Dempsey put in charge of Laois footballers

Sean Dempsey will step up from his U21 managerial role and take charge of the Laois senior footballers next season, it has been confirmed.

Dempsey was officially installed as the new Laois boss at a meeting of the County Board last night. His predecessor Liam Kearns brought his two-year reign with the midlanders to an end last month.

The fact that Dempsey has worked with many of the current Laois players would certainly have helped him in the selection process.

He guided the county's minors to the All-Ireland title in 2003, was a selector for Kearns' first season at the helm and managed the Laois Under-21 side that reached the All-Ireland final last year.

It was also confirmed that the St. Joseph's clubman's brother, Michael Dempsey, will not be part of the new Laois management team, despite speculation to the contrary.

Sean Dempsey will instead have assistance from Dermot Murphy from Portarlington and former Laois player Eamon Delaney of Stradbally.

Meanwhile, last night's meeting rubber-stamped the appointment of Niall Rigney as Laois senior hurling manager for next season.

The Portlaoise clubman assumed the role on an interim basis following Damien Fox's resignation in June.

Rigney's biggest achievement to date was securing Laois' Liam McCarthy Cup status thanks to last month's play-off win over Carlow.

He will have Joe Dollard of Camross and PJ Peacock from St. Lazarian's Abbeyleix, both former team-mates of his with Laois, as his selectors for the 2009 campaign.