Fitzpatrick to miss Laois openers

Laois boss Mick O'Dwyer has received an injury blow with the news that Portlaoise stalwart Kevin Fitzpatrick will sit out the opening rounds of the Leinster football championship after deciding to undergo surgery on a groin injury.

The Portlaoise club man first picked up the injury last October and is set to go under the knife as soon as later this week.

His recovery means he will miss the Leinster championship clash against Offaly at the end of the month, and should Laois win that tie, the Leinster semi-final on June 19.