Laois' momentum-building run through this year's All-Ireland SFC qualifiers has earned manager Justin McNulty another season at the helm.

WOKE up dis mawnin’… Or, rather, by the time you read this, yesterday morning, but why mess with the opening line of every self-respecting blues lament ever written? Anyway, waking up, whatever de mawnin’, is always an encouraging start to the day, I find.

Tralee native Liam Kearns was last night unanimously reappointed as manager of the Laois senior football team for 2008, despite recent calls for his sacking.

THE Moate Community School in Westmeath inadvertently became the first casualty of county star Dessie Dolan’s 12-week ban last night.

OLLIE BAKER will return to the inter-county hurling scene in 2006, as a selector with Westmeath.

IT’S over a quarter of a century now since Kevin Kilmurray spent a week planning for a Sunday where beating Laois was the focus.

CIARAN McMANUS believes Sunday’s defeat of Louth will offer Offaly the perfect launching pad to seek revenge on neighbours Laois when the sides meet in Croke Park on May 29.

ALL-IRELAND hurling champions Kilkenny are taking a leaf out of Clare's book and will not finalise their team for Saturday's quarter-final replay at Semple Stadium, Thurles until just before the start.

Westmeath’s Leinster SFC final hopes almost ended in an enthralling tussle at Croke Park this afternoon, but a 72nd minute equalising point from skipper Chris Conway saw champions Laois live to fight another day, in a 0-13 to 0-13 stalemate.

MICK O’DWYER makes one change in personnel to the Laois team that defeated Carlow in the previous round for Sunday’s Leinster SFC semi-final against Meath with Padraig Clancy in at left half forward for Mick Lawlor.

Laois 1-12, Offaly 1-12

Laois 3-6 Wicklow 0-8