Like thoroughfares all over Ireland, Portlaoise’s Main Street has seen its fair share of window displays declaring support for local sporting heroes.

THE equine world is focussed on the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, which takes place at the Curragh tomorrow. But many of those in attendance will already have witnessed a thoroughbred derby of a different nature however, having gone to tonight’s battle football battle between Kildare and Laois.

CARLOW have known plenty of false dawns. It was a wonder Éire Óg could dominate the club scene in Leinster, agonisingly close to All-Ireland glory, and yet the county team would fail to function.

Former Laois and Carlow manager Bobby Miller is due to be laid to rest near the Co Laois town of Killeen this morning.

JJ Lambert has been recruited as one of two selectors under Carlow senior football manager Liam Hayes for the 2006 season.