Resolution at last? Rathdowney-Errill and Colt-Shanahoe's Laois GAA PIHC quarter-final to be replayed

The Laois Shopping Centre Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship saga looks set to move forward at last after Rathdowney-Errill agreed to offer Colt-Shanahoe a replay of their disputed quarter-final clash.

In a statement to the Leinster Express/ Laois Live, Rathdowney-Errill GAA said, "Rathdowney Errill have offered Colt Shanahoe a replay for the best interest of our players and Laois GAA. We had one condition, that it be a home game. That replay will take place on Sunday at 12 o'clock in Rathdowney."

The fixture stems from their original meeting on September 5 in O’Keeffe Park, Borris-in-Ossory, which Rathdowney-Errill appeared to win comfortably, 2-22 to 1-15. Paddy Hassett was outstanding that night with 2-8 (six frees), while Jacques Dowling chipped in with 0-5. For Colt-Shanahoe, Nathan Dunne (0-6, five frees) and James Keyes (0-5) impressed, and Paudie McDonald struck a goal to briefly raise hopes before Hassett’s late goal sealed the result.

However, the match ended in controversy when referee Patrick Phelan blew for full-time after just 58 minutes. Colt-Shanahoe lodged an official objection, prompting the Laois CCC to order a full replay. Rathdowney-Errill appealed successfully to the Laois Hearings Committee, who reinstated them into the semi-final against Mountmellick. That semi-final was then postponed after the Disputes Resolution Authority (DRA) issued an interim ruling last week, plunging the competition into uncertainty.

Now, with Rathdowney-Errill and Colt-Shanahoe set to face off again on Sunday, the path is clear for the remainder of the championship. The winners will advance to meet Mountmellick in the semi-final on Saturday, October 4, with Ballyfin waiting in the final on Saturday, October 18.

For Ballyfin, it has been a frustrating wait to learn their opponents in the decider. But for now, all attention turns to Rathdowney this Sunday, where one of the most talked-about championship stories in years will finally move closer to resolution.

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