Conway says Laois can be force again

Laois forward Dave Conway believes the county still possesses the quality and quantity of player required to repeat their pomp of a decade ago when they were Dublin’s biggest provincial rivals.

They made the breakthrough at senior level in 2003, claiming a first Leinster title at that grade in 57 years and beating Dublin in the semi-final in the process.

Three subsequent finals delivered only disappointment, however, with Dublin their nemesis in two, and the stream of underage titles – including three All-Ireland minors in six years — that fed that era has since dried up.