Laois manager Liam Kearns has stepped down on the back of criticism oh his style of play within the county.
The Tralee native succeeded fellow Kerryman Mick O'Dwyer in 2006 after coaching Limerick for six years.
His Laois side were beaten in the Leinster final by Dublin in his first year in charge but the retirements of Fergal Byron and Chris Conway, a mounting injury list and the lure of Aussie Rules, took their toll on Laois' season.
Kearns managed only two league points this year and after losing to Wexford in the Leinster semi-final before being defeated by Down in the qualifiers, former goalkeeper Byron claimed the county had regressed under Kearns.
Making his announcement on RTE Radio today Kearns said that Aussie Rules poses a huge threat to counties like Laois.
Former Laois star Colm Begley is already playing with the Brisbane Lions and Conor Meredith is on trial with the club. Zach Tuohy is expected to trial for the Carlton Blues, while speculation is rife over the futures of John O Loughlin and Donie Kingston.
Former Laois star Pat Roe and under-21 manager Sean Dempsey are among the favourites to succeed Kearns.