Ross Munnelly says Laois will need all guns blazing to take down Kildare.
They’ll meet their noisy neighbours in the Leinster quarter-final on June 4th, after the O’Moore County swatted aside Longford on Sunday.
Munnelly came on for his 66th championship game in succession since making his debut in 2003, playing for his seventh manager during that time. Peter Creedon asked the 34-year-old to stay on for a 15th season of action and his Laois charges were convincing in their summer opener at O’Moore Park.
Paul Kingston (2), his brother Donie, and Alan Farrell got the goals in a six-minute burst either side of half-time during the 4-15 to 0-16 win.
"We practiced and prepared for Longford and we were very disappointed with our own league performance," says Munnelly, whose side were relegated to Division 4. "We got everyone back fit and the troops ready and we are very happy with the performance we got over 70 minutes."
"Goals win games and that’s what the difference was for us today, we won’t be getting carried away, we’ll regroup, it’s not that long ago that we were relegated so we will be very realistic."
Laois were comfortable winners against Longford on Sunday. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Tommy Grealy
"We have a local derby coming up in a couple of weeks and we’ll have to be all guns blazing and focused on Kildare."
"Of course it was disappointing," he adds of relegation. "No one wants to drop down a division but at the same time league and championship are separate."
"We are aware of that and we put in a good block of training and the whole group came together as you have to do when you’re getting ready for championship and today is the day where everything went right for us."
"Graham Brody made an unbelievable save that could have changed the game had it gone it and coming in at half-time we rammed in two goals. Small things make a big difference in big games and we are just thrilled with that today."
Munnelly smiled when asked how his body was holding up, concluding there was "not a bother on it".
The Arles-Kilcruise man will have a tough time dislodging the Kingstons and John O'Loughlin from what is an imposing inside line.
"Peter asked me at the start of the year, he said he wanted me on board so for as long as Laois want me I’ll always stay playing, that’s my attitude."
"And look we are in a real good position at the minute, we have top class young fellas coming through and if I can help out with them then I’m more than happy."
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