Peter Creedon relishing new challenge at Laois

New Laois senior football team manager Peter Creedon insists that operating in the same province as Dublin will hold no fears for him. 

Creedon, who managed Tipperary from 2012-15, was confirmed as successor to Mick Lillis in the O’Moore County on Tuesday evening.

And the West Cork native explained that the presence of former backroom men Michael McGeehin, Mick O’Loughlin, and Tommy Toomey in his new set-up was crucial in his decision to accept the Laois post.

Creedon worked with McGeehin, O’Loughlin, and Toomey in Tipperary but he’s on the hunt for a strength and conditioning coach and is also expected to appoint one, if not two, local selectors with local knowledge.

Creedon explained how he was impressed by the approach from a Laois delegation that was led by county board chairman Gerry Kavanagh.

Creedon said: “It’s a bit like when I started with Tipperary — it fell into place without necessarily planning it.

“When I met the people from Laois, I liked them straight away. They showed us around their facilities, which are excellent, and I just felt, why not? It’s near home, it’s a different championship in Leinster, and another challenge again.”

Creedon, principal at Coláiste Dún Iascaigh in Cahir, is now living in Thurles, which makes Laois far more accessible for training purposes.

He stressed that securing McGeehin, O’Loughlin, and Toomey was critical. “The travel aspect does make things easier but what made it much easier was the fact that the same lads in Tipp were willing to come with me, and the responsibilities will be shared out. You won’t manage any inter-county team without support structures and I have that, plus the full backing of the Laois board in what we do.”

Creedon insisted that while the presence of Dublin in Leinster continues to cast a long shadow over the province, he’s ready for the task ahead.

He said: “That won’t hold any fears for us. We’ve been well used to playing Kerry in Munster and for the last couple of years that we were there (Tipperary), we were expecting to have a right cut off the likes of Kerry and Cork.”

The acquisition of Toomey is something of a coup for Creedon, considering that the level of detail he brings to the opposition analysis of preparation. “Tommy has given his heart and soul to Tipperary football over the last 10-15 years.

“I’ve no doubt that he’s looking forward to a fresh challenge as well, a bit like myself. We’ll learn new things and new experiences, and do our best for Laois.”