Laois match timetable is ‘crazy’, says O’Dwyer

MICK O’DWYER is anything but happy about the prospect of Laois footballers having to play major games on consecutive Sundays, describing the fixing of their championship meeting with Wexford the week after their Allianz National League final against holders Tyrone as “crazy”.

Of the four counties contesting the first and second divisional finals in Croke Park on May 4, Tyrone will have a two-week break before they play Derry in the Ulster championship in Clones. All-Ireland champions Armagh, beaten by Laois on Sunday, make the first defence of their title a week earlier against Monaghan, at the same venue.

Westmeath manager Luke Dempsey shares O'Dwyer's views about the pressure such timetabling places on players. However, Limerick manager Liam Kerins was philosophical about their situation after Monday's comprehensive victory over Wexford. "We have been building towards our match with Cork all year, but that is what you train for big games,'' he said.