McNulty confirmed as new Laois manager

Former Armagh All-Ireland winner Justin McNulty has been officially named as the new manager of the Laois senior footballers.

The Mullaghbawn native was ratified by the Laois GAA Executive last night, having been formally proposed for the role by Football Committee Chairman Andrew Broderick.

McNulty, who is succeeding Sean Dempsey, received the full backing of clubs at the monthly meeting of the Laois County Board.

In welcoming the appointment of the outgoing Armagh selector, Laois GAA Chairman Brian Allen said: "I would like to formally welcome Justin on board and wish him the best.

"As supporters and county officials we must give him a chance to embed into the team. No doubt we will reap rewards in the future."

McNulty was full-back on the Armagh team that achieved a historic first All-Ireland title for the Orchard County in 2002.

His managerial CV includes leading Mullahoran to a Cavan club title in 2006 and guiding St. Brigid's to an appearance in the 2007 Dublin SFC decider.

Allen outlined the process of easing McNulty into the Laois set-up.

"The plan starting out is to pick 60 players approximately for what he is calling 'county training sessions'. These won't be development squads," he explained.

"Justin is asking us to get four people to oversee four teams, and over a couple of these games a panel will be finalised.

"One of those in charge of the teams will be chosen as a selector. Justin will bring in one other selector and a back-up coach - obviously a forwards coach, as he was a defender himself."

A similar process of picking a county squad has been deployed in Dublin in the past couple of seasons with North, South, East and West Dublin squads playing a series of trial games around the Christmas period, with a view to finalising a squad of 30 players for senior inter-county action.

Among the people who had been linked with the Laois managerial role were outgoing Laois Under-21 boss and former Offaly and Wexford manager Pat Roe, legendary Galway forward Padraic Joyce and retired Kerry great Darragh O Se.

McNulty's appointment will come as a huge disappointment for Laois native Pat Roe, who was overlooked for the position in both 2006 and 2008.

He allowed his name to go forward for a third time recently, with Mick O'Dwyer and 1997 All-Ireland minor-winning manager Ollie Phelan also nominated to become Dempsey's successor in the position.

Laois will be now hoping that McNulty can mirror the success that his 2002 All-Ireland SFC winning team-mate, Kieran McGeeney, has been having of late with Kildare.

McNulty will get an immediate chance to witness some of the Laois players in action with their clubs this week.

The second round of the Laois Senior Football Championship begins tonight with county champions Portlaoise taking on Crettyard.

It is expected that McNulty will take in some of those games at O'Moore Park this week and be available to meet with club representatives.