Offaly’s early surge sinks Laois GAA footballers as visitors do the double in Portlaoise

Laois endured a tough afternoon at Laois Hire O'Moore Park as Offaly's second-half scoring surge left them with too much to do, ultimately falling to a five-point defeat in Laois' first competitive game played under the new rules.

While the final scoreline may suggest a closer contest, Laois struggled for long spells against a slick Offaly outfit. Despite a late rally that saw them score eight of the last nine points including two late two-pointers from Mark Barry, the damage had long been done.

Offaly 2-19

Laois 1-17

This was a game where Laois never truly settled, with Offaly’s pace, movement, and intensity proving too much to handle. The visitors raced into an early lead and never looked back, leaving Justin McNulty's side playing catch-up for most of the game. Although Laois showed glimpses of their potential, they were unable to sustain any momentum for long enough to mount a serious comeback.

Offaly were dominant from the start, setting the tone with an explosive first-half display. They led 1-10 to 0-2 after just 20 minutes, with Shane Tierney causing all sorts of problems in the full-forward line. He chipped in with two points and set up Jordan Hayes for a well-taken goal in the fifth minute. Laois, by contrast, were sluggish, struggling to cope with Offaly’s energy and direct attacking play.

To their credit, Laois did rally before the break, taking advantage of a slight drop in Offaly’s intensity. Damon Larkin’s 31st-minute goal gave the home side a much-needed lift after the Offaly defence backed off, allowing him to slot home. Ronan Coffey and substitute Pa Kirwan also chipped in with points, bringing Laois back to within five at 1-10 to 1-5.

However, just as they seemed to be working their way into the contest, Offaly struck again. Goalkeeper Paddy Dunican, pushing forward into open space, ignored the easy option of fisting over a point and instead rifled a brilliant shot into the net to reassert Offaly’s control. A Mark Barry free after a black card for Offaly’s Robbie Gallagher meant Laois trailed 2-10 to 1-6 at half-time, but it was clear they had a mountain to climb.

The opening stages of the second half were crucial, but Laois failed to take advantage of their extra man while Gallagher was in the sin bin. They had a couple of poor wides and were unlucky when play was stopped for an injury to Cillian Bourke just as Kevin Swayne looked set to score. When Gallagher returned, Offaly were still in control at 2-12 to 1-7, and Laois had missed their best opportunity to put real pressure on the visitors.

As the game entered its final quarter, Offaly remained composed, keeping the scoreboard ticking over. By the 51st minute, they were 2-13 to 1-9 ahead, and a dominant spell over the next 13 minutes saw them register five unanswered points, stretching their lead to double digits. At 2-18 to 1-9 with just six minutes remaining, it was effectively game over.

Laois did manage to reduce the deficit late on, but it was a case of too little, too late. Mark Barry’s two two-pointers and some other late scores added a touch of respectability to the final tally, but they flattered Laois slightly, the game had long since slipped away.

McNulty's side were supposed to have a week off next weekend but their postponed first-round fixture against Leitrim will be played in Ballinamore on Saturday, February 8 from at 2.30pm.