Laois v Offaly

Croke Park, 2.15

Deliverance time for Laois. Too much has been made of the need for an alchemist to ensure the senior side profits from all those great minors. The prospect of Colm Parkinson and Brian McDonald uniting in the Laois full-forward line is appetising, although Barry Malone and Cathal Daly will be eager to crush their fledgling reputations.

Michael Lawlor's absence weakens the Laois attack significantly and it will be up to the talented Ian Fitzgerald to pick up the slack.

Graft and industry form the basis of Offaly's plans. Vinny Claffey remains the chief exponent of the more subtle attacking skills and it would be foolish to reckon against another ageless summer from him.

If the Laois young-guns get in reunion mood, then who knows? The likelihood is the strong arms from Offaly will snuff out any hint of romance.

By Keith Duggan