Laois won’t bow to Royal challenge

EVERY hero has a nemesis. Tomorrow, the Leinster Championship winning men of Laois face their most dreaded foe in a Croke Park standoff.

Meath will emerge from the shadows bidding to scupper the title-chasing efforts of a side that captured the hearts of a nation last summer.

But Laois are ready for the challenge. They've had 12 years to think about their last championship success against these rivals. These things are forgotten quickly in these parts.