PREVIEW: All-Ireland final spot up for grabs as Laois face Tipperary in Kilkenny

After an eight-week break, the Laois LGFA U-16 ladies footballers return to competitive action on Thursday evening when they take on Tipperary in the All-Ireland U-16 ‘B’ semi-final at the MW Hire Training Centre in Dunmore, Co Kilkenny.

The lengthy gap since their Leinster final success was largely due to the Junior Certificate examinations, but Laois will be hoping to quickly rediscover the form that saw them crowned provincial champions on the May Bank Holiday.

Laois produced a superb display to defeat Dublin in the Leinster final in Mullingar on May 2. Mia Delaney was the standout performer, finishing with an impressive tally of 10 points, while Kate Dowling found the net for the winners. Laura Malone also made a significant contribution with three points.

Just as impressive as their attacking play was the defensive effort. Laois restricted Dublin to only four scores across the hour, conceding just two goals and two points in a disciplined and determined performance.

Before that, Laois had booked their place in the decider with a comprehensive 1-14 to 0-2 victory over Carlow in the Leinster semi-final, underlining the strength and balance throughout the squad.

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Standing in their way of an All-Ireland final appearance is a Tipperary side that showed tremendous resilience to claim the Munster ‘A’ title back on April 20.

Tipperary edged Cork by 2-10 to 2-9 in Banteer. Rachel Browne was central to their success, scoring 1-5, including four points from placed balls, while Sinead Nugent contributed the other goal from the penalty spot.

The Premier County looked to be heading for defeat when they trailed by five points midway through the second half, but they mounted a remarkable comeback. Browne's crucial goal proved the catalyst as Tipperary finished strongly. Two points down entering the final two minutes, scores from Anna Leahy and Saoirse Deegan helped spark a late rally as Tipp edged over the line by the narrowest of margins.

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A place in the All-Ireland U-16 ‘B’ final awaits the winners, where either Armagh or Roscommon will be lying in wait. Those counties meet in the other semi-final in Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan.

Throw-in for Laois v Tipperary is at 7.30pm on Thursday, June 25, and score-by-score updates will be available on our live blog from the venue.