It’s no coincidence that since Seamus Plunkett has taken over Laois the county’s senior results have improved dramatically.

Last year they were promoted from division 2 and gave a decent account of themselves in the Championship holding Galway close before running out of steam against Clare in Ennis.

This year has seen the upward curve continue with the O’Moore staying in division 1-B and almost pulling off a shock against Clare in the quarter final.

Their underage results have improved as well with the minors reaching the Leinster final last year before being beaten by Galway in the All Ireland quarter final, while the under 21’s ran Offaly close.

Last night they were only one point down to the Dubs in Parnell Park at half time before being beaten 1-17 to 1-10.

Willie Young’s sending off midway through the second half didn't help but overall there are more positives than negatives around Laois at the moment.

After their defeat to a star studded Dublin side I spoke to Seamus Plunkett about their defeat and also how difficult it is to build up a Championship game against Galway having played in the round robin section for the last 4 weeks running.