Laois GAA contingent play their part as Pfizer Kildare seal All-Ireland final spot
Stradbally's Tom Shiel captained the side to an impressive victory
A strong Laois presence played a key role as Pfizer powered into the All-Ireland final with an impressive semi-final victory over reigning champions Kerry's Liebherr.
The Kildare-based multinational pharmaceutical side produced a dominant performance to run out 0-21 to 0-11 winners in their last-four clash on Wednesday, April 8, booking their place in the decider later this month against Medtronic (Galway).
Eight players from Laois were involved on the night, with seven starting and one introduced from the bench, underlining the county’s significant contribution to the team’s success.
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Stradbally’s Tom Shiel captained the side and was joined in the starting line-up by fellow Stradbally players Eoin Buggie, Garry Comerford, Conor Goode and Benny Lawlor, while Damon Larkin of Portlaoise and Niall Donoher of Courtwood also featured from the throw-in. Barrowhouse’s Conor Barry also came off the bench as Pfizer closed out a comfortable ten-point victory over last year’s All-Ireland champions.
Attention now turns to the All-Ireland final, where Pfizer Kildare will face Medtronic of Galway, with the Laois contingent set to play a central role once again as they bid for national honours.
Pfizer: Bart Blanchfield (St. Laurences), Shane McGovern (Athy), Kevin Eustace (St. Laurences), Kevin Dunne (Monsterevin), Ciaran McEvoy (Daingean), Daryll Dunne (Monsterevin), Conor Goode (Stradbally), Eoin Buggie (Stradbally), Damon Larkin (Portlaoise), Niall Donaher (Courtwood), Tom Shiel (Stradbally), Mark Murray (Moorefield), Brendan Lawlor (Stradbally), Garry Comerford (Stradbally), Ben Scanlon (Sarsfield). Subs: Patrick Moore (Moorefield), Conor Barry (Barrowhouse), Mark Williams (Moorefield), Tony Walsh (Rathangan).
Liebherr: Callum O’Shea, Francis Moran, Eoghan Cronin, Liam Brosnan, Colm Kelleher, Micheal Kennedy, Gavin O Shea, Kevin Gorman, Darragh O'Connor, Cian Lynch, Liam Roche, Stephen Breen, Conor O'Sullivan, Thomas Moriarty, Aaron Cronin. Subs: Killian O'Sullivan, Cillian Holly.
Referee: Fergal O'Brien (Clare)