Dublin secured a dominant 2-21 to 0-13 victory over Laois at Laois Hire O'Moore Park on March 22, 2025, in their final match of the Allianz National Hurling League Division 1B. Even though the game was a display of skill and teamwork from the Dublin squad, it ultimately had little bearing on their standings, as promotion was out of reach after a prior loss by Offaly to Waterford.
In climatic conditions marked by driving rain and a sodden pitch, the Dublin team put on a solid performance, with standout moments highlighting their offensive prowess. The first half saw Dublin leading 1-9 to 0-9 at halftime, with Darragh Power’s goal in the 19th minute, following a brilliant pass from Conor Donohoe, providing a strong cushion for the visitors.
Despite already being relegated due to their previous defeat to Carlow, Laois started the match with determination. Brian Hayes opened the scoreboard for Dublin just three minutes in, followed rapidly by Aidan Corby leveling the score for Laois. Dublin quickly regained momentum with points from Ronan Hayes and Diarmuid Ó Dúlaing, who converted a free in the ensuing minutes, putting their team ahead again.
The first goal from Darragh Power arrived after commendable teamwork, where he found the ball after a great cross-field assist by Donohoe. Power’s close-range finish left Laois keeper Eoin Fleming with no chance. Laois responded in kind, displaying resilience through their players, especially PJ Scully, who effectively utilized set pieces to keep his team in contention.
As halftime approached, Laois sought to narrow the deficit, with points registered by Mark Dowling and James Duggan closing the gap. The half ended with Dublin leading by three points, but they knew they had to elevate their game in the second half to secure a gratifying finish.
Emerging from the break, Dublin continued their scoring spree. A series of points from Ó Dúlaing, Ó Riain, and Ronan Hayes swiftly pushed their lead to seven points. Laois struggled to find their footing, adding only a couple of scores through Scully as the sustained pressure from Dublin became overwhelming.
The turning point in the game came with a rapidly executed play after Sean Brennan, Dublin’s keeper, made a critical save on a Laois goal attempt. Dublin swiftly countered, leading to David Purcell scoring a second goal for Dublin in the 65th minute. This effectively sealed the game as Dublin added a flurry of points in the final moments.
Notably, AJ Murphy, who was a late introduction, made his mark with some fantastic shots, contributing to the tally and showcasing the depth of talent in the Dublin squad. Dublin's victory, however, did not alter the outcome of their campaign; despite the win, they remained in Division 1B for another year as Waterford's earlier win over Offaly confirmed their promotions.
Dublin’s victory can be credited not just to individual brilliance but to cohesive teamwork and a comprehensive game plan executed effectively throughout the match. Niall O’Ceallachain, the Dublin coach, highlighted the performance as one to build on for the upcoming Championship. As they prepare for the big challenge against Offaly on April 19, the squad has gained invaluable experience from this match to take into their next encounter.
Players and coaching staff alike realize that the upcoming Championship will require another level of intensity and focus, particularly given their recent ups and downs in the league. Laois, for their part, will seek to regroup and prepare for their next competition in the Joe McDonagh Cup, facing Westmeath in similarly tough conditions.
As both teams look ahead, this match will be remembered not just as a testament to skill but as an indication of the spirit and resilience that characterizes hurling, making it one of the most beloved sports in Ireland.
