LOETB Junior A Championship Semi-Final Preview
The race for the LOETB Junior A Championship reaches its semi-final stage this Saturday, 12th September, with a double-header taking place in Annanough GAA.
With four teams now just one victory away from a place in the county final, both games promise plenty of excitement as the championship enters its decisive stages.
Portlaoise v Shanahoe — 2.30pm
First up at 2.30pm are Portlaoise and Shanahoe, with both sides looking to secure their place in this year’s Junior A Championship final.
Portlaoise enter the semi-final unbeaten in the group stages, having recorded a comfortable win against St. Conleths, before following it up with a narrow one-point victory over Clonaslee St. Manman’s. They will arrive in Annanough full of confidence, having enjoyed strong campaigns in recent years, including appearances in both the Division 2 League final and Junior A Championship final in 2025.
Having come close last year, Portlaoise will be determined to make another appearance in the county final and take the next step towards championship success.
Standing in their way is a Shanahoe side that has impressed throughout this year’s championship. Victories over Ballyfin and St. Joseph’s secured their place in the semi-finals, although their most recent outing against The Heath will provide an important learning experience for the team and management.
With Shanahoe’s Intermediate side also enjoying a good campaign, the club will be keen to maintain that momentum and book a place in the Junior A Championship final.
The Heath v Clonaslee St. Manman’s — 6.00pm
The second semi-final throws in at 6.00pm, with The Heath emerging as early favourites following an impressive group-stage campaign.
The Heath have been in formidable scoring form, recording victories over St. Joseph’s, Shanahoe and Clonaslee St. Manman’s. Across those three games, they have amassed an impressive 20 goals and 41 points (an average of over 33 points per game), while conceding just 5-08.
Their attacking numbers have certainly caught the eye, but it is their consistency at both ends of the field that has established them as one of the teams to beat this year.
After narrowly missing out on a place in the championship final in both 2024 and 2025 — The Heath will be determined to go one step further this year and secure their place in the 2026 final.
They face a resilient Clonaslee St. Manman’s side, however, who have earned their place in the last four following a promising campaign. A young team that has benefited from success at underage level, Clonaslee St. Manman’s pushed Portlaoise all the way, suffering a narrow one-point defeat in their first outing. They recovered well with a comprehensive victory over St. Conleths.
That result will provide plenty of encouragement ahead of Saturday’s semi-final, and Clonaslee St. Manman’s will be determined to build on their performances so far and cause an upset.
With a place in the county final at stake, both teams will know that there is little between them and a brilliant opportunity to challenge for Junior A honours.
The LOETB Junior A Championship semi-final double-header takes place in Annanough GAA this Saturday, 12th September.
Tickets for the double-header can be purchased below.
Go n-éirí an t-ádh libh.
By Aoife Langford Mon 7th Sep
