Leinster quarter-final place on the line as Laois minor hurlers welcome Offaly to Portlaoise

Laois will be aiming to maintain their unbeaten run and book a place in the Leinster Minor Hurling Championship quarter-finals when they take on Offaly in a Preliminary Quarter-Final this weekend.

After topping Tier 2 Group 2 with three wins from three, the Laois minors have shown impressive form heading into the knockout stages. Victories over Kerry, Carlow and Kildare have built momentum for Glen McEvoy's side, who now face their toughest test yet in neighbouring Offaly.

Offaly, meanwhile, make the short trip to Portlaoise with a point to prove after a final round defeat to Westmeath saw them finish second in their Tier 2 group. Prior to that setback, they had picked up wins over Meath, Antrim and Wicklow.

There’s recent history between the two counties at this level, with Laois and Offaly meeting in the 2022 Leinster final, a reminder of the fierce rivalry and high stakes that come with this fixture.

The prize for the winners is a spot in the quarter-finals proper against the side that finishes third in Tier 1. That won’t be confirmed until Saturday when Dublin play Kilkenny and Wexford face Galway in the final group games.

Laois’ game against Offaly throws in at 5pm on Saturday, May 4, at Laois Hire O'Moore Park, Portlaoise.