All-Ireland winning Minor captain set to take over as Laois U-20 football manager

Laois GAA has provided an update on their searches for new managers for both the U-20 and minor football sides as well as the U-20 hurling team for the 2024 season. The Laois Senior Hurling manager Willie Maher is due to remain in his position alongside selector Eamon Jackman with the remaining backroom team to be revealed at a later date.

Kieran Kelly, who captained Laois to All-Ireland minor glory in 1997, is due to take over the U-20 side. The Ballylinan native will be joined by Portlaoise's Brian 'Bruno' McCormack, Kieran Delaney and Billy Delaney as his selectors/coaches.

Meanwhile, Ger Slevin will take up the Minor Football post alongside Adrian Slevin, Brian O'Sullivan, John Connolly and Mick Lenihan. He'll also have a star-studded coach at his disposal in the form of former Laois Ladies manager Donie Brennan, who claimed All-Ireland Intermediate glory in 2022. Fergal Byron will also be part of the setup as the All-Star winning goalkeeper comes in as a goalkeeper coach.

Damien Carter, who managed the Minor hurlers in 2023, will take up the role of U-20 Hurling manager for the 2024 season. Former Minor Hurling manager Declan Qualter will join Carter as a Selector / Performance / Tactical Coach.

Laois GAA have also said that they're in the process of filling the open positions for the Senior Football and Minor Hurling teams with an update set to be provided in the coming weeks. Further details will be provided after the September County Committee.