Laois won this competition in 2022. After suffering relegation last year, the O’Moore County will be anxious to bounce back to the senior grade at the first attempt.
Laois lost to Kildare in a nerve-jangling senior championship relegation play-off, now the challenge is to prove that they can be among the contenders at Intermediate level.
Roscommon are another side that can produce good football on any given day – and the Connacht side are potential dark horses in this competition.
Sunday’s clash in Portlaoise should provide conclusive evidence about the long-term prospect of both teams, with Laois looking to recover quickly following their Leinster final loss against Westmeath.
Laois: E Barry; S Farrelly, F McEvoy, G Lalor; A Gorman, A Moore, A Moran (capt.); F Dooley, J Moore; S Havill, C Burke, C Crowley; E Galvin, L Walsh, M Nerney.
Roscommon: C O’Reilly; M Kelly, S Wynne, R Brady; M McKeon, N Feeney, R Lennon; E Irwin, N Watson; S McGuinness, A Curran, L Mannion; A Hanly, E Thompson, C Lennon.
Laois v Roscommon
Laois Hire O'Moore Park, Portlaoise
Throw-in: 2pm