McNulty takes positives despite disappointing league campaign

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LAOIS’S Division 3 NFL campaign came to an unsatisfactory end against Fermanagh on Sunday with the Ulster side recording a two-point victory.

Although his side came out on the wrong side of the result, Laois manager Justin McNulty was pleased with the positive aspects that his side showed in Enniskillen.

“There were huge elements of positivity around the performance, a very battling, dogged, tenacious game from our team which we have to be very pleased about. We made lots of errors that cost us dearly and we didn't control the kick-out play as strongly as we could and should and that cost us but we created a huge amount of goal-scoring opportunities.

“I think it was seven or eight at least and we opened them up. I think Fermanagh are counting their lucky stars, how the hell did they win that game because I think we were the better team,” he said.

It was a case of déjà vu for Laois as for the second week in a row, they were cruising in the game but Fermanagh started to dominate the kick-out and aerial battles to come away with a two-point victory.

“Like against Clare they got a run of momentum. Seven points unanswered again today that's two games in a row and that has to be addressed how that's happening and how we can fix that,” he said.

McNulty was immensely proud of his side’s showings in Division 3 having been one of the favourites to go down.

“For me the most positive thing is and the most important thing is the battling performance from our lads throughout the league. From the get-go with the departures we experienced after last season, the lads were written off. I think we were favourites for the drop and we held our position in the division and we were competitive in most games you know probably bar Kildare. We were highly competitive and we put it up to well-seasoned teams who've been playing in the higher divisions for a long time so lots to be positive about.

“But at the same time, the fellas are very, very annoyed, very upset and very disappointed by the result and given the level of effort they've put into it, the level of preparation they've put into it and they've given it their all and just didn't come right at the end but lots to be very pleased about,” McNulty said.

Laois captain Brian Byrne, who usually operates at centre-back, was deployed at full-forward and he did a superb job. The Graiguecullen star scored 1-3 from play and got the assist for Niall Corbet’s goal.

“Brian's a real stalwart of a Laois player and he'll do a job for you in every aspect of the game that's just the character and nature of the man,” he said.

Up next for Laois is a trip to Wexford Park to take on The Yellowbellies in the first round of the Leinster Championship. Wexford will be in Division 3 alongside Laois in 2025 after they won seven from seven in the bottom tier.

“There's no doubt Wexford will be coming in with their tails up, a clean sweep for them in Division Four. That’s no mean feat and we know they're the home team and they're the form team. We know we've got a real challenge on our hands but it’s something that we're really looking forward to and we’re really excited about. It’s something that we hope we can go and do ourselves proud,” he said.

McNulty ended with a positive injury report with the Laois boss hoping to have a full hand to choose from come Saturday week in Wexford.

“Hopefully, we'll have everyone available. Damon, Dicey and then Shaun Fitzpatrick got back in there and played a half which is hugely positive so hopefully, we'll have a clean bit of health,” McNulty ended.