# Portlaoise GAA > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Portlaoise_GAA > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Portlaoise_GAA.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portlaoise_GAA > Source revision: 1274840240 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|Gaelic games club in County Laois, Ireland}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}} {{Use Hiberno-English|date=December 2020}} {{COI|date=May 2024}} {{Infobox GAA club | club gaa = Portlaoise GAA | irish = CLG Portlaoise | crest = Portlaoise_GAA_Club_crest%2C_Portlaoise_GAA_Club_Crest.svg | founded = 1887 | province = Leinster | county = Laois | nickname = ''The Town, The Magpies'' | colours = White and green | grounds = Páirc Uí Fhaoláin and Rathleague | coordinates = {{coord|53|01|30|N|7|15|49|W|display=it|region:IE_type:landmark}} | pattern_la = | pattern_b = _greenhorizontal | pattern_ra = | leftarm = _greenhorizontal | body = FFFFFF | rightarm = _greenhorizontal | shorts = FFFFFF | socks = 009E60 | f1 = 1 | f2 = 7 | f3 = 35 | h3 = 11 | l3 = 3| }} '''Portlaoise GAA''' is a [Gaelic Athletic Association](/source/Gaelic_Athletic_Association) (GAA) affiliated [hurling](/source/hurling), [Gaelic football](/source/Gaelic_football) and [camogie](/source/camogie) club based in [Portlaoise](/source/Portlaoise), the [county town](/source/county_town) of [Laois](/source/County_Laois) in Ireland. Founded in 1887, the club has won several [Laois Senior Football](/source/Laois_Senior_Football_Championship), [Laois Senior Hurling](/source/Laois_Senior_Hurling_Championship) and [Laois Ladies' Senior Football Club Championship](/source/Laois_Ladies'_Senior_Football_Club_Championship)s. The club won the 1982-93 [All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship](/source/All-Ireland_Senior_Club_Football_Championship). The club has its grounds at Rathleague [townland](/source/townland), to the southeast of Portlaoise town. ==History== ===Founding=== Portlaoise GAA club was founded in the early years of the Gaelic Athletic Association.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gaa.ie/the-gaa/oral-history/members-portlaoise-gaa-club|title=GAA.ie - Oral History - Members of Portlaoise GAA Club |website=gaa.ie | quote = the founding of Portlaoise GAA Club [occurred] in 1887. One of the earliest GAA clubs }} The inaugural meeting of the club took place in [Portlaoise](/source/Portlaoise)'s town hall on Monday 28 November 1887. It was a public meeting called by placard and there was a big attendance. Amongst those present were Dr. Higgins, coroner for the Queen's County (Laois), who presided, N. Walsh, C.T.C., P.A. Meehan, T.C., C. McDermott, T.C., P. Kelly, T.C., T. Lawlor T.C., C.E. Corcoran, solicitor, Mark Walsh, J. Moore, P.J. Hegarty, R.P. Fennell, P. Fitzpatrick, M. Brophy and J.T. Delaney.{{sfn|125 Years Laois GAA Club and County History|2009}} Dr Higgins said that the object was to form a branch of the GAA in the town of Maryboro (Portlaoise), an object worthy of the town's support. He said that "It is a very desirable movement" and that "Nearly every town in Ireland of the size and importance of Maryborough had formed a branch of the Association and it was certainly time for Maryborough to follow suit".{{sfn|125 Years Laois GAA Club and County History|2009}} Meehan proposed the first resolution: "that a branch of the Gaelic Athletic Association be hereby established in the town and that it be called the William O'Brien Branch". Kelly seconded the motion. Higgins was proposed as president and Corcoran as vice-president. Corcoran said that "they all knew that Mr O'Brien was a friend of the oppressed tenantry in Ireland and had, or ought to have the sympathy of every Irishman". (William O'Brien was incarcerated in Tullamore Jail at the time).{{sfn|125 Years Laois GAA Club and County History|2009}} Kelly proposed that R.P. Fennell be secretary and that J. Moore be treasurer and Mr J. Higgins, clothier, seconded.