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05 Jan 2026
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05 Jan 2026
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Laois manager Tommy Fitzgerald talks to his players in Croke Park before the Joe McDonagh Cup final in 2025. Picture: Sportsfile
A day after the footballers began their 2026 campaign, Tommy Fitzgerald’s senior hurlers take centre stage when they face Wexford in Rathdowney in the opening round of the Walsh Cup.
2025 proved a season of frustration and near misses. Their league campaign ended in relegation after just one win, coming against fellow strugglers Westmeath. A late collapse against Carlow in Portlaoise ultimately sealed their fate, sending Laois back into Division 2 for the second time in three seasons. They will be hoping to replicate their 2024 success, when they overcame Carlow in the Division 2A final.
Championship form was more encouraging. Laois once again reached the Joe McDonagh Cup final, though they required a dramatic last-minute goal against Carlow to even secure a place in the decider. That set up a rematch with Kildare, who had already beaten Laois convincingly earlier in the competition.
While the final at Croke Park was tightly contested for long spells, Laois’ wastefulness proved costly, and Kildare pulled away to win 2-26 to 1-19. Another season in the second tier awaits, starting against Carlow in April.
The game throws in at 1.30pm. Those unable to attend can follow all the action on the Leinster Express/ Laois Live's blog from Rathdowney.
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