Dublin reject entry of Galway into Leinster championship

NEWS ROUND-UP: DUBLIN COUNTY board last night voted to reject the entry of Galway into the Leinster hurling championship as well as other reforms due before next month's special congress.

The proposal to bring Galway and Antrim into Leinster had been made by the Hurling Development Committee but was voted down by a sizeable margin at last night's meeting. Among the arguments heard were that the move would not be in Dublin's interests (though some delegates appeared unaware that the proposal would not apply to underage championships) and that Galway themselves appeared ambivalent on the issue.

Antrim's proposed admission was, however, welcomed.

Other matters for debate on October 4th are the proposed disciplinary changes that include the dismissal of any player who picks up a yellow card but the permission that he be replaced.

The feeling of delegates was that there are already rules adequately dealing with discipline and these should be enforced.

Finally the revised proposals to counter burn-out, which would see the under-21 championships replaced by an under-20 grade, were also rejected.

Seán Dempsey was officially ratified as manager of the Laois senior football team last night following a full county board meeting.

The St Joseph's native takes over following the resignation of Liam Kearns after the side's defeat to Down in the all-Ireland qualifiers.

The former Laois player led the county to All-Ireland minor success in 2003 with a win over Dublin along with guiding the under-21 team to the All-Ireland final in 2006.

The selectors for the year ahead will include Dermot Murphy (Portarlington) and Eamon Delaney (Stradbally).

Tom Ryan has withdrawn as a candidate for the position of Limerick senior hurling manager and has lifted his threat of a High Court injunction to halt the process.