Laois Hurling Tribute

The end of any year is the time to take stock. So too for Laois Hurling and what a year it’s been. They’ve now got used to the rarified air of Division 1B in the Allianz Hurling League. Using that base of playing better teams at a faster pace the Laois juggernaut proved too much for near-neighbours Offaly in the Championship.

With so much and optimism swirling around Laois hurling after that first historic win over the Faithful County in over 40 years it’s easy to forget the station Laois Hurling occupied when Cheddar Plunkett took over as manager. Surely the nadir was the day the Cork Senior Hurlers came to O’ Moore Park and walloped ten goals past an abject Laois side.

Cheddar’s reign shows that with organisation and pride plus a steely focus big improvement is possible. A realistic target has to be taking down the Wexfords, Dublins and Galways of the Leinster Championship. Kilkenny will have to wait further down the track. That big beast should be in the cross-hairs of Laois hurlers after a further year or two of improvement if Cheddar remains on board. Let’s hope for our sakes and the sake of Laois hurling that he does.