Laois hurling boss Rigney steps down

NIALL RIGNEY has stepped down as Laois hurling boss in the wake of last Saturday’s surprise All-Ireland championship exit at the hands of Carlow.

The Portlaoise man had been at the helm for two full seasons, having succeeded Damian Fox midway through 2008, and almost sprung a major upset in last year’s All-Ireland qualifier against Limerick.

Laois picked up five wins in Division 2 of the NHL but a first round Leinster championship victory over Carlow was followed by a provincial defeat to Dublin and last weekend’s All-Ireland qualifier loss to Carlow.