Laois GAA footballers prepare for Division 3 campaign with challenge matches under new rules

Action on the GAA front is quieter than usual for inter-county teams across the country, with no pre-season competitions in 2025.

The O'Byrne Cup (football) and Walsh Cup (hurling) along with the other pre-season competitions that usually take place in January are not taking place this year after the GAA Central Council's decision in September to suspend such competitions.

This year, pre-season football competitions were needed more than ever with all the new rule changes that are set to come into effect from the first round of the league which is due to start on the final weekend of January. 

Justin McNulty and his Laois footballers have a busy schedule of challenge matches which will hopefully familiarise his side with the new rules ahead of their opening Division 3 game against Leitrim.

Laois played Carlow in the LOETB Centre of Excellence on Saturday, January 4 where they were victorious. They're set to play Westmeath on Wednesday evening, January 8 in the same venue from 7.45 pm before they make the trip to Mick Neville Park in Rathkeale to face Limerick on Saturday, January 12 from 1 pm.

The O'Moore County come into 2025 off the back of a remarkable season in 2024. Laois were crowned Division 4 champions in March when they defeated Leitrim before going on to reach the Tailteann Cup final in July. Unfortunately, Laois lost out to Down by two points in the final but McNulty would have been very content with his side's season in what was his first year back as Laois manager since managing the O'Moore County from 2010-2013.

Laois will get their Division 3 campaign underway away to Leitrim in Páirc Seán Uí Eslín, Ballinamore on Saturday, January 25 from 2.30 pm.