Previewing Friday night’s Laois GAA action as SFC Round 2 continues

There are two more games down for decision tonight – one SFC match and a bizarre league re-fixture.

Both games throw in at 7.30pm and we will take a look at how each game is likely to pan out below:

Laois SFC Round 2 Qualifier Section – Ballyfin v Portlaoise
In O’Moore Park at 7.30pm

It is do or die for these two tonight as whoever loses will be out of the 2021 championship.

Ballyfin have reached the last two semi finals while Portlaoise have won 12 of the last 14 championships.

But after tonight, one of them will be in Round 3 while the other will be in the relegation semi final.

Ballyfin were drawn against defending champions Portarlington in Round 1 and put in a valiant display.

After losing by ten points in the 2020 semi final to the same opponents, Ballyfin were far closer this time and just lost by three.

David Connolly has gone abroad to study since that game but it is expected that he will be home to play in this.

Portlaoise began the championship against Courtwood and lost out by two points to Eddie Kinsella’s charges.

They kicked 16 wides in the league final and hit another 12 in that game – something they will have to rectify.

The Town will also be hoping that Graham Brody and Frank Flanagan are back from injuries.

The bookies have Portlaoise as clear favourites – but the game is likely to pan out very differently.

ODDS – Portlaoise 1/5, Ballyfin 7/2 and draw 11/1

Division 3A Relegation Final Refixture – Graiguecullen v Kilcavan
In Graiguecullen at 7.30pm

Ordinarily, we wouldn’t preview a Division 3A relegation final – but this game is so bizarre that it is worthy of a mention.

This game was played almost two months ago – on July 28 – and it went to extra time where Graiguecullen won by 1-9 to 0-11.

However, Kilcavan subsequently lodged an appeal following the dismissal of Michael Bermingham.

He picked up a yellow card in normal time and then another in extra time which resulted in a red.

However, as the second yellow came in extra time, that should have been treated as a ‘new game’ and therefore the earlier card should have been rescinded.

Kilcavan’s appeal was successful and the game will be replayed tonight instead.

Graiguecullen play in the Junior B championship and were knocked out in the group stages a few weeks ago.

While Kilcavan are yet to play a Junior A match as they received a walkover from Camross two weeks ago.

Whoever loses this will play in Division 4 of the league next year.

SEE ALSO – Conroy and Power lead the way as Slieve Bloom topple dogged Stradbally for Junior ‘B’ glory

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source https://www.laoistoday.ie/2021/09/17/previewing-friday-nights-laois-gaa-action-as-sfc-round-2-continues/