Laois GAA hurlers eye strong start as Joe McDonagh Cup campaign begins against Westmeath

Laois will be hoping to kickstart their season with a much-needed lift when they begin their 2025 Joe McDonagh Cup campaign at home to Westmeath later today (Saturday, April 19) in Laois Hire O’Moore Park.

This marks the third successive year that Laois are competing in the second-tier competition, having been relegated from the Leinster Championship by Westmeath in 2022. Since then, they’ve been regular contenders in the Joe McDonagh, finishing third in 2023 and reaching the final last year.

In 2024, Laois produced one of their best campaigns in recent years, racking up impressive wins over Offaly, Meath, Kerry and Down to book their place in the final with a game to spare. With a spot in Croke Park already secured, a much-changed Laois side lost their final group outing to Westmeath before returning to HQ to take on Offaly in the decider. Despite a strong performance, they were edged out 2-23 to 0-26.

This year, however, has not gone to plan so far. Laois struggled in Division 1B of the Allianz Hurling League, managing just one win, ironically over Westmeath, as both sides suffered relegation. That makes this Saturday’s rematch all the more crucial. A positive start could inject some badly-needed momentum into a group that has had its confidence tested.

Laois know from recent experience how costly an opening day defeat can be. In 2023, a Round 1 loss to Offaly left them chasing the pack, and they never recovered, especially after being held to a dramatic draw by Carlow later in the group.

With five rounds to come, starting strong is key, especially with a tricky away trip to Down next weekend, and Laois won't want to be going to Carlow in the final game needing to get a result.

Laois' 2025 Joe McDonagh Cup fixtures:

Saturday, April 19 – Laois v Westmeath, Laois Hire O’Moore Park

Saturday, April 26 – Down v Laois, Ballycran

Weekend of May 10-11 – Laois v Kerry, Laois Hire O’Moore Park

Weekend of May 17-18 – Laois v Kildare, Laois Hire O’Moore Park

Weekend of May 24-25 – Carlow v Laois, Netwatch Cullen Park

READ NEXT: Tommy Fitzgerald and Captain David Dooley interviews ahead of Saturday's game 

If Laois can recapture the form they showed last year, there’s every chance they’ll be back in the mix for a return to Croke Park, but in a tight and unpredictable competition, every point will matter.

Laois will take on Westmeath on Saturday, April 19 in Laois Hire O'Moore Park from 3pm. The Leinster Express/ Laois Live will be providing a live blog from the game. Tickets for the game can be purchased in the following stores; SuperValu Stradbally, Breslin’s SuperValu Rathdowney, McConville’s SuperValu Mountmellick, McLoughlin’s SuperValu Portarlington, Mulhall’s SuperValu Portlaoise, SuperValu Abbeyleix and SuperValu Parkside Portlaoise, as well as online here.