Galway open the defence of their Leinster SHC crown against Laois at Portlaoise on Sunday.

Anthony Cunningham and his players will travel to the midlands hoping to rediscover their best form after a disappointing league campaign.

They will also be eager to prove that 2012 was no flash in the pan in the months ahead

Cunningham conceded that they were not as 'fresh' as he would have liked during the league which saw them finish in third place behind Tipperary and Kilkenny.

Where to play, and get the best out of, Joe Canning is the big conundrum facing Cunningham and his selectors ahead the opener.

Already this year, Laois hurling has made huge strides and they enter the semi-final with the scalps of Antrim and Carlow in their back pocket on top of securing promotion to Division 1B

Seamus Plunkett's men overcame the Saffrons by 1-16 to 0-13 before defeating Carlow on a scoreline of 2-18 to 0-13.

They are bidding to reach a first Leinster SHC final since 1985.

The last time these two counties met in the championship was in the 2009 Leinster SHC quarter-final which saw the men from the west run away with a 27 point victory.

The O'Moore County won't lie over as easily this time around but, come Sunday evening, the Tribesmen will be turning their attention to a Bob O'Keeffe final showdown.

Verdict: Galway

Laois: Eoin Reilly; Brian Stapleton, Darren Maher, John A Delaney; Joe Fitzpatrick, Matthew Whelan, Gearoid Burke; Cahir Healy, James Walsh; Stephen Maher, Zane Keenan, Tommy Fitzgerald; John Brophy, Willie Hyland, Brian Dunne.

Galway: James Skehill; Fergal Moore, Kevin Hynes, Niall Donoghue; David Collins, Johnny Coen, Joseph Cooney; Iarla Tannian, Aidan Harte; David Burke, Niall Burke, Cyril Donnellan; David Glennon, Joe Canning, Conor Cooney.

Referee: James Owens

Odds: Laois 12/1, Draw 33/1, Galway 1/50

Match Details:Portlaoise, 3.30pm, Sunday, June 16th Tweet

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