Laois camogie to give All-Ireland final "a lash" to heal wounds

Laois felt triple pain in 2024 by losing three finals in what could have been a glorious year for camogie in the O'Moore County.

The 2025 season has so far seen Laois laser-focused on healing the scars of last year. The junior squad already clamed Division 3 league success and won all its group games in the lead up to the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Junior Camogie semi-final against Wicklow.

The comprehensive win sealed a final place on the road to redemption for the young Laois women who could make it a historic year for Gaelic games in the Midlands county, as the Laois Ladies Gaelic Footballers are contesting the All-Ireland Intermediate Gaelic Football Final.

Pat Collier, joint manager, reacted in Kingspan Breffni Park after Laois booked a ticket in the decider on Sunday, August 10.

"I'm thrilled. Last year we made it to three finals but lost them all by a point. To get to Croke Park last year was fantastic for Laois Camogie after a few troublesome years," he said.

He recalled the player reaction in the aftermath of last year's loss in GAA HQ.

"I remember last year and I was outside the dressing room being interviewed. When I came back in there was a few girls speaking in the dressing room. I didn't speak, but I heard was really encouraging that they were going to knuckle down this year and try to get to Croke Park again.

"We are just thrilled to be back at Croke Park, it is brilliant," he said.

He said Laois had been hit by injuries in recent months but the management decided to give these players more time to recover, meaning some could start the semi-final.

"We have a good group. We have 27 dedicated players, some very young. It takes everybody, and we have rotated them fairly well. Today (semi-final) was the first day we got 13 of our first 15 on the field," he said.

While scoring was impressive against Wicklow, Pat was happy with his backs, both for how they did their jobs and supported the forwards.

"I loved the way we defended today. We showed a little bit more cohesion and gave quicker ball to our forward line which is dangerous, but if they don't get the supply, they can't do any damage," he said.

Pat spoke about what message the players had been given by his joint coach Robert Jones in the wake of the semi-final win.

"He spoke to them and just said: 'Girls we have 17 days now that there will be no excuses accepted from any player in this group let it be a funeral or wedding - you are training. We will leave no stone unturned and we will give this final a lash'," he said.

READ ALSO: Laois through to All-Ireland final after big win over Wicklow

He also spoke about their opponents in the Final, Armagh who saw off Roscommon in the second semi-final. 

"We played Armagh two weeks ago, and there was a player sent off. It really changed a game that had been nip and tuck. It gave us a slight advantage. What was a little frustrating for me was that from the time Armagh had 14, (players), to the end of the game, they outscored us 15 points to 2-03. That's a problem we are going to have to work on," he said.

Pat added that the entire camogie panel would set Sunday, August 3 aside to support their Ladies Gaelic Footballers in the All-Ireland Intermediate Final. 

"It's hugely important that we support the ladies' football team. We know a lot of those players very well. I hope the people of Laois get off their backsides and support the footballers, and please God, they will get a win and come and support us. We need the support," he said.