Laois hurlers have been hit with a mid-championship blow as manager Seamus 'Cheddar' Plunkett has stepped down from his role.

Laois GAA confirmed on Thursday morning that Plunkett was moving on for personal reasons, although rumours are circulating that he had been aggravated by a club versus county dispute.

The team's coach Ger Cunningham will take charge of the side as they prepare for their Leinster championship quarter final against Offaly. That game is in just 10 days.

Despite losing to Antrim in the first of their round-robin group fixtures, Laois regrouped and secured first place with a win over Westmeath last weekend.

The statement thanked Plunkett for his work over the past three years.

“Laois GAA regret to announce Seamus Plunkett has stepped down as Laois Senior Hurling manager citing personal reasons.

“Laois County Board would like to thank Seamus for his contribution to Laois hurling over the last number of years and look forward to working with him again in the near future.

“Ger Cunningham has been appointed as interim manager with immediate effect.”

The Portlaoise club man is a hugely popular figure in the county, and had been at the centre of the county’s improvement in recent seasons.