Laois struggled to an opening day win in league action on Sunday.
Heavy training and university competition left Laois drained ahead of their meeting with Down last weekend, according to the OP'Moore County's manager.
Despite leading by seven points at the break, Laois were reeled in by Down in second half, with the Ulster side trailing by just one when Willie Dunphy was given a straight red card in the 56th minute.
Five minutes later it was 14 v 14, after Mark Fisher was given his marching orders.
Down did get the game level with five minutes of normal time left on the clock but a Mark Dowling goal sent Laois on their way to an opening Division 2A victory.
Laois eventually ran out 7 point winners on a final scoreline of 2-18 to 0-17.
Willie Maher tells Midlands 103's Jack Nolan he was hoping for a better performance but isn't surprised at his players' struggles on Sunday:
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