Ronan Coffey admits Portarlington have yet to deliver full-hour performance ahead of County Final

Portarlington are aiming to extend their dominance in Laois football, chasing a fifth Senior Football Championship title in six years. 

Captain Ronan Coffey, who lifted the Jack Delaney Cup last October, is optimistic about leading his side back to the final stage.

Reflecting on the team’s journey this season, Coffey expressed his satisfaction with reaching another county decider.

“We're obviously delighted to be in our final. It's what we set out at the start of the year. We’re probably not too happy with how Sunday went performance-wise, but I suppose the last 10-15 minutes, we kind of stood up and showed what we were about. But yeah, very happy to be in another final, of course,” he said.

The squad has benefited from greater stability this season, with key players returning earlier than in previous campaigns.

“You'd love to have them here from day one, and it does get awkward when you’ve lads who've been training all year that aren't starting eventually. But look, the lads are unreal, and to have them back, any team in the county would want them back. The lads you named there, Sean and Jake, are two unbelievable players. Colm, D Bennett and Paddy were back at the start of the year as well, so look, it's great to have them back, definitely,” Coffey added.

Despite their achievements, Coffey admits the team has yet to produce a full 60-minute performance that matches their potential.

“We wouldn't be too happy with how Sunday went. Against Rosenallis, we probably weren't great either. We've probably been playing in periods. We haven't probably put in a 60-minute performance yet, but I suppose that's what we're looking for now, Sunday week,” he explained.

Coffey’s form last season also earned him a call-up to the Laois panel, an experience he thoroughly enjoyed.

“I really enjoyed it, I really did. I didn't think I'd enjoy it as much as I did, to be honest. I suppose the new rules have favoured me in that, you know, there's probably a lot more room for forwards and that. There's not as much up and down the field and not as much defending, which wouldn't be my strong point, as the lads would say,” he laughed.

Looking ahead, Coffey believes Portarlington have adapted well to the rules that were brought into the game.

“I suppose when you're bringing a few lads back into the team, we've probably only played two or three games with our full 15. Our forwards are trying to adjust to the two-point line and stuff like that, but we're not really trying to put pressure on kicking two-pointers. If we can just rack up a big score, which is what is needed, you probably need 20-22 points now, plus. That's probably what we're aiming for, instead of kicking two-pointers, it's opened up the pitch for us and I think our forwards are kind of getting used to it now at the moment,” he concluded.

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