After several years of progress, 2024 has seen the Laois Ladies return to the turbulent times that have blighted them in the past.
2023 saw them reach the Division 2 league final, losing out to Armagh, but the championship was difficult and Laois ended up in a relegation playoff where they defeated Cavan.
But this year has been difficult. Laois were relegated from Division 2 without winning a match.
And in the time since that, their joint management team of Billy Kiernan and Tom Devereux have stepped down.
But Ballyfin man Stephen Duff has stepped up and will attempt to steady the ship for the remainder of the year.
Speaking on the Talking Sport Podcast, he acknowledges it will be a difficult task in the short-term.
Laois begin their Leinster campaign away to Meath on Sunday and with games against Dublin and Kildare to come, it won’t get any easier.
But in a wide ranging chat, manager Duff is insistent that the narrative must change if the county is to progress.
While recognising that the seniors are the flagship team, Duff says it is incumbent on everyone involved in the Ladies game to put their shoulder to the wheel.
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