Rigney resigns from Laois post
Niall Rigney has tendered his resignation as manager of the Laois senior hurling team, bringing to an end his three-year involvement with the O'Moore men.
The Portlaoise native began his management term as a selector with Damian Fox for the 2008 campaign, before taking over in mid-season. Fox resigned after Laois were knocked out of the Leinster Championship by Offaly.
Laois secured their Liam MacCarthy Cup status in 2008, with Rigney again keeping the midlanders in the top tier last year, courtesy of a victory over Antrim.
There was also a strong display against Limerick before an eventual three-point defeat ended Laois' Championship run in the qualifiers.
This year Rigney watched his side win the Walsh Cup Shield before claiming five wins in Division 2 of the National League.
But they just fell short of a league final berth - losses to Clare and Wexford counting against them.
A statement from Laois GAA praised Rigney for his contribution as manager.
"Laois GAA would like to acknowledge the huge contribution he has made to Laois hurling over the past two seasons," it read.
"As a player he hurled with a distinct pride and passion in the county jersey and these were attributes he brought to the Laois team during his managerial tenure.
"Further credit to his management is that he had all the best players he required available to hurl with the county, working extremely hard in changing attitudes and developing a specific style of play."
The Laois County Board also acknowledged the good work put in by the rest of Rigney's backroom team.
"The commitment and work of management team, PJ Peacock and Bro. Phil Ryan, is also deserving of thanks for their huge endeavours."
Laois' hurling clubs will meet tomorrow week to review all aspects of Laois hurling, and begin the process of appointing a new manager.
