Stapleton and Reddin handed Laois debuts

June 10, 2009

Laois manager Sean Dempsey
Rory Stapleton and Ger Reddin are the new faces in the Laois team for Sunday's Leinster SFC quarter-final against Louth at Parnell Park. Stapleton saw action as a substitute last year, but will be making his first championship start at left corner back, while talented dual player Reddin slots in at centre back in the continued absence of Tom Kelly, who is on his way back from a cruciate ligament injury. The rest of manager Sean Dempsey's selection have previous championship experience, although teenage sensation Donie Kingston - who made a big impression in last year's All-Ireland qualifers - is getting his first taste of Leinster championship action. He will be expected to provide the physical power in anotherwise diminutive full forward line completed by free-taker Michael John Tierney and Ross Munnelly. Kevin Meaney's inclusion at midfield alongside Padraig Clancy sees Brendan Quigley move to wing forward, where he will line out alongside team captain Brian 'Bruno' McCormack and the pint-sized Peter O'Leary. Regular wing back Padraig McMahon misses out with a broken jaw, while Joe Higgins may be fit to take his place on the bench. Laois (SF v Louth): M Nolan; C Ryan, M Timmons, R Stapleton; D Rooney, G Reddin, J O'Loughlin; P Clancy, K Meaney; B Quigley, B McCormack, P O'Leary; MJ Tierney, R Munnelly, D Kingston.

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