Stand-in Laois manager Niall Rigney was proud of the effort shown by his players, despite their heavy All-Ireland hurling qualifier loss to Galway. "It was more than a spirited performance. These lads' heads are in the ground - people are knocking them left, right and centre," he said. "I have asked these lads for a commitment to their county. These lads don't hurl for me, they hurl for Laois. They want to hurl for Laois - for their jersey, family, club and county. "I asked them to give that commitment and they did that twice over. I've made it known how I feel about the players who walked out on Laois and I still feel strongly about it. "Lads need to realise you need to step up to it when your county needs you. They had pride in the jersey, they were well short, but it was not for lack of effort and you can't ask for more." Tweet

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