Butler becomes Kerry consultant

Former Laois manager Paudie Butler has been taken on as a coaching consultant to the Kerry hurling team.

The Tipperary native stepped down as manager of the Laois hurlers in August after three years in charge.

Along with injured Limerick full-forward Brian Begley, Butler is to assist Kerry boss Jerry Molyneaux with team and skills work for the coming season.

Kerry, a county not noted for its hurlers - the Kingdom’s last success of note was a 1972 All-Ireland junior title win - are determined to prove a point in 2006 with a beefier backroom staff.

Eight-time All-Ireland SFC medallist Ger Power will continue to act as physical trainer with his former Kerry team mate John O’Keeffe assisting with weight training.

Mike McKenna (Lixnaw), Timmy Weir (Abbeydorney) and Mike Slattery (Ballyduff) will assist Limerick man Molyneaux as selectors.