Rainbow joins Carlow management team

Kildare legend Anthony Rainbow has been given a role in a Carlow senior football management team by Luke Dempsey.

Dempsey was reappointed to the managerial role at a meeting of the Carlow County Board last night, setting up his fourth season at the helm.

He has brought in a new selector in the form of Rainbow, who played with distinction for Kildare over an 18-year span until his retirement last year.

Wayne Middleton, the Barrowsides' physical trainer, is a familiar face to Rainbow from his Suncroft days.

Dempsey said of the new inclusion: "I know Anthony from as far back as 2001 when I managed Leinster and I have great respect for him.

"He is one of the most committed players of the last 20 years and his enthusiasm and determination will be infectious.

"He will be a huge addition and will bring a freshness which probably was needed as I head into my fourth year in charge."

Rainbow worked with the Kildare Under-21 this past season and his defensive skills will be of huge benefit to a Carlow side that shipped 4-12 to Wexford in their Leinster SFC semi-final defeat.

Dempsey's charges will hope to build on a promising 2011 campaign during which they won half their games in Division 4, beat Louth in the Leinster Championship and almost toppled Antrim in the All-Ireland qualifiers.