'Carlow were well worth their victory'- Laois hurling manager Willie Maher
Carlow were five points better than Laois on Saturday evening
The Laois hurlers suffered their first loss of this year’s Division 2A campaign as Carlow had five points to spare over Willie Maher’s side on Saturday evening in Portlaoise.
The Laois boss wasn’t happy with the performance of his players with Carlow easing past Laois in the end.
“Tough day at the office. I'm very disappointed, Carlow were well worth their victory there tonight and we didn't play well. I think we started the match very well. For that bounce before half-time, Carlow didn't play very well. After half-time, they added two or three points which pushed it to six. They never looked back after that so we'll have to take it apart. I suppose the raw emotion of it now, I’m disappointed with some of our decisions at times, but it's about trying to peel it back now in the next couple of days and seeing what went wrong to answer your question and try to rectify that,” he said.
Maher made no excuses for the Laois loss with the Laois manager knowing that no Laois side likes losing to Carlow and especially when the game is in O’Moore Park.
“We'll look at how we take it apart when we see the video tonight. Overall, emotions are very, very disappointing. Carlow were well worth their victory. They’re a very good team, we were second best tonight and they showed that they were worthy McDonagh winners last year and it's up to us to see what went wrong and to rectify that in the coming weeks. It’s never nice to lose to Carlow under the lights of Portlaoise. The lads are hurting in there, that’s the only thing. Everyone’s disappointed and it’s an acknowledgement that it’s not good enough,” Maher said.
Following the Kildare game two weeks’ previous, Maher said that the Carlow game would show Laois where they are and that Saturday evening was a reality check in a way.
“I think there was a lot of merit in that with regards to knowing exactly where we stand now, we were second best there tonight. At the same time, it’s only February and it’s still early but disappointment blooms. It’s great to get a check like that with regards to realising where we are,” he said.
Laois will face Meath in two weeks’ time with a trip to Navan on the cards for Maher’s side. Laois know that they’ll have to bounce back with a victory should they wish to reach the league final.
“Now our focus changes to Meath in two weeks’ time and see where we land. We’ve a big two weeks now to get back together, to circle the wagons and to realise where we are and to try to rectify the situation,” he said.
Maher began the season with Brian Horgan as his Head Coach but the Laois manager confirmed on Saturday evening that Horgan is no longer in the role.
“Brian has stepped away and Eamon is our head coach so that’s the news,” Maher said.
For Maher, it’s all about circling the wagon and getting the players back onside in order to prepare for the Meath game on Sunday March 10.
“Again, it’s about circling the wagons, see what went wrong, try to rectify it, try to reflect on what happened here tonight, try to review it, try to identify the gaps that weren’t good enough on the night and train towards getting ready for Meath,” he said.
He ended the interview with some positive news as he revealed that Rathdowney-Errill’s Ross King is nearing his return from a knee injury
“Ross is back in training and Patrick’s Day is his due date back so that’s what we’re working towards,” he said.
Laois will make the trip to Pairc Tailteann on Sunday March 10 for the fourth round of the league.