Micko revels in Laois success

THE stunning success of Laois in regaining the Leinster football championship was as personally fulfilling for Mick O’Dwyer as anything he has achieved in football over five decades of involvement.

While it may have surpassed his expectations for the team, he recalled yesterday that he has grown more confident of their ability to realise their potential after the landmark win over Offaly in the Leinster quarter-final replay.

"The years that gave me most satisfaction were the eight or nine years I spent with Kildare. And, in 98, coming through to get to the All-Ireland final was unbelievable for me.