FORMER LAOIS STAR Michael Lawlor rolled back the years with a fine display in Sunday’s county senior football final.
Lawlor’s two-goal blast almost helped to pull off a shock victory for Emo against a Portlaoise side chasing a 9th successive crown at O’Moore Park.
The clubs will go at it again next Saturday (6.30pm) to find a champion but there’s a major problem looming for the winners as they will have to go again less than 24 hours later against Palatine in the AIB Leinster club championship.
That game has a 2.30pm start at Netwatch Cullen Park in Carlow but Lawlor and Emo aren’t too concerned with that prospect at this point in time.
“There’s speculation that whoever wins on Saturday is out the following day against Palatine,” said Lawlor.
“I don’t honestly know, we won’t be too worried about it.
“The Laois thing is what we would be looking for. If we win, we’ll get on with it.”
Lawlor netted twice during the second half but Emo needed a late point to salvage a replay.
And he reflected: “We didn’t kick in the first half, to be honest about it.
“Paul Lawlor got a few frees and Evan Costello kept us in it.
“We were three down and the couple of goals lifted it.
“But they brought on Zach Tuohy and he made a fierce difference.
“We got the score to draw it and we’ll be hoping to improve the next day.”
Speaking to The42 this morning, Lawlor admitted that he was stiff and sore after yesterday’s exertions.
“It’s enjoyable at the end of the day,” he smiled.
“In a county final at 42 years of age, it doesn’t get much better than that.
“We have to enjoy it while it’s there.
“I can’t remember how the first goal came about but for the second one, I got on the end of it around the square and she snuck in. Happy days!
“A lot of people were saying afterwards ‘ye left it behind’ but there was none of that talk in the dressing room after.
“When Portlaoise got the point ahead with a minute to go, I’m sure they thought they had us but we got the ball up the field and worked a free, showed a bit of character.”
When Emo won their previous county senior title, in 1972, Lawlor wasn’t even born.
And that might give you some indication of what it would mean for the club to overthrow the champions and bridge a 43-year gap at the second time of asking.
“This is what we want and there could a lot of the juniors getting a shot on Sunday morning if we win it!” Lawlor smiled.
“We’ll have a swim session tonight, train Tuesday and Thursday but mainly relax.
“Saturday will come around when it comes around, there’s no point in panicking about it.
“We’ll get the bodies and heads right and take it from there.”
Still going strong after all these years, Lawlor doesn’t think recovery will be too much of an issue this week. Adrenalin will help carry him through.
“I’d find that for League matches, you might not get out of bed for a couple of days!
“But it’s championship now, your head takes over and you recover a small bit quicker.”
While sole focus remains on Saturday, the prospect of a second game in two days for the winners if far from ideal, Lawlor insists.
“I was listening to Newstalk during the week, (Colm) Parkinson and the boys.
“They have the right idea, to reschedule things because the club is so put back.
“We started in August with a first round game but in other counties, they play the first round in May and don’t do anything for 3 months.
“Then they’re out week after week and it’s crazy, to be quite honest.
“You have to grin and get on with it until it’s sorted out.
“But this isn’t the first time this has happened and it won’t be the last unless they have a serious look at it.
“I think the replay was going to be fixed for Wednesday night but that didn’t suit ourselves.
“We have a couple of boys working in England and they would only be available for Saturday so what do you do?
“We have to be realistic. We’re not even thinking about the Leinster championship.
“Portlaoise are going for 9-in-a-row and they’re a good side so they might be but we’re definitely not.”
Super attitude….Fair play to him and best of luck with the rehabilitation…. Others could learn a thing or two from people like Jamie
Great article and a Fantastic attitude to have , great to see , I wish him all the best in his recovery , his never say die attitude will help him so much ! A True warrior ..
Two things you can never reach is heart and determination .. It’s something this chap was born with
I sincerely hope all goes well Jamie. An unbelievable attitude to adversity. Hat tip to you .
Jamie if you were a cork minor and u21 you have the goods mentally and physically. All the very best with everything mate.
Inspirational stuff. Keep brave Jamie, you’re a credit to everything that is great about sport.
I hated reading this story to be honest. I find myself giving out about the smallest things in life. It is hard to believe this kind of thing can happen overnight especially to a person who was playing sport at the highest level. It just proves once again how fragile life is and how were here to live it. Keep the faith Jamie, you’ve given one person a different perspective for the future. Best of luck.
Inspirational young man. The very best of Luck to you.
Wow. inspiratonal.
An utterly remarkable attitude. So many of us could learn from this young man. Every good wish for your recovery I hope you achieve your goals
Inspirational stuff
Best of luck in your recovery Jamie your a brave young man, an inspiration and a credit to your family.
This guy really puts the “The only disability in life is a bad attitude” motto into practice. Great story and really hope he pulls through with his recovery!
We all need to not worry about the small silly things in life. From a fellow 21ish year old Jamie all the best in your recovery, your an absolute shining inspiration to everybody.
Great Athlete, incredible Man.
Absolute respect, big lad. You have the heart of a feckin lion. All the very best to you and your family.
Serious respect!
Jasmine your an inspiration to a doorway of possibilities. You are so brave and ambitious I bet in a while you will be much improved. Keep up the brilliant work.
What an inspiring article. Young people who ruin their lives with drink n drugs should spend 1 day with Jamie n it might open their eyes. Best of luck Jamie from all in Ballinhassig.
Just curious but why would people click RED on this article this guy has gone from leading a full physical active walking life to a complete change which I can’t even think what it must have been like for him. I hope all goes well for him Keep going wan’ts your attitude gives up then it’s a step back. I work with special needs children & adults i know how hard it can be for them to do simple things but they never give up & we as so called normal able bodied people could learn a lot from them. Keep going never give up.
Incredible resolve and inspirational story. Most people think they have regular (mostly petty) day to day problems but when you hear a story like Jamie’s it shows what true courage and determine really is! Best of luck bud!
Jamie you are inspirational . Keep the chin up and best of luck with everything in the future
Best of luck with your recovery Jamie. Children had great fun with you last Easter at hurling camp in Ballyvourney.
Hope to see with us again. From all in Laochra Og
Best of luck Jamie your an Inspiration from KILLAVULLEN GAA CLUB
Best of luck Jamie, Inspirational stuff ! great hurler with great attitude !
From one Kilbrittain man to another !
Excellent attitude! maybe I didn’t read it properly but is he still in a wheelchair?
Heroic attitude. Inspiration
Inspiring article ,what a brave young man , head up Jamie may God guide and protect you ,wishing you all the best for the future from all in the Kingdom
Truly remarkable attitude from this young man, he is a fine example of a human being. All the best with your rehabilitation, I’ll be praying that Plan A is not too far away.
Best of luck Jamie …slowly but surely is the motto…..you have a great attitude
Best wishes Jamie, here’s to the day we’re watching you playing in Croke Park!
What an honest interview. I wish Jamie the best of luck for his future and I wish him good Karma.
Best of luck in your recovery, Dunlaoirthe is the best place in the country to get better. Not not only have the rebels but the whole country behind you…
Jamie you are an inspiration to us all…and only 21 years..what maturity..I hope and pray that you will be back on your feet before too long..
Know this young man’s family, all top drawer. If ever there was someone who could beat this it’s Jamie Wall. Our thoughts are with you all.
Stay positive jamie you will get dark days and fed up , and the why me .. you are a inspiration strong in mind , heart and determination. .praying for you xx
Great article Jamie- inspirational stuff. Well done