{{sfn|125 Years Laois GAA Club and County History|2009}} ====Clerical influence==== Early Portlaoise GAA history is dominated by two clerics. In the early decades of the 20th century, the local curate, Fr J. J. Kearney popularised hurling and football amongst the town's youth.{{cite web |title=How Leix Won the All-Ireland Hurling Championship of 1915 |url=https://www.rte.ie/centuryireland/articles/how-leix-won-the-all-ireland-hurling-championship-of-1915 |website=RTE |access-date=6 January 2025}} Fr Kearney went on to become county chairman and oversaw the purchase of a ground for the county in 1919. This field, later named O'Moore Park, was developed into a provincial stadium in the decades that followed. On the playing fields, Fr Kearney was behind the county's only All-Ireland senior hurling success in 1915. In the 1920s, a young hurler called Matt Walsh helped the club win its first senior hurling title in 1928. He became Fr Matt Walsh and retained remained involved with the sport even though he spent most of his life on [religious missions](/source/Christian_mission) in Nigeria. On a trip home in 1960, he trained the senior hurling team that was pipped by a point by Borris-in-Ossory in the county final. Fr Walsh remained as president of the club until his death in the 1990s.{{sfn|Fennelly|Delaney|2016|p=508}} Several members of the [Congregation of Christian Brothers](/source/Congregation_of_Christian_Brothers) were also involved in the promotion of Gaelic Games in the town.{{sfn|Fennelly|Delaney|2016|p=185}} ===First Leinster title=== On 13 October 1889, Maryborough won the Leinster semi-final and final on the same day. This happened in [Inchicore](/source/Inchicore) when the [Laois](/source/Laois) representatives defeated [Bray Emmets GAA](/source/Bray_Emmets_GAA) and then accounted for Louth champions, [Newtown Blues](/source/Newtown_Blues) in the final.{{sfn|125 Years Laois GAA Club and County History|2009}} The county champions in those days picked the county team. Maryborough had beaten [Wolfhill](/source/Wolfhill) in the county final and had co-opted a number of players from [Wolfhill](/source/Wolfhill) and some other clubs for their same day double-header in [Inchicore](/source/Inchicore). The [All-Ireland](/source/All-Ireland) final was fixed for the following Sunday and the Laois and [Leinster](/source/Leinster) champions were unable to muster the same line-out because of the restricted travel services of the period. They were defeated by the Tipperary champions, Bohercrowe, before a large crowd.{{sfn|125 Years Laois GAA Club and County History|2009}} ===Modern era=== The next time Portlaoise won a Leinster title was in the 1971/72 season. In the Leinster final against [Athlone](/source/Athlone_GAA), Portlaoise found themselves eleven points adrift with only twenty minutes remaining. But, in a significant come-back, the Laois champions defeated their opponents to capture the provincial title. Two late points saw them beaten by [Derry GAA](/source/Derry_GAA) champions, [Bellaghy](/source/Bellaghy_GAC), by a single point in the All-Ireland semi-final on a 1–11 to 1-10 scoreline. [Bellaghy](/source/Bellaghy_GAC) went on to win the title.{{sfn|125 Years Laois GAA Club and County History|2009}} ====All-Ireland success==== Portlaoise's "greatest hour" arrived in 1983 when as county champions of 1982, they won out in Leinster, defeated [St Finbarr's](/source/St_Finbarr's_National_Hurling_%26_Football_Club) of [Cork](/source/Cork_GAA) in the All-Ireland semi-final and won the All-Ireland final by 0–12 to 2–0 against [Clann na nGael](/source/Clann_na_nGael_GAA_(Roscommon)) ([Roscommon](/source/Roscommon_GAA)).{{sfn|125 Years Laois GAA Club and County History|2009}} The club was also selected as "Leinster Club of the Year" on several occasions in the 1980s.