Kearns confirmed as new Laois manager

Liam Kearns has been announced as the new Laois senior football manager.

Kearns succeed his fellow Kerryman Mick O'Dwyer, who officially stepped down earlier this month, in the role.

The Laois County Board have waded in behind their new man, giving him a three-year term with only three clubs voting against him.

Kearns' inter-county experience with Limerick was key in him netting the job. He helped the Shannonsiders' Under-21s and seniors sides to success in recent seasons.

His biggest achievement, during a six-year stint, was helping Limerick reach two Munster SFC finals against Kerry in 2003 and 2004.

Kearns has family links with Laois - his father Ollie, a former Kerry minor, played at wing forward on the Graiguecullen team that won their last Laois senior football title in 1965. He later married a Laois woman.

Liam, who will confirm his selectors in the coming weeks, also has St. Joseph's goalkeeper Emmett Burke as a first cousin.

Seven candidates were interviewed for the position - Pat Roe, Andy Shortall, Oliver Phelan and Mick Dempsey were amongst those interviewed in the past week.