On Off the Ball tonight, there was a smashing feature on the notorious 'Battle of Aughrim' in 1986 between Wicklow and Laois. The two teams meet this Sunday in the first round of the Leinster championship but this time it is highly unlikely that the favourites will have three players sent off, that the crowd will be sitting on the sidelines (they have railings at Aughrim now), and that the referee will be sent threatening letters after the game.
Laois had won the National League in 1986 and were hotly tipped to claim a provincial title. They were heavy favourites going into the clash in Aughrim. Many players and supporters remain embittered about what transpired that day. Referee Carthage Buckley spoke about the game and its aftermath. He was followed by Willie Brennan, one of the Laois players controversially sent off that day and Kevin O'Brien who scored 2-3 for Wicklow.