{{sfn|125 Years Laois GAA Club and County History|2009}} ====Men's Senior football success==== Portlaoise, by winning its 35th county football title in 2019, moved to top of the honours list in Laois. With seven provincial crowns, the club are also on top in Leinster. The club have been runners up on 10 occasions (twice as Mayborough).{{sfn|125 Years Laois GAA Club and County History|2009}} There was a 57-year gap between titles four and five, the former was won in 1907 and the latter in 1964. From 1964 on the club has won the senior football title almost every second year since then.{{sfn|125 Years Laois GAA Club and County History|2009}} ====Senior hurling==== The senior hurlers won nine titles in the quarter of a century from 1981 to add to the two earlier ones won in 1928 and 1943.{{cite web|url = https://laoisgaa.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/laois-bible-2.pdf | website = laoisgaa.ie | title = The Complete Laois GAA Records Bible 1888-2019 Updated }} The record of the hurlers is headlined by two appearances in Leinster club finals in the 1980s and 1990s and a four-in-a-row of county title wins from 1981 to 1984. John Joe Ging captained all four-in-a-row wins and all finals were won at different venues. ====Ladies' football==== The ladies' club was originally formed in 1985 after a meeting and approximately 50 members joined in the first year. Two teams were entered into the championship.{{sfn|Fennelly|Delaney|2016|p=204}} October 1987 saw the ladies' junior footballers win their first title against Mountrath under the guidance of Kevin Farrell. They became the first ladies team to win any title representing Portlaoise GAA Club. In 1989, having won the title once again, beating rivals Ballypickas in the final, the ladies were promoted to senior ranks but failed to make the final stages of the championship.{{sfn|Fennelly|Delaney|2016|p=204}} The following year, having gone back to junior ranks the ladies were beaten in the semi-final of the championship but in 1991 the club won its third title defeating Crettyard 2–5 to 1–5. The ladies' club then disbanded for a couple of years and in 1992 Frank Keenan senior club secretary approached Brendan Fitzpatrick with the view of setting the club up again.{{sfn|Fennelly|Delaney|2016|p=205}} The club again disbanded and re-emerged in 2000 as a juvenile club. Originally starting out at U-14 level, by 2002 the club was entering teams at U-12, U-14 and at U-16 levels.{{sfn|Fennelly|Delaney|2016|p=205}} In 2007, Portlaoise ladies played at senior level for the first time since reforming.{{sfn|Fennelly|Delaney|2016|p=206}} They competed in their first [Laois Ladies' Senior Football Club Championship](/source/Laois_Ladies'_Senior_Football_Club_Championship) final in 2016 before being beaten by Sarsfields. It was the same result when they again played Sarsfields in the 2017 and 2018 final. Portlaoise were to win their first [Laois Ladies' Senior Football Club Championship](/source/Laois_Ladies'_Senior_Football_Club_Championship) title in 2020 when they defeated reigning champions Sarsfields who were going for nine-in-a-row on a scoreline of 1–12 to 0–12. Portlaoise ladies have gone on to win two more [Laois Ladies' Senior Football Club Championship](/source/Laois_Ladies'_Senior_Football_Club_Championship) finals, beating St. Conleth's 0-12 to 2-05 in the 2022 final{{Cite web|url=https://www.laoistoday.ie/2022/09/24/first-half-goals-crucial-as-portlaoise-dethrone-st-conleths-to-claim-second-ever-ladies-title/|title=First half goals crucial as Portlaoise dethrone St Conleth's to claim second ever Ladies title|first=Alan|last=Hartnett|date=24 September 2022|website=Laois Today}} and beating them again in the 2023 final 1-6 to 0-7.{{Cite web|url=https://www.laoistoday.ie/2023/10/07/laois-ladies-sfc-portlaoise-hold-out-to-claim-third-title-in-four-years/|title=Laois Ladies SFC: Portlaoise hold out to claim third title in four years|first=Steven|last=Miller|date=7 October 2023|website=Laois Today}} ====Camogie==== Portlaoise began running the [camogie](/source/camogie) wing of the club in 2007 and in 2019 the club competed at the adult level for the first time when they played in the Junior ranks of the Laois Camogie Championship. They made it to the final that year where they came against [Camross](/source/Camross) and lost out on a scoreline of 5–2 to 3–5.