In-form O'Carroll hopeful of more Laois progress

Evan O'Carroll goes into Sunday's Leinster Football Championship derby with Offaly in fine form after shooting six points in the Division 4 league final win over Leitrim.

But he says that game has been quickly put to one side as they face their next - door neighbours in an eagerly-awaited game at Portlaoise.

Four of O’Carroll’s points against Leitrim were from play, and it was a satisfying return to Croke Park for the O'Moore men after conceding 8-16 to Down in last season's Tailteann Cup semi-final.

O’Carroll has been showing serious leadership all year, but he’s not getting carried away.

"It’s nice to win a trophy at Croke Park," the Crettyard forward says.

"But games are coming thick and fast and if we didn’t knuckle down quickly to prepare for Offaly it wouldn’t be wise.

"It’s a huge game for us."

O'Carroll is the county’s senior football captain this season.

He shared the leadership role with Trevor Collins in 2023 but with Collins not on the squad this year, the lethal attacker is leading the side in his 12th season with the Laois footballers.

He was handed his debut by current manager Justin McNulty in 2013 against Wexford and was only 17 at the time when he featured in an All-Ireland qualifier.

The years have passed quickly, but O’Carroll has frequently reminded people of his incredible ability as an inside forward.

He was terrific at full-forward against Leitrim and, aside from scoring six points, he also created two goals.

Against Tipperary, he stepped up at a crucial stage when the game looked to be going away from the O’Moore men.

Along with Paul Kingston and goalkeeper Killian Roche, he has been outstanding for McNulty this campaign.

He says they had much to work towards.

"We were disappointed after not getting out of