Jack Griffin has stepped up from his role as physical trainer to become manager of the Laois ladies football team ahead of Sunday's Leinster final against Dublin. It follows the news that John Courtney is leaving the country to serve overseas with the Irish army. Griffin's appointment means there has been no upheaval in advance of Laois' biggest game of the season so far, and preparations have been allowed to continue unabated. Team captain Bernie Deegan said of the change in management: "We probably could have done without it coming up to the game, but the players are happy with the arrangement that has been come to and it has all passed off very smoothly." The O'Moore County girls overcame Dublin in last year's Leinster semi-final, but despite that result, Deegan insists that they will be taking nothing for granted this weekend. "Eimear Fitzpatrick had a good day at the office against them last year when she scored a hat-trick, but we expect it to be tight against Dublin this Sunday because they have come on a lot since last year." Tweet

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