{{cite news |url=https://laois-nationalist.ie/2019/09/25/eight-goal-thriller-as-camross-win-first-junior-camogie-crown/ |title=Eight-goal thriller as Camross win first junior camogie crown |accessdate=15 October 2021 |work=[Laois Nationalist](/source/Laois_Nationalist) |date= 24 September 2019}} Portlaoise won their first adult level trophy defeating O'Moore's on a scoreline of 3–12 to 1–04 to win the 2020 Laois Junior Camogie Championship. This game was the delayed replay of the 2020 final played on 19 September 2021 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Portlaoise backed this win up with their successful defence of the trophy in 2021 defeating Camross Camogie 1–15 to 2–05 in O'Moore Park on 20 November 2021.{{cite web |title=Stunning first quarter blitz sees Portloaise claim Junior Camogie title |url=https://www.laoistoday.ie/2021/11/20/stunning-first-quarter-blitz-sees-portloaise-claim-junior-camogie-title/ |website=Laois Today |date=20 November 2021 |access-date=25 November 2021}} In 2024 the Portlaoise camogie team won the Laois Junior Camogie Championship for the 3rd time beating Camross 1-15 to 2-05.{{cite web |title=Delaney leads the way as Portlaoise crowned Junior Camogie champions |url=https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/gaa/1634536/delaney-leads-the-way-as-portlaoise-crowned-junior-camogie-champions.html |website=Leinster Express |date=19 October 2024 |access-date=6 January 2025}} ====Youth system==== The club's youth development system has been a core part of the club since its reformation in 1949.{{fact|date=January 2025}} In 1953, the club merged with two other local teams, The Rovers{{sfn|Fennelly|Delaney|2016|p=322}} and Kilminchy,{{sfn|Fennelly|Delaney|2016|p=321}} forming a unified organisation.{{fact|date=January 2025}} The club has won several county titles and wins have also been registered in several national competitions including the Féile na nGael and Féile Peil na nÓg.{{sfn|125 Years Laois GAA Club and County History|2009}} ====Chairperson==== Among the long-serving chairpersons, since the 1950s, were Joe Bracken Sr. and Peadar Molloy. Long-serving secretaries included Jim Loughlin, Jimmy Cotter and Bill Phelan, while Dick Sides was treasurer for nearly thirty years.{{sfn|Fennelly|Delaney|2016|p=16}} As of 2025, Portlaoise have "split" the role of chairperson into a joint position shared by Eamon Fennelly and Dermot Costelloe.{{cite web|url = https://portlaoisegaa.ie/club-committee/ | website = portlaoisegaa.ie | title = 2025 Club Elected Officers | accessdate = 8 January 2025 | quote = Joint Chairperson / Cathaoirleach [..] Eamon Fennelly and Dermot Costelloe }} ==Club grounds== ===Páirc Uí Fhaoláin=== It was not until the late 1970s that Portlaoise again had its own playing fields, on land adjacent to [O'Moore Park](/source/O'Moore_Park) on Father Brown Avenue, purchased from Laois County Board which helped fund a major development at the county grounds in the 1980s. The club centre was named after a former club player, Paschal Delaney, while the grounds were named after one of the club's former officials, Bill Phelan. Phelan was club secretary for many years and also county chairman. The committee room was named after another long-serving secretary, Jimmy Cotter.{{sfn|125 Years Laois GAA Club and County History|2009}} ===Rathleague=== With the growth of the number of teams and training demands for girls as well as boys, the grounds next to O'Moore Park, with only two full-size pitches, was proving too cramped for a growing urban club with over twenty teams including adult, juvenile and ladies football. At a special AGM it was decided to relocate to a 38-acre site at Rathleague and this is where the club now calls home.