Last weekend's 8-10 to 0-7 humiliation by Waterford in the Tommy Murphy Cup, Carlow's biggest ever football defeat at senior level, has sent the county to its lowest rung ever in Gaelic football's pecking order . . . sitting ahead now only of their hurley-totin' neighbours from Kilkenny.

Against that bleak background has emerged this year's fine crop of players at under 18 level.

The genesis of the Carlow minor football success story of 2007 springs from the county's unusual decision earlier in the year to compete in the Northern Minor Football League. There they came up against very strong opposition and have benefited from the experience.

In the opening-round Leinster MFC proper, Carlow lost away to Longford by 2-7 to 24 in a game where they kicked 14 wides to their opponents' four.

Team manager Declan McGovern from Offaly saw something in the side's late, spirited rally, which gave him confidence in the team's ability. It was a spirit which was to resurface as the team took the scenic route through the back door.

The rest of Leinster sat up and took notice when Carlow, in three successive home games, beat Meath 2-12 to 38, took Wexford 2-9 to 1-7 and proved too strong for a fancied Westmeath 2-13 to 0-13.

Carlow had never beaten Meath or Louth at this level previously.

Louth were beaten 1-10 to 0-9 in a Leinster semi-final but a big melee in the closing minutes saw Brendan Murphy (Rathvilly) - Carlow's outstanding midfielder - issued with a red card late on, a decision subsequently rescinded.

The blue-and-white side of Graiguecullen bridge, which divides the counties, is expected to prevail today.

Having won three All-Irelands in the grade since 1996, the Laois class of 2007 is being touted as the best yet . . .a side simply dripping with football talent.

They dished out a fierce hammering to Kilkenny in their opening game but got a major fright against Dublin, coming from six points down to draw before beating them handsomely in the replay.

Offaly were then brushed aside in the semi-final.

Midfield will have a big bearing today. Laois have the very talented dual player - John O'Loughlin - partnering industrious captain Sean Ramsbottom and it is crucial that Carlow's Murphy and Martin Clowry do well.

Donie Kingston played his club football in Carlow before crossing to Laois. He plays at centre forward, with the ability to switch with full forward Conor Meredith, while forward Brian Smith scored 2-2 against Offaly.

Daniel St Ledger, Carlow's captain, Alan Callinan (Eire Og), Con Murphy (Clonore) and Denis Murphy (Mount Leinster Rangers) are the other big names.

So, whatever happens at 'Croker' today, it has been a marvellous summer for the wearers of the distinctive red, yellow and green jerseys, who should enjoy the 'neutral' support of the gathering Dubs fans ahead of the senior showdown.

LEINSTER MFC FINAL
CARLOW v LAOIS Croke Park, 2.30