Laois GAA hurler and vice-captain Aidan Corby ready for Joe McDonagh Cup redemption

As Laois gear up for their Joe McDonagh Cup final showdown against Kildare, vice-captain Aidan Corby is hoping history won’t repeat itself.

Last year’s final ended in disappointment for the O'Moore men against Offaly, but Corby believes there’s a different energy in the camp this time around.

“I'm looking forward to the match anyway, hopefully it goes a bit better than last year. We haven't really fulfilled our full potential this year, but we feel like it's coming, and hopefully it comes now on the big day,” he said.

It’s been a year of mixed fortunes for Corby. He captained Clough-Ballacolla to county success in 2024, but the inter-county season began on a sour note with Laois suffering relegation from Division 1B. Still, he insists that disappointment was quickly put to one side.

“Even after the match, I haven't really put much thought into it because the main goal for us really is getting back into the Leinster Championship. You kind of have to wait until the end of the year to reflect on that. There hasn’t been much thought really put into it because there was only a short break, so all the focus was on the Joe Mc after that,” he added.

Corby has played a key role in Laois’ run to the final, but says captain David Dooley has been the real driving force within the group. Despite Dooley's youth, his presence and work rate have made him a standout leader.

“Not really. Dooley is one of the biggest leaders we have here. I know he’s young, but he's been setting an example for us really since he came in here. I could nearly go to him and ask him stuff,” he said.

A positional switch has seen Corby move from his usual home in midfield to the half-forward line this year. While the role may be different, his desire to influence games hasn’t changed.

“That's where I want to be, I don't want to be inside waiting for the ball. I'd rather be out around the middle looking for it, try and make some bit of an influence. I'd much rather be out there running around. I don't know how they do it inside,” Corby said.

One of the key battlegrounds on Sunday will be that very same middle third. Kildare dominated that area when the sides met in the round-robin stage, but Laois have done their homework since then.

“They're big men, they're physical and they're fit. They're savage hurlers too, they’re touch tight, so we're fully prepared for this time anyway,” he ended.

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