Meredith handed first Championship start
Former AFL player Conor Meredith has been handed his first Senior Championship start by Laois manager Justin McNulty.
It is one of six changes to the side which lost to Louth in the opening round of the Leinster SFC, for Friday's All-Ireland Qualifier against Carlow.
The O'Dempsey's clubman, was introduced as a half-time substitute in the 10-point defeat and is one of three changes in the Laois attack.
Damien O'Connor, whom Meredith replaced in that game is out, as are Gary Walsh and Colm Kelly, with Billy Sheehan and David Conway coming into the side.
Walsh has moved to America for the Summer, with Brendan Quigley also Stateside.
Due to Quigley's absence, his former Timahoe clubmate and 2003 Leinster SFC winner Padraig Clancy comes in to partner John O'Loughlin at midfield.
Meanwhile, in defence Paul Begley replaces Denis Booth, while Kieran Lillis is in, in place of fellow Portlaoise clubman Conor Boyle.
LAOIS (SF v Carlow): Eoin Culliton; Paul Begley, Mark Timmons, Peter O'Leary; Darren Strong, Kieran Lillis, Padraig McMahon; John O'Loughlin, Padraig Clancy; Billy Sheehan, Conor Meredith, Colm Begley; Ross Munnelly, Donal Kingston, David Conway.
