Tomás Ó Flatharta focuses Laois for showdown with old rivals Kildare

As a Kerryman who has been manager of Westmeath and Galway, Tomás Ó Flatharta knows all about derbies.

There is a difference in the emotional levels of the spectator and someone directly involved in such ties however.

The fan can afford to get caught up in the tribal warfare of Cork-Kerry, Westmeath-Meath or Galway-Mayo but the players and mentors must remain a step removed.