Former Antrim stalwart Greg O’Kane believes many players have lost their pride in the jersey and need to be given a reason to want to play county hurling again.

Offaly 3-22 Laois 2-14: It seems like another world now, and certainly another time but it was still the Leinster Championship and only five weeks ago.

Former Dublin hurling boss Humphrey Kelleher has called into question the managerial credentials of Ger Cunningham, claiming Michael Carton’s decision to quit the squad is a direct result of his manager’s actions.

Laois 0-29 Offaly 0-20: A little over a week ago, Laois hurling was at a crossroads, with the significant progress made in the past three years on the brink of being washed away in one fell swoop.

Laois put a difficult fortnight behind them in the most definitive fashion possible, blitzing old rivals Offaly in the final 45 minutes to record their first championship victory over them in 43 years.

Laois 1-20 Westmeath 1-17: A second half goal from Cha Dwyer sparked a stirring Laois comeback as they ran out three-point winners over Westmeath in O’Moore Park.

Laois dug deep to book a Leinster SHC quarter-final berth as Group winners, thanks to a hard-earned three-point win in this all-Midlands battle in O’Moore Park, Portlaoise.

Wexford 5-22 Laois 0-25

Waterford 3-21 Laois 0-12: A patient approach worked best for Waterford as Derek McGrath and Seamus Plunkett turned Fraher Field into a chessboard on Saturday night.

Allianz Hurling League Division 1B: Laois 0-23 Offaly 1-24: Offaly manager Brian Whelahan sent out a defiant message to his team’s detractors after their win over Laois in O’Moore Park on Saturday night.

Limerck and Waterford draw; Wins for Offaly and Wexford

Laois 2-22 UCD 1-08: Laois proved far too strong for UCD in this Walsh Cup opener in Abbeyleix on Sunday.

Laois and Antrim both secured home wins, with Offaly also emerging winners, while NUIG and Carlow draw; in the opening round of the Bord na Móna Walsh Cup this afternoon.

Waterford had too much pace and power for Laois as they strode through to the next round of qualifiers with a commanding display at Walsh Park.

For the second time in 12 months Galway got the fright of their lives in the Leinster SHC as the Tribesmen carved out a two-point win over a determined Laois side in O’Moore Park, Portlaoise.

Aaron Moore’s dramatic injury-time goal provided Laois with a sensational victory over Offaly in the Leinster minor hurling championship.

Last year’s beaten finalists Kilkenny opened their Leinster MHC campaign with a flattering eight point win over Laois in O’Moore Park on Saturday.

COUNTY champions Clough Ballacolla remain hot favourites to retain the Laois SHC crown as they booked their place in the quarter-final.