John Sugrue has stepped down as Laois senior football manager after two years in charge of the O'Moore County.

The Kerry native led the county from Division 4 to Division 2 in the National Football League following back-to-back promotions. He is the ninth inter-county manager to leave their role so far this summer.

In a statement, the County Board said, "Laois GAA Football Manager John Sugrue has announced his decision to step down from his position as Senior Football Manager. Laois GAA wish to state their sincere thanks to John for his hard work, dedication, and professionalism that he brought to this role.

"In his two year term, he managed our Senior Football team to successive promotions from Division 4 to Division 2, progressed to a Leinster Senior Football Final in 2018, whilst also reaching Round 4 of the Qualifier series in his two years involved and he has certainly left the panel in a better position to take the challenge to a new level under a new direction. Laois GAA wish John the very best of luck in whatever role he now chooses."

The only losses in their successful campaign to win promotion from Division 3 earlier this year were to Louth and twice to Westmeath - one coming in the League final. However, the O'Moores went up against the Lake County again in the quarter-final of the Leinster Championship, with John Sugrue's men coming out on top. Meath sent Laois into the qualifiers after beating them in the Leinster semi-final.

In the backdoor system, they enjoyed wins over Derry and near-neighbours Offaly before exiting the Championship at the hands of Cork.

In 2018, he led Laois to their first Leinster final in 11 years - getting to the decider with wins over Wexford, Westmeath, and Carlow in the last-four. However, in the final, the Dubs proved too much and ran out winners by 18 points.