Tomás Ó Flatharta steps down as Laois senior football manager

Tomás Ó Flatharta has stepped down as Laois senior football manager following the O'Moore County's shock 2-15 to 1-16 defeat to Antrim on Saturday.

Laois’ early championship exit prompted Kerry native Ó Flatharta to bring his two-year spell in charge to an end.

During his two seasons in charge, Ó Flatharta narrowly kept Laois in Division II, guiding them to fifth and sixth place finishes in 2014 and 2015 respectively.

In last year's championship, Laois were beaten by Dublin in the Leinster quarter-final before exiting to Tipperary in Round 3 of the Qualifiers.

Ó Flatharta confirmed his decision in a statement on Tuesday night and took full responsibility for Laois’ disappointing season.

"After much consideration, I have decided to step down from the position of Laois GAA senior football manager," the statement read.

“I have enjoyed immensely my two years with the county and will look back on my time with fondness for the progress that we have made during that time.

“However I will look back on the last few weekends with a huge sense of ‘what might have been’ but ultimately the buck stops with me and I take responsibility for that.

“I would however like to place on record my appreciation for the work of the players over the two seasons and indeed thank my backroom team for their help and support during that time.

“I would also like to acknowledge the support of wives, partners, family, friends and Laois supporters in general during that time.

“Finally I believe that during my tenure I have started to implement structures and to instil values that will take Laois football forward and I wish everyone involved with that journey the very best of luck.”