By John Harrington

Laois defender Robert Pigott believes some honest conversations within the group have helped turn the team’s season around.

When they failed to win promotion from Division 4, were hammered in Leinster by Dublin, and failed to win a match in the group phase of the Tailteann Cup, they looked like a team at a low ebb.

But these Laois players are clearly a resilient bunch, because after shipping some criticism in the wake of their group stage draw against London they’ve upped their performance levels significantly to defeat Fermanagh and Limerick to qualify for Sunday’s Tailteann Cup semi-final against Down.

“We had a couple of meetings and a couple of truths were told,” Pigott told GAA.ie “Things probably weren't going great and we knew Laois people probably weren't happy with a couple of our performances and rightly so.

“Laois GAA people are crying out for some silverware, we haven't had any championship silverware since 2003 up here.

“We had to draw a line in a the sand after the League and Leinster championship because we've definitely had our share of set-backs but there's definitely great resilience in the group. There's a great buzz in training now, boys have a pep in their step walking in the door.

“We've had two good away wins now against Fermanagh and Limerick and built a bit of momentum which is huge. We'll take great confidence from those games coming into this weekend.”

Laois will be underdogs for Sunday’s match against Down just like they were for the clashes with Fermanagh and Limerick, but such is the momentum they’ve now built up that they’re coming into the game with no fear.

“No, absolutely not,” says Pigott. “They're a very young, athletic side. We've done a good bit of work on them. In fairness, our analysis that we do on teams is top-class from Billy.

“We know what they're going to bring, it's just whether we can match it and bring it one further. We're definitely looking forward to the challenge this weekend and we’re calling on Laois people to come out in their colours.

“It's a massive day, we're the only Laois team left in the championship at any grade so we'd be hopeful they can all come out and cheer us on this Sunday.”