Laois have defied their critics and delivered a massive upset in the Gaelic Grounds, coming from 5 points down to beat Limerick in their Tailteann Cup quarter-final and the great Mick O'Dwyer had a hunch they had it in them.
Laois have been criticised all season for a run of at times underwhelming performances, with manager Billy Sheehan coming out last week to strenuously defend his players from the abuse they were receiving. Well, Sheehan's defence of his players has been truly vindicated today, with wild celebrations from the manager and his teammates as they earned their day in Croke Park with an emphatic win over Limerick.
The first half was tense and tight as the two sides traded blow for blow and point for point, with Limerick going in at halftime just a single point up 0-10 to 0-09. However, Limerick came out like a team possessed straight after the break, holding Laois scoreless and advancing their own lead to five after just ten minutes.
With Laois under the gun, they found their inspiration, cutting Limerick dead in the 46th minute, Laois's defence was wall-like with Sheehan's side holding them scoreless from that moment to the end. Despite the sizeable deficit, Laois managed to score a phenomenal 1-5 completely unanswered to win the game by a comfortable three points 1-14 to 0-14.
Mick O'Dwyer saw beyond Laois doubters
While plenty would've doubted Laois in Limerick, former Kerry manager, the great Mick O'Dwyer had a hunch Laois had their phenomenal performance hidden away. With commentator and former Laois player Ross Munelly enlightening fans to Mick O'Dwyer's predictions after the victory on GAA Go.
I was in with Micko during the week. He winked at me at the end of the conversation and he said 'We might just have enough'
Despite facing heavy criticism all year and questions being asked of this Laois team at every step of the way, they have defied the odds and all roads lead to Croker. Following their win today Billy Sheehan's men will get their day in HQ next weekend when they compete in the Tailteann Cup semi-finals.
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