Laois boss McNulty looks to move on

Laois manager Justin McNulty is determined to draw a line under the controversy that erupted in the wake of last Sunday week’s Division 1 league clash against Armagh in Portlaoise.

The half-time incident involving Armagh’s Ciarán McKeever and a Laois player is still under investigation but NcNulty insists their squad have moved forward and are focusing on their showdown with Down on Sunday week as they seek to salvage their Division 1 status.

“I don’t think anybody could say they were happy with the fallout from the game last week,” he said.

“But it’s something that’s been dealt with. I’d say that I must commend the players and the Laois County Board for how they handled the situation. The formal public statements have been made and I’ve no further comment on the matter.”

McNulty was forced to plan without key attacker MJ Tierney for last Sunday’s trip to face Kerry in Killarney but the injury is not expected to see the Parnell’s player sidelined for a long spell. But the return of Pádraic Clancy, who came on as a substitute in the second-half in Fitzgerald Stadium, from a hamstring injury was a major boost. While fellow hamstring injury victim David Conway, who has not played since the win over Donegal in the second round of the league, is also closing in on a comeback. “MJ just had a bit of a niggle last week but it was just a short-term injury,” revealed the Laois boss.

“It was good to have Pádraic back as well and David Conway’s also on the way back. Obviously I was bitterly disappointed about Sunday as it was a game we should have and could have won. The players are as well and that proves how hungry they are for success.

“I’m happy that there are more fellas putting their hands up to start for Laois. I have to take positives. We realise that we’ve work to do but we’re aiming for the Longford game on May 20, we hope to have guns blazing that day.”