Fixture details confirmed for Laois' Tailteann Cup preliminary quarter-final against Westmeath

Laois will have a shot at redemption this weekend as they prepare to take on Westmeath in the Tailteann Cup preliminary quarter-finals.

The counties last met in the competition in 2022, when Westmeath recorded a 1-13 to 0-13 win in Portlaoise. That result proved a springboard for The Lake County, who went on to win the competition outright. They haven’t featured in the Tailteann Cup since they were crowned champions of the first-ever Tailteann Cup three years ago.

That game also marked the end of an era for Laois, with long-serving forward Ross Munnelly making his final appearance for the county. He came off the bench that day to bring down the curtain on a senior inter-county career that had spanned almost 20 years. Munnelly is now part of Justin McNulty’s management team as a selector.

Laois were drawn away to Westmeath because they finished third in Group 2 on scoring difference after two wins and a loss. They opened their campaign with a win at home to Waterford before leaving Aughrim with a five-point loss against Wicklow. They needed a last-gasp penalty from Mark Barry last Saturday evening to record a two-point victory over Offaly in Newbridge, but that wasn't enough to finish above Offaly or Wicklow. The latter finished top of the group on scoring difference by just three points ahead of Offaly.

The GAA has confirmed that the fixture will be broadcast live on GAA+, giving Laois fans unable to travel the chance to follow the action.

The game will take place this Saturday, June 7, at 5pm in TEG Cusack Park, Mullingar.

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