Mick O¿Dwyer was last night confirmed as the new manager of the Laois football team.
The 66-year-old has agreed a two-year deal with the county and will take charge with immediate effect.
O'Dwyer stepped down from his Kildare post last month and was thought to be considering retirement until the O'Moore County signalled their interest.
Laois has produced some promising underage and minor teams in recent years but have found making the transition to senior level difficult.
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With some fresh talent to work with, the belief in Portlaoise is that O'Dwyer, a Kerry management legend, can guide his new charges to a first Leinster title since 1946.