FORMER Offaly star Ger Oakley has claimed player welfare has been a issue in the county for the “last six or seven years”.

The Leinster Council have confirmed that it will hold Shield competitions respectively for teams which lose first round ties in the O'Byrne, Walsh and Kehoe Cup competitions this month.

Niall Rigney has tendered his resignation as manager of the Laois senior hurling team, bringing to an end his three-year involvement with the O'Moore men.