Laois hurlers looking to end their league campaign with victory over Kerry
Willie Maher's side have already sealed themselves a spot in the league semi-final
This weekend sees the final round of fixtures down for decision in this year's Division 2A of the Allianz Hurling Leagues. Laois welcome Kerry to Portlaoise knowing that they have secured their place in a league semi-final.
Kerry come into the game with the hope of making the semi-finals with four teams vying for 3rd position in the table which would mean that they would face Laois once again. For Kerry to qualify, they have to beat Laois and hope that Kildare and Down lose. That set of results would see Kerry qualify in third as they would have the head-to-head on Meath.
A Laois win on Saturday would see Laois potentially face the winners of Meath and Down providing that Kildare don't get the better of Carlow on Friday evening.
Laois come into the Kerry game having fired in 4-26 against Meath with 4-12 of that total coming in the first-half. Laois had also racked up 4-8 all from play with their two midfielders and six forwards all scoring in the first-half. Laois' backs were also in great scoring form as Ian Shanahan and Liam O'Connell raised white flags from the full-back line while Ryan Mullaney also chipped in with a score wearing 5.
Willie Maher's side will be hoping that they can put in another strong performance on Saturday and build momentum as they approach the semi-final stage. Carlow are assured of top spot in the division so Laois will be looking at getting another opportunity to right the wrongs of their defeat in Round 3 of this year's league.
The league semi-final is down to be played on the weekend of March 23-24 with Laois having home advantage and Carlow waiting in the final on Easter weekend.
Laois and Kerry go toe-to-toe on Saturday afternoon at 2pm in Laois Hire O'Moore Park. The hurling game is the first of a double-header in Laois Hire O'Moore Park on Saturday. The Laois footballers will welcome Leitrim at 4.15pm in the penultimate game of Division 4. One ticket covers both games and they can be bought online and in the following Supervalu stores in Laois; SuperValu Stradbally, Breslin's SuperValu Rathdowney, McConville's SuperValu Mountmellick, McLoughlin's SuperValu Portarlington, Mulhall’s SuperValu Portlaoise, SuperValu Abbeyleix and SuperValu Parkside Portlaoise.