{{Cite web|url=https://portlaoisegaa.ie/resources/|title = Resources - Portlaoise GAA}} The club began development of Rathleague in 2009 which was completed in 2011. The pitch in Rathleague, near Bloomfield Cross, contains many pitches, juvenile and senior, including an all-weather senior pitch.{{fact|date=January 2025}} ==Roll of honour== ===Men's football titles=== ====Senior==== *'''[All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship](/source/All-Ireland_Senior_Club_Football_Championship)''' (1): 1982-83 *'''[Leinster Senior Club Football Championship](/source/Leinster_Senior_Club_Football_Championship)''' (7): 1971, 1976, 1982, 1985, 1987, 2004, 2009 *'''[Laois Senior Football Championship](/source/Laois_Senior_Football_Championship)''' (35): 1889, 1897, 1906, 1907, 1964, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1970, 1971, 1976, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, [2017](/source/2017_Laois_Senior_Football_Championship), 2018, 2019 ====Intermediate==== *'''[Laois Intermediate Football Championship](/source/Laois_Intermediate_Football_Championship)''' (5): 1939, 1956, 1972, 1975,{{cite web|url=https://portlaoisegaa.ie/on-this-day/1975-laois-intermediate-football-final/|title=1975 – Laois Intermediate Football Final|date=2 November 2022|accessdate=10 November 2022}} 1982 ====U-21==== *'''Laois U-21 Football Championship''' (18): 1965, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2013 ====Junior==== *'''[Laois Junior A Football Championship](/source/Laois_Junior_A_Football_Championship)''' (11): 1965, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2013; *'''[Laois Junior B Football Championship](/source/Laois_Junior_B_Football_Championship)''' (2): 2002, 2010; *'''[Laois Junior C Football Championship](/source/Laois_Junior_C_Football_Championship)''' (3): 2003, 2008, 2009 ====Minor==== *'''Laois Minor Football Championship''' (27): 1940, 1941, 1951, 1954, 1956, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1984, 1993, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2024;{{cite news |url=https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/gaa/1629104/goal-hungry-portlaoise-secure-first-minor-football-title-since-2012-with-victory-over-portarlington.html |title=Goal-hungry Portlaoise secure first Minor Football title since 2012 with victory over Portarlington |accessdate=6 January 2025 |work=[Leinster Express](/source/Leinster_Express) |date= 13 October 2024}} *'''Laois Minor 'A' Football League''' (1): 2019; ===Hurling titles=== ====Senior==== *'''[Laois Senior Hurling Championship](/source/Laois_Senior_Hurling_Championship)''' (11): 1928, 1943, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1998, 2004 *'''[ACHL Div 1](/source/Laois_All-County_Hurling_League)''' (3): 1986, 1995, 1996 ====Intermediate==== *'''Laois Intermediate Hurling Championship''' (2): 1935, 1942 ==== U-21 ==== *'''Laois U-21 Hurling Championship''' (5): 1978, 1981, 1988, 2000, 2015 ====Junior==== *'''[Laois Junior A Hurling Championship](/source/Laois_Junior_A_Hurling_Championship)''' (4): 1965, 1987, 1993, 2013 *'''[Laois Junior C Hurling Championship](/source/Laois_Junior_C_Hurling_Championship)''' (1): 2018 ====Minor==== *'''Laois Minor Hurling Championship''' (21): 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1955, 1956, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1972, 1984, 1985, 1989, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2001 ===Ladies' football titles=== ====Senior==== *'''[Laois Ladies' Senior Football Club Championship](/source/Laois_Ladies'_Senior_Football_Club_Championship)''' (3): 2020, 2022, 2023 *'''[Laois Ladies' Senior Football Club Championship](/source/Laois_Ladies'_Senior_Football_Club_Championship) B''' (1): 2014 ====Intermediate==== *'''Laois Minor Championship''' (1): 2006 ====Junior==== *'''Laois Junior Championship''' (4): 1987, 1988, 1992, 2005 ====Minor==== *'''Laois Minor Championship''' (3): 2007, 2008, 2017 ===Camogie titles=== ====Junior==== *'''Laois