Laois begin search for new football manager

Laois GAA Co Board have began their search for a new senior football manager following a meeting of the O'Moore County's football clubs last night in Portlaoise.

A special meeting of the Laois Football Board reviewed all aspects of inter-county football sides from the Midland county during 2008, with senior, minor and U-21 sides under scrutiny.

An open and frank discussion took place with clubs also nominating their preferred contenders for the senior football management.

Liam Kearns recently vacated the role of Laois senior football manager earlier this month, a fortnight after the team succumbed to a 2-14 to 1-15 defeat to Down in Round 2 of the All-Ireland qualifiers.

Kearns was the second Kerry native to manage Laois in succession after Mick O'Dwyer guided Laois to their first Leinster triumph in 57 years in 2003, and also saw Leinster final appearances in 2004 and 2005.

O'Dwyer is again linked with the vacant position, while fellow Kerryman Jack O'Connor and Cork's Billy Morgan are also said to be interested in the job.

Among the more likely contenders to land the role include former Westmeath and Longford manager Luke Dempsey, and Laois men Pat Roe and U-21 manager Sean Dempsey.