Three Galway natives play key roles in Laois' Joe McDonagh Cup success
Three Galway natives played an important role in Laois’ Joe McDonagh Cup success last weekend. Jeff Lynskey, Joe Keane, and Tony Óg Regan were all members of the Laois senior hurling management team that guided the O’Moore County to Joe McDonagh Cup glory.
Laois secured a return to the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship for 2027 after defeating Carlow 1-27 to 1-18 in the Joe McDonagh Cup final at Croke Park last Saturday. Stephen Maher, Aaron Dunphy and Cillian Dunne all hit 1-18 for the winners.
Having fallen at the final hurdle in each of the previous two Joe McDonagh Cup finals, manager Tommy Fitzgerald guided the O’Moore County to success at the third attempt. Fitzgerald previously worked with the St Thomas’ senior hurlers alongside Kenneth Burke.
Former Galway minor and U20 hurling manager Jeff Lynskey is now in his first year as part of the Laois coaching setup. Ex-Galway hurler Tony Óg Regan served as performance coach, while former Portumna goalkeeper Joe Keane fulfilled the role of goalkeeping coach.
As a result of their victory, Laois will compete in next year’s Leinster Senior Hurling Championship alongside Galway, Kilkenny, Dublin, Offaly and Wexford.