SEAN DEMPSEY will be installed as the new Laois senior football manager tonight.

 Cliona Foley

Dempsey was a selector with outgoing boss Liam Kearns two years ago but was not part of the senior backroom team last year when he was the county U-21 manager.

He led Laois to a memorable All-Ireland minor title in 2003 and an All-Ireland U-21 final two years ago when they were pipped by Cork. Now he takes charge of a team that includes many of his former underage charges.

Dempsey’s appointment is expected to be ratified by the Laois Executive tonight and then presented to the full meeting of the County Board that immediately follows.

Contrary to speculation, it seems unlikely that Dempsey’s brother Michael will be part of his management team. Michael is also a successful former Laois U-21 football manager but in recent years he has been a key part of the Kilkenny hurlers’ three in-a-row backroom team.

Kerryman Liam Kearns stepped down after two years in charge of Laois. They suffered a defeat at the hands of Wexford this summer before losing out to Down in the qualifiers.

Kearns replaced Mick O’Dwyer as Laois boss in September 2006 after a successful spell in charge of Limerick.

 

-Irish Independent

Filed under: Laois Football