Mountmellick were the most impressive team in the opening round of the Laois IFC, recording a massive 13-point win over Ballylinan, the side relegated from senior last year.
And Mountmellick lead the way on the first Team of the Week selection with four players represented – led by Finn Culleton, who scored four goals, and also including Jack Gorman, Tom O’Connell and Oisin Hade.
Kilcavan, Annanough and Park-Ratheniska have three apiece while Timahoe and Arles-Kilcruise have one each.
1 – Conor Hanley (Annanough)
One of only two keepers to keep a clean sheet (Cathal Tierney with Park-Ratheniska was the other), Hanley’s kickouts were spot on and he also made a really good save on Portlaoise in the second half.
2 – Michael Bermingham (Kilcavan)
Kilcavan’s most experienced defender, his cool head and consistent form was a big asset on their return to the intermediate grade and will be a key man going forward.
3 – Colm Brennan (Park-Ratheniska)
Keeping Arles-Kilcruise to just 0-11 was a main factor in Park-Ratheniska’s opening round win and Brennan was rock solid once again.
4 – Tom O’Connell (Mountmellick)
Looked impressive for the Laois U-20s this year and played wing-back in Mountmellick’s big win over Ballylinan. His pace and energy is central to their entire set up.
5 – Jack Gorman (Mountmellick)
Another impressive young Mountmellick decider. He set the tone with a couple of excellent runs and scored 1-3 from play in total, 1-2 of it in a rampant first half.
6 – Jimmy Langton (Park-Ratheniska)
Back out of ‘retirement’, Langton was excellent for Park-Ratheniska in their win over Arles-Kilcruise. Was particularly to the fore in the second half and his goal changed the game.
7 – Niall Lalor (Kilcavan)
Another young player who looked good with the Laois U-20s this year, he’s a very exciting prospect. Got on an amount of ball against Timahoe in a powerful performance.
8 – Sean Ramsbottom (Timahoe)
A Timahoe stalwart who won a mountain of possession and worked hard in their narrow loss to Kilcavan, scoring 0-6 in the process.
9 – Oisin Hade (Mountmellick)
Very good debut for the young Mountmellick man, who looked very good in midfield and scored three fine points from play.
10 – Callum McElroy (Arles-Kilcruise)
Another debutant. Played for the Laois minors last year and looked right at home in adult football in his first championship game. Scored 0-3 from play in the first half and set up another.
11 – Jake Darcy (Annanough)
Made his Laois senior debut this year and captained the county U-20 team – but most of his football has been in defence. Was stationed at centre-forward in Annanough’s win over Portlaoise and caused plenty of problems with his direct running.
12 – Cian Nolan (Park-Ratheniska)
Put in a huge effort in Park-Ratheniska’s win over Arles-Kilcruise. Mobile, athletic and hard-working he finished with 0-4 from play, including a two-pointer at a vital stage.
13 – Oran Darcy (Annanough)
The younger of the Darcy brothers and another championship debutant. Hit 0-9 in Annanough’s win over Portlaoise, 0-6 of it from play, including two two-pointers.
14 – Finn Culleton (Mountmellick)
Not only on Team of the Week, he’d arguably be Player of the Week also. Ballylinan had no answer for his pace and trickery and he scored four goals in their stunning win, three of them in the first half.
15 – Cian Ryle (Kilcavan)
His club form last year earned him a call up to the Laois senior panel and though he didn’t see any action, he resumed normal business with Kilcavan in their win over Timahoe, their first at intermediate level on their return to the grade. Scored 1-9 of their 2-13 tally.
