The Laois GAA chair reviews an inconsistent season in both codes
PJ Kelly is reflecting on what's been a challenging year for Laois GAA.
The Senior footballers head in to 2024 under new management after Billy Sheehan stood down from the role following a harrowing defeat to Down in the Tailteann Cup semi-final.
Prior to that green shoots did appear to emerge following away wins against Limerick and Fermanagh, and a strong performance against neighbours Offaly.
However Justin McNulty will start the year with the county in Division Four of the National Football League.
In hurling, after an annual struggle to remain in Division One of the league, Laois finally succumbed to relegation under new manager Willie Maher.
The Tipperary man has a glittering cv managing at club level and will be hoping to see a substantial improvement on results achieved in 2023.
Promotion from Division Two and a Joe McDonagh Cup final and victory are obvious targets.
Kelly believes good work is going on through the age grades, and says the amalgamation of the GAA, Camogie, and LGFA will be a difficult task.
He says he awaits former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese's report in the new year eagerly.
To look back on a rollercoaster year, the Laois chair joined Midlands 103 Sports Editor David Hollywood:
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Westmeath Secure Leinster Minor Football Quarter Final
CCFL: Two Draws In Senior Division
Potential Hometown Fight On The Cards For Joe Ward
Ava O'Connor Breaks Personal Steeplechase Record
Laois Fixture In Two Weeks A "Massive Game" - Kevin O'Brien
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Athlone Town Secure Vital Win In Women's Premier Division
Laois And Westmeath To Clash In Leinster Camogie Decider
Leinster SHC: Offaly Suffer First Defeat Away To Galway
Draw Made For First Round Of Tailteann Cup
Offaly Soccer Club Opens Doors To All With Football For All Initiative