Kilkenny native Brendan Fennelly is on the verge of becoming Laois' new hurling manager.

Fennelly, who is a member of the famous Ballyhale hurling dynasty, is expected to meet with Laois officials ahead of next Monday's county board meeting with a view to taking over the reins from Niall Rigney. Rigney stood down in the wake of Laois' All-Ireland qualifier exit at the hands of Carlow three months ago.

Fennelly has extensive management experience and was in charge of Carlow before assisting Waterford club De La Salle to county and provincial titles in 2009. He also had a spell in charge of Dunnamaggin and is currently managing Carrickshock.

Brendan was one of seven Fennelly brothers - the others being Michael, Ger, Kevin, Liam, Sean and Dermot - who backboned the great Ballyhale Shamrocks team of the 1970s and 1980s.

Laois were said to be interested in Tommy Dunne, the former Tipperary All-Ireland winning captain and current under 21 coach, to replace Rigney, but have since switched their attentions to Fennelly. Tweet

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