Controversy over Laois footballers is resolved

THE controversy surrounding the Laois U-21 footballers was finally resolved last night with confirmation that all of the players who travelled to Kerry with the seniors last weekend will, after all, be on the panel for Sunday's All-Ireland semi-final against Cork.

It was rumoured that Donie Brennan had been dropped completely from Sean Dempsey's underage squad, while Colm Kelly (Stradbally) and Colm Kelly (St Joseph's) would be included next weekend, but only on the bench.

There was also the suggestion that U-21 selector John Mulligan had resigned in protest when the three players were included in Mick O'Dwyer's panel for the NFL semi-final, but officials insisted last night that the Portlaoise man is still firmly on board for the remainder of the campaign.