Laois hurlers know it's win or bust in their quest for Joe McDonagh glory

Match Preview and Team News

Willie Maher will be hoping his Laois hurling side are rejuvenated and refreshed after having the weekend off last weekend. Laois face local rivals Kildare in Laois Hire O'Moore Park tomorrow afternoon knowing that anything but a win will dash their hopes of finishing in the top two spots and reaching the final of the Joe McDonagh.

Laois come into their Round 4 game having lost against Offaly, firing seven goals past Down and last time out conceding a last-minute penalty to only leave Carlow with a single point. The Carlow game was one that Laois left behind them as they twice led by significant margins, six-points in the first-half and seven-points in the second period. The sending-off of Fiachra C Fennell was teh major turning point as Carlow rallied to level the sides before Laois would yet again go ahead by three points. A late Marty Kavanagh penalty ensuring both sides left the pitch with a point.

Kildare meanwhile come into the game off the back off three defeats from three in this year's campaign. Carlow rattled the Kildare net five times in the opening game before Offaly overcame the Lilywhites in Tullamore. Kerry travelled to Hawkfield two weeks ago and came away with a six-point win.

Willie Maher has revealed his starting 15 for the game with the side seeing two changes from the draw against Carlow. Gearoid Lynch drops to the bench in place of James Duggan while Jack Kelly replaces Liam O'Connell in the Laois defence.

The Laois starting 15 v Kildare:

Enda Rowland (Abbeyleix St Lazarian's)

Donnchadh Hartnett (Rosenallis)

Fiachra C Fennell (Rosenallis)

lan Shanahan (Ballinakill)

Ryan Mullaney (Castletown)

Padraig Delaney (The Harps)

Jack Kelly (Rathdowney-Errill)

Aidan Corby (Clough-Ballacolla)

Ross King (Rathdowney-Errill)

Patrick Purcell (Rathdowney-Errill)

Stephen Maher (Clough-Ballacolla)