Laois Hurling: Youth Development Focus
- Reactivated four years ago, the Cuchulainn and Setanta Laois hurling development programs, initially launched by pat Critchley and Cheddar Plunkett, continue to cultivate young talent.
- Recently, the development camps concluded six-week modules for 360 players aged 10-13, focusing on both player and coach development.
- The under-13 team is preparing to face Offaly and will attend the Joe MacDonagh final against Kildare.
Laois Hurling: A revitalized youth development program is sparking a new era! Since launching in 2021, the Cuchulainn and Setanta programs have engaged 360 young hurlers, building on past successes that saw a team reach the Leinster minor final.Laois is aggressively fostering talent with focused player and coach development initiatives. The under-13 team prepares for a showdown with Offaly, targeting the Joe MacDonagh final as a springboard too galvanize hurling across Laois. A club alignment strategy further expands participation, supported by strategic appointments in athletic and games development. News Directory 3 is following the story closely. What innovative strategies will Laois implement next to elevate its hurling prospects? Discover what’s next …
Laois Hurling Development Program Boosts Youth Talent, Eyes Joe MacDonagh Cup
Updated June 4, 2025
Laois is investing in its future on the hurling field. Reactivated four years ago, the Cuchulainn and Setanta Laois hurling development programs, initially launched by pat Critchley and Cheddar Plunkett, continue to cultivate young talent. These programs previously propelled a team to the leinster minor final in 2013.
Recently, the development camps concluded six-week modules for 360 players aged 10-13, focusing on both player and coach development. Mattie Collier, Laois hurling chair, highlighted the dual focus: “The great thing is that they are also developing coaches as well as players.”
The under-13 team is preparing to face Offaly and will attend the Joe MacDonagh final against Kildare. Collier hopes the experience from last year’s narrow loss to Offaly in the Joe MacDonagh Cup final will motivate the team.He emphasized the importance of the final for Laois hurling promotion. “It woudl be huge for the promotion of hurling in the county,” Collier said.
Laois is also addressing participation in non-hurling areas through a club alignment program, providing a pathway for players from football-dominant regions to join hurling clubs. The county has appointed Tom Hargoves as head of athletic development and Shane Keegan as head of games and development. Additionally, a new games promotion officer program, in conjunction with the Leinster Council, has eight coaches covering 13 clubs.
Collier noted the long-term vision: “The work that is going on now will take time to pay dividends, but we are hoping it will.”
Looking ahead, Collier advocates for a tiered structure at underage levels, mirroring the senior level setup. He believes this would provide more competitive opportunities for counties like Laois.
Recent successes include the under-15 team’s victory over Limerick and the under-16 Celtic Challenge side reaching thier final against Meath. The minor team won three group games, and the under-20s defeated Wexford.
What’s next
Laois faces Kildare in a crucial match. Collier acknowledged the challenge: “Sunday is a big one for us. Kildare are a really good team and it won’t be easy.But we have been there before and hopefully that could help the lads.”