By James McMahon
A meeting with the reigning All-Ireland champions is Laois’ prize for successfully negotiating the qualifier series.
The O’Moore county stood up and were counted on the last leg of that journey when they saw off Meath last weekend.
That victory will certainly give them confidence against a Dublin team that many pundits believe will contest another September decider.
There is no doubt that the Dubs occupy the easier side of the draw, with Mayo or Down awaiting if Laois are put to the sword.
In many ways, Saturday’s game is well set up for Justin McNulty’s side.
They have exceeded all expectations this season, with very few giving them a chance of substantial progression following their loss in Leinster to Longford.
Yet, they are at the last-eight staging post, and have clashed with the Dublin many times in the past decade on the Croke Park sod.
Clever use of the wind was the platform for their win over Meath.
They adopted a kick on sight policy that yielded many fine scores when aided by the elements.
In total, eight players got on the scoresheet in Tullamore, with Ross Munnelly leading the way with 1-04.
Brendan Quigley and Colm Begley dominated the midfield exchanges, while John O’Loughlin and Kevin Meaney excelled in the pivotal defensive positions.
While Dublin’s victory in the Leinster final was only three points, there was no denying that a six or seven point margin was a truer reflection of the game.
Pat Gilroy did empty the bench when the game appeared to be in the bag, but with no telling effect.
Not surprisingly, there is only change from a fortnight ago, with Eoghan O’Gara getting the nod ahead of Diarmuid Connolly at No 15 in place of Kevin McManamon.
Alan Brogan is fit to resume his role at centre-half forward after going off against the Royals with a groin injury.
Laois are unchanged from the side that took the field against Meath and will no doubt want to get in Dublin’s faces early on.
McNulty has made them a more physical force during his tenure, but it is doubtful whether they can match Dublin’s ability to get scores when it matters most.
Gilroy’s side turned it on at the same stage of the Championship last year against Tyrone.
A repeat could be in the offing against Laois and so leave down a serious marker to other teams that have aspirations to wrestle Sam Maguire from their grasp.
Verdict: Dublin
