Bealin says Hayden is staying put

Carlow senior football manager Paul Bealin has rubbished rumours that the county's footballer of the year, Derek Hayden, is going to join Laois.

"I've spoke with Derek," Bealin said. "There's no truth in the rumour that he is moving. The rumours were rampant. He was supposed to be moving from Éire Óg to a Laois club and also turning his intercounty allegiance to the neighbouring county . . . I'm happy that he will be part of our set-up this year."

However, Carlow continue to lose promising young players, with the Doran brothers, Ambrose and Colm, transferring from the Tinryland club to Graiguecullen and declaring for Laois. The minor stars follow Donie Kingston - who starred for the Laois minor and under-21 sides last year, across the border - while outstanding minor Brendan Murphy from Rathvilly has joined the Sydney Swans.