Pat Roe is hoping it will be a case of third time lucky when he challenges for the Laois football manager's position.

The Heath clubman was overlooked for the job in 2006 and 2008, but with Kerry legends Mick O'Dwyer and Darragh O Se seemingly out of the reckoning, he is the current favourite to succeed Sean Dempsey in the role.

Roe, who has managed Carlow, Wexford and Offaly in the past and was in charge of the Laois under 21s this year, told the Irish Examiner: "I think anyone who has managed at inter-county level would consider it a huge honour to manage his own county.

"I got great enjoyment and satisfaction from managing Carlow, Wexford and Offaly, but managing your own county is something special. So that is why I allowed my name to be put in the hat.

"I learned a lot during my time with Carlow, Wexford and Offaly, and I'd be able to put that to good use if the county board do decide to give me the job."

The former county star believes Laois have underachieved in recent years.

"I suppose the last four to five years have been somewhat of a disappointment," he said.

"They've certainly been a long way from the heady days of 2003 (when they won their first Leinster title in 57years) and 2004. There are definitely some very fine footballers in the county and perhaps they haven't reached their full potential yet." Tweet

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