Laois manager Mick Lillis has praised the impact Anthony Cunningham has brought to his squad since joining as a coach.
Cunningham led Galway to an All-Ireland Hurling final last year before resigning in November, following player pressure. The Galway native led Roscommon's St. Brigid's and Westmeath's Garrycastle to provincial honours in the All-Ireland Football Club Championships before taking charge of Galway's hurlers.
Cunningham has a successful spell in football when managing Garrycastle and St. Brigid's. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie
"He was with us on a training camp a few weeks ago in Breaffy House and after that, it went from there. He brings a freshness to the whole thing, which is what we wanted. He’s well-motivated, he’s a good guy and has great experience That was the first time I met him. I would have known him from a distance and by reputation but wouldn’t have had any contact previously. He wouldn’t have known me either", Lillis told RTE.
Laois begin their Championship campaign in under a fortnight's time against Wicklow in Portlaoise. Lillis hopes that Cunningham will add a new level to the Laois squad in the coming weeks. "He’s well-motivated, he’s a good guy and has great experience."
After being relegated to Division 3 earlier this year Laois are hoping for a successful run in the Championship. A win over Wicklow will see the team face Dublin in the Leinster quarter-final on June 4th in Kilkenny.
