full fitness – while also transferring in Rob Tyrrell.
Portlaoise will be smarting from their league final loss ten days ago but have also freshened up their panel.
Ben Dempsey, Ben Reddin, Sam Birrane, Josh Hogan, DJ White and Andrew Swayne can all expect to play some part as the season progresses.
Expect Courtwood to be improved this year, but Portlaoise may just have enough.
Laois IFC Round 1 – Arles-Kilcruise v Mountmellick
In Stradbally at 7.30pm
Arles-Kilcruise will play Intermediate football for the first time in 22 years this season – and they will begin against a team they relegated in dramatic circumstances in 2017.
Arles-Kilcruise were dead and buried with the relegation game against Mountmellick in the fourth minute of second half injury time.
They were down to 14 men and trailed by two points when they were awarded a penalty which Ross Munnelly scored. The same player then added a free and Kilcruise were safe.
It was cruel on Mountmellick and a blow they have not been able to recover from as they have remained at this level ever since. So this game will be a chance for them to exact revenge.
Arles-Kilcruise operated in a Division higher than Mountmellick in the league and stayed up after beating Clonaslee.
Mountmellick reached the Division 2 final but lost out to senior side Rosenallis.
There will be little between the teams, but Kilcruise’s experience may prove to be the difference.
Laois IFC Round 1 – Crettyard v The Rock
In Annanough at 7.30pm
The third game this evening is another Round 1 IFC clash as Crettyard face The Rock in Annanough.
Crettyard were many people’s favourites to win this championship last year and played brilliantly right up to the final.
Injuries to the likes of Ciaran Burke didn’t help them but they were well beaten by Clonaslee in the final.
The Rock enjoyed a progressive season last year and went on to reach the semi finals.
Here, they were also well beaten by Clonaslee but it was still a very positive season for them.
How they handle Evan O’Carroll will determine how this game goes but Crettyard may still have a bit too much for them regardless.
SEE ALSO – Electric Picnic confirm that 2021 festival officially CANCELLED
The post Previewing all of Thursday night’s SFC and IFC action appeared first on Laois Today.
source https://www.laoistoday.ie/2021/09/02/previewing-all-of-thursday-nights-sfc-and-ifc-action/
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