High time Offaly were back in Croker, says McManus

CIARAN McMANUS believes Sunday’s defeat of Louth will offer Offaly the perfect launching pad to seek revenge on neighbours Laois when the sides meet in Croke Park on May 29.

The old midland rivals last met two years ago when Laois rescued a draw in Portlaoise after Kevin Fitzpatrick clearly illegally threw the ball to Mick Lawlor who shot past Padraic Kelly into the Offaly net.

Laois made good their escape in the replay, finishing three-point winners before going on to become Leinster champions the following month, while Offaly's campaign petered out in the qualifiers.