‘Grandfather would want him to play’

THE decision on whether or not Laois midfielder Padraig Clancy plays in tomorrow’s Allianz NFL semi-final clash with Kerry will be left up to the player himself, after his legendary grandfather passed away yesterday.

Jim Sayers - ironically, a native of Kerry - passed away yesterday morning, severing another link with the historic Laois team that won the 1946 Leinster senior football title.

Jim, who was in his early 80s, gloried in his grandson’s achievements in recent seasons and, according to Laois selector Declan O’Loughlin, the decision to play will be entirely Padraig’s.

“I would be optimistic, knowing Padraig and knowing that his grandfather would want him to play,” said Mr O’Loughlin.

Family members are due to travel from America for the funeral, which may not take place until Monday. The Laois team travel to Kerry later today.

Leinster Council chairman Liam O’Neill led the tributes to Jim Sayers.

“I only got to know him long after his playing career ended. He spoke through Irish and he was a revered figure in Laois GAA,” said Mr O’Neill.

Jim transferred to Laois in the mid 1940s and was full-back on the 1946 team. Laois didn’t win another Leinster title until 2003, when Clancy was a vital member of Mick O’Dwyer’s team.