Super Sunday in store as Laois GAA and LGFA quarter-finals take centre stage

The action continues this Sunday with a packed programme of football across Laois as both the Laois Shopping Centre Senior Football Championship and the LOETB Laois LGFA Senior Football Championship reach the quarter-final stages.

Two big men’s ties are down for decision at Laois Hire O’Moore Park, while the ladies’ competition also takes centre stage with champions St Conleth’s and Sarsfields both in action.

Graiguecullen v Killeshin – O’Moore Park, 2.15pm

The day’s first men’s quarter-final brings with it a sense of déjà vu as Graiguecullen and Killeshin meet at this stage for the third year running.

Graiguecullen have been idle since their impressive Round 2 victory over reigning champions Portarlington on August 10, a result that followed an opening-round win against Stradbally. 

Killeshin, meanwhile, are determined to end their quarter-final heartbreak at the hands of Graigue. They edged past The Heath last time out after suffering a one-point loss to Arles-Killeen. Earlier, they opened their campaign with victory against Clonaslee St Manman’s. This clash offers them another chance to finally turn the tables on their neighbours.

Ballyroan-Abbey v St Joseph’s – O’Moore Park, 4pm

The weekend’s final men’s quarter-final pits Ballyroan-Abbey against 2023 champions St Joseph’s.

Ballyroan-Abbey have enjoyed a five-week break after back-to-back wins over Emo and Courtwood secured their last-eight spot.

St Joseph’s have had a bumpier road, opening with victory over Ballyfin before losing narrowly to Portlaoise in Round 2. They steadied themselves with a hard-earned win over Emo in Round 3 and will now aim to rekindle the spark that brought them glory in 2023.

St Conleth’s v St Joseph’s – Courtwood, 12pm (LGFA)

The Laois LGFA Senior Football Championship quarter-finals throw-in earlier in the day, with champions St Conleth’s up against last year’s Intermediate winners St Joseph’s in Courtwood.

St Conleth’s looked dominant in their first two outings, racking up a remarkable 8-30 against Shanahoe and Timahoe, but defeat to Ballyroan in Round 3 saw them finish second in the group. They’ll be eager to bounce back strongly here.

St Joseph’s arrive into the knockouts after a mixed campaign. They drew with Portlaoise, defeated Park-Ratheniska, but lost to Sarsfields in the final round to finish third in their group. That sets up a daunting task against the reigning champions.

Sarsfields v Timahoe – Mountmellick, 6pm (LGFA)

The weekend’s final quarter-final clash comes in Mountmellick as Sarsfields take on Timahoe.

Sarsfields have been strong across the group stages, beating Portlaoise’s fellow challengers Park-Ratheniska and St Joseph’s, but a narrow one-point defeat to Portlaoise meant they had to settle for second place. They’ll fancy their chances of a semi-final return, though Timahoe will aim to upset the odds.

Timahoe endured a tough start with losses to Ballyroan and St Conleth’s, but they steadied themselves with a crucial victory over Shanahoe to grab third place and keep their championship hopes alive.

With four quarter-finals down for decision, two men’s and two ladies’, Sunday promises to be a feast of football for Laois supporters. By Sunday night, the semi-final line-ups in both championships will be confirmed, and the road to county final glory will be narrowed further.

You can follow all the action from the two men's quarter-finals on the Leinster Express/ Laois Live's Live Blog.