Keenan gives Laois a major boost

The Laois senior hurling team has been given a major boost ahead of their 2008 Walsh Cup opener against Wexford this weekend.

Talented scoring ace Zane Keenan, who played at minor level for Laois, has given his full commitment to the county's senior panel.

Antrim beat Laois by six points in a challenge match at the weekend and Damien Fox's charges will be hoping for better when they take on Leinster club champions Birr on Thursday night as their preparations intensify.

Keenan, who turned 19 last month, has been named as the Laois Senior Hurler of the Year for 2007. He had a brilliant season in the black and amber of Camross who were crowned Laois champions for the first time since 1996.

Meanwhile, Portlaoise's Brian McCormack has been named as Laois' Senior Footballer of the Year. His club-mate Zach Tuohy picks up the minor award following his excellent displays last season, including his TG4 Goal of the Year in the drawn All-Ireland MFC semi-final at Croke Park.

2007 LAOIS GAA AWARDS:

Football - Senior: Brian McCormack (Portlaoise); Under-21: not decided; Minor: Zach Tuohy (Portlaoise); Junior A: Damien Carter (Ballinakill); Ladies Football: Mary Casey (Timahoe).

Hurling - Senior: Zane Keenan (Camross); Under-21: Tomas Burke (The Harps); Minor: Brian Galvin (The Harps); Junior A: Shane Corby (Clough/Ballacolla); Intermediate: Dayne Peacock (Abbeyleix).

Handball - Michael Donovan (Monavea).