Rigney to stay on as Laois boss

Niall Rigney will continue as manager of the Laois senior hurlers into 2009, it has emerged.

Rigney, from the Portlaoise club, was delighted as his Laois side beat Carlow last Saturday to secure their place in the Liam McCarthy Cup competition for next season.

Rigney took over as caretaker manager in June after Damien Fox's resignation.

With the role now his, he is already planning for next year when hopefully knee injury victims James Young and Matthew Whelan will be back to their best.

"To be honest, nobody would have touched the job if they were offered it six weeks ago but I was only too happy to get it," he said.

"People said that I was mad to do it but not me. I'm very passionate about my county and I was delighted to get the job and to be asked."