Preview: Joe McDonagh Cup Final
Aidan Corby, Laois, and Chris Nolan, Carlow, pictured ahead of Saturday's Joe McDonagh Cup Final. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
* The match day panels for all of this weekend's inter-county championship matches can be viewed and downloaded at the bottom of this article.
Saturday June 6
Joe McDonagh Cup Final
Carlow v Laois, Croke Park, 3.45pm, RTE
It has been a case of so near, but so far away for Laois in the last two Joe McDonagh Cup Finals.
Defeats to Offaly and Kildare hurt Laois, who are eager to return to Leinster SHC fare. Carlow, though, have similar ambitions with Pat Bennett's charges motoring smoothly through the group phase.
That stint also included a highly impressive 4-17 to 1-17 opening round win over Laois, which signalled Carlow's intentions.
Carlow have sampled success in this competition in 2018 and 2023, while Laois triumphed in 2019.
Marty Kavanagh has been in prolific scoring form for Carlow so far, while Aaron Dunphy has been efficient for Laois.
The experienced Stephen 'Picky' Maher continues to provide scores and leadership for Tommy Fitzgerald's outfit.
Chris Nolan carries a goalscoring threat for Carlow so Laois will need to be diligent defensively.
This match could go the distance.
