Kildare name Dooley as county coach

In a surprise move, Kildare County Board has announced that former Offaly dual All Ireland medallist Johnny Dooley will take over as coach to the senior hurling team.

Dooley was a mainstay of the Faithful County attack when they shocked Limerick to win McCarthy Cup honours in 1994.

Along with his brothers, Joe and Billy, he was also on board when the tricolours took the All Ireland title at Kilkenny's expense four years later.

Hurling Board PRO Gearóid O’Tiarnan made the announcement at Tuesday’s county board meeting in Droichead Nua.

"The team has played a couple of challenge games over the Christmas period and the manager Morgan Lawlor announced the appointment of Johnny Dooley at a recent training session.

"Mr Lawlor asked the players for a full commitment over the year ahead and pointed out that the appointment of Johnny Dooley was evidence of the county board’s commitment to the county senior team," added Mr O’Tiarnan.