Laois chairman welcomes Under-21 final switch

Laois GAA chairman Brian Allen has welcomed the decision to switch the Bord Gais Energy Leinster Under-21 Hurling final from Kilkenny to Portlaoise on July 11.

Laois were due to face Kilkenny at Nowlan Park in Kilkenny but Kilkenny GAA officials conceded home advantage meaning that the final will be played at O'Moore Park and broadcast live on TG4 (throw-in 7.30pm).

"We are absolutely thrilled to have the final in O'Moore Park. It's down to the co-operation of the Kilkenny GAA officials and we are hugely appreciative of their support to grant us a home venue," said Allen.

Laois have not contested a Leinster Under-21 Hurling decider since 1990 when they also faced Kilkenny - on that occasion they were beaten.

Allen says that there is good work being done for the small ball code at underage level in Laois, despite recent poor results for the seniors.

"Our minors were in a Leinster semi-final on Sunday, and our Under-21s of course are in a Leinster final. It's all progress in the right direction," he said.

"While it has been disappointing for the players at senior level, it's good to see that there are positives coming through from our teams at underage level and hopefully we can build on that in the next few years."

Laois are hoping for their first title at Under-21 level since their lone success in 1983, while Kilkenny were last Leinster winners in 2009.