'He adds so much to the group'- Picky Maher’s long-awaited Laois return delights Tommy Fitzgerald

Laois manager Tommy Fitzgerald had a more relaxed aura about him coming off the back of his side’s victory over Westmeath on Sunday afternoon.

It was a much-improved performance from his side and given how the fixtures have fallen, they’ve gotten through the toughest portion of the league and maintained a perfect record. The Laois senior hurling boss was pleased with his side’s performance after Sunday’s win, and claimed that’s what he and his staff were wanting from the players

“We were looking for a better performance this week and it was definitely better. In the second half, once we got the goal, we seemed to kick on, which was pleasing. Even the first half, it was level at half time, but I felt we were creating lots of chances, maybe our execution let us down, but it was definitely a step up on last week,” he said.

Fitzgerald is never one for getting ahead of himself however and always remains levelheaded, “We’re heading in the right direction but as I say every week, we’re not there yet,” he claimed. “We’re pleased again and we got 21 players on the pitch and the lads that came in all made an impact as well which was really pleasing. A good day’s work and it puts us in a strong position to qualify for a league final. Laois is a county that needs to be playing at a higher level and that’s been the challenge over the last few weeks and we’re pleased heading into the last two rounds,” Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald and his team are still weighing up their options and figuring out their strongest fifteen, and their experimentations led to Ryan Mullaney lining out at half forward on Sunday after a brilliant display at half back against Kerry.

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Speaking on the change, Fitzgerald said, “We played him up there in a challenge game a few weeks ago and he did well. It’s all about trying to get the balance right in the team and Ryan has been doing well in the half back line where he’s more accustomed to. He’s played in the forwards before with the club and county and he’s a good hurler and he can fit in anywhere on the pitch. We’re trying to come up with our best fifteen by the first round of the Joe Mc, and that’s what the league is all about.”

Mossy Keyes put in an outstanding performance on Sunday in scoring 1-12, and Fitzgerald praised the Camross man, though again knows that consistency is key.

“He’s an outrageous talent and such a good lad, the bit of space out on the half line suits him. I’m delighted for him and he did well but it’s all about consistency now and backing it up week on week. We saw the fixtures for the Joe McDonagh and if ever it could focus the mind, we’ve Carlow away the first week and then Antrim at home so it’s going to be a huge challenge. It’s about trying to get the lads right and balance the team right and landing at our strongest fifteen come the 18th of April,” he added.

A huge talking point from Sunday’s game was the return of Picky Maher to the action for the first time in two years for Laois, and Fitzgerald confirmed he’s been doing plenty of work to get back to fitness and is also a brilliant member of the panel.

“He’s a great bit of stuff and we’re delighted to have him back. He adds so much to the group in terms of his maturity and experience, just his presence around with all the younger lads. He’s been working really hard the last couple of months, and fair play to Alison (physio) and Paddy (s&c) who have gotten him back into good nick. We’ll continue to mind him over the next couple of weeks, but he’s a serious addition and we’re delighted to have him. It was great to see him come on and get two points as well,” Fitzgerald said.

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A final is all but guaranteed now for Laois, but as ever, Fitzgerald wasn’t counting his chickens straight away.

He said, “You’d have to be pleased coming away from today, but we still have a bit of work to do.
“If we win next we’re definitely in a final, so we’ll drive on, get the win next week and then we’ll look forward again.”