Can the Laois hurlers go one better than 2024? Joe McDonagh Cup final preview

The Joe McDonagh Cup reaches its conclusion this Sunday, June 8, with Laois and Kildare set to battle it out in Croke Park for silverware and a place in next year’s Leinster Senior Hurling Championship.

It’s familiar territory for Laois, who are back in the final for the second year running after falling just short against Offaly in 2024. Twelve months ago, Laois had a much smoother path to the decider, winning four games on the bounce to qualify early, with a dead rubber against Westmeath closing out the group stage.

This year’s route has been anything but straightforward. Laois opened with three comprehensive victories over Westmeath, Down and Kerry, and seemed well on course for a return to the final. But a heavy defeat to Kildare in Round 4, where the Lilywhites hit 4-20 to Laois’ 1-18, threw the race wide open and set up a tense final round clash with Carlow.

It was essentially a semi-final in all but name, with Laois needing at least a draw to go through. Deep into injury time in Netwatch Cullen Park, Laois were staring down the barrel of elimination as they trailed by three points. But in a moment that may yet define their season, Podge Delaney dropped a 65' into the danger zone and the sliotar was bundled over the line to snatch a dramatic draw, and a place in Sunday’s final.

For Kildare, the campaign has steadily gathered momentum. After an opening-round loss to Kerry in Newbridge, Brian Dowling’s side responded with four straight wins, including that big victory over Laois. They’ve shown real consistency and hunger, building on their Christy Ring Cup triumph in Croke Park last year, the weekend before Laois were edged out by Offaly.

This time around, Laois are marginal favourites at 4/6, with Kildare at 6/4 and the draw available at 15/2. But with the Lilywhites riding high and holding a psychological edge after that Round 4 win, this final is anything but a foregone conclusion.

Laois will be hoping their experience, depth and bounce-back ability can carry them over the line, while Kildare will be eager to continue their rapid rise with a landmark win in headquarters.

Throw-in at Croke Park is at 1.45pm, and the Joe McDonagh Cup final serves as the curtain-raiser to the Leinster SHC final between Galway and Kilkenny, which throws-in at 4pm.

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