Camogie Junior 'A' Championship''' (3): 2020, 2021, 2024{{cite web |title=Laois Junior Camogie: Portlaoise claim Junior crown with comprehensive win over St Lazarian’s|url=https://www.laoistoday.ie/2024/10/19/laois-junior-camogie-portlaoise-claim-junior-crown-with-comprehensive-win-over-st-lazarians/ |website=Laois Today |date=19 October 2024 |access-date=8 January 2025}} *'''Laois Camogie Junior 'B' Championship''' (1): 1995 ====Minor==== *'''Laois Camogie Minor 'B' Championship''' (1): 2023 ==Laois Men's Senior Club Football Championships== {|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Year ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Winner ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Score ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Opponent ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Score |- | 2019{{cite web |url=http://www.hoganstand.com/Article/Index/304848|title=Laois SFC final: Portlaoise end Killeshin fairytale|access-date=15 October 2019 |work=[Hogan Stand](/source/Hogan_Stand) |date=13 October 2019}} | 20px|border Portlaoise | 0-14 | 20px|border [Killeshin](/source/Killeshin_GAA) | 2-07 |- | 2018{{cite web |url=https://www.laoistoday.ie/2018/10/14/maher-goals-crucial-as-portlaoise-claim-laois-football-honours-for-34th-time/|title=Maher goals crucial as Portlaoise claim Laois football honours for 34th time|access-date=15 October 2021 |work=Laois Today |date=14 October 2018}} | 20px|border Portlaoise | 2-16 | 20px|border [O'Dempseys](/source/O'Dempseys_GAA) | 1-13 |- | [2017](/source/2017_Laois_Senior_Football_Championship){{cite news |url=http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=276950 |title=Laois SFC final: Normal service restored as Portlaoise prevail by 12 points |access-date=18 October 2017 |work=[Hogan Stand](/source/Hogan_Stand) |date= 15 October 2017}} | 20px|border Portlaoise | 3-13 | 20px|border [Ballylinan](/source/Ballylinan_GAA) | 0-10 |- | [2015](/source/2015_Laois_Senior_Football_Championship){{cite web |url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/lastgasp-lawlor-pegs-back-portlaoise-in-seesaw-thriller-34120376.html|title=Last-gasp Lawlor pegs back Portlaoise in see-saw thriller |access-date=21 October 2015 |work=[Irish Independent](/source/Irish_Independent) |date=19 October 2015}} | 20px|border Portlaoise | 0–15, 2-13 (R) | 20px|border [Emo](/source/Emo_GAA) | 2-09, 0-07 (R) |- | 2014{{cite web |url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/eight-in-a-row-for-portlaoise-292148.html|title=Eight in-a-row for Portlaoise |access-date=20 October 2014 |work=[Irish Examiner](/source/Irish_Examiner) |date=20 October 2014}} | 20px|border Portlaoise | 2-14 | 20px|border [Arles-Killeen](/source/Arles-Killeen) | 0-09 |- | 2013{{cite web|url = http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/laois-sfc-final-fitzpatrick-puts-portlaoise-in-seventh-heaven-29676282.html|title= Fitzpatrick puts Portlaoise in seventh heaven|date=21 October 2013|work=Irish Independent|access-date=22 October 2013}} | 20px|border Portlaoise | 2-08 | 20px|border [Arles-Killeen](/source/Arles-Killeen) | 1-08 |- | 2012{{cite news |url=http://www.hoganstand.com/Laois/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=179605 |title=Laois SFC final: six-in-a-row for Portlaoise |access-date=22 October 2012 |work=[Hogan Stand](/source/Hogan_Stand) |date= 22 October 2012}} | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-13 | 20px|border [Arles-Kilcruise](/source/Arles-Kilcruise) | 0-09 |- | 2011 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-12 | 20px|border [Graiguecullen](/source/Graiguecullen_GAA) | 1-06 |- | 2010 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-08 | 20px|border [Arles-Kilcruise](/source/Arles-Kilcruise) | 0-08 |- | 2009 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-09 | 20px|border [Arles-Kilcruise](/source/Arles-Kilcruise) | 0-07 |- | 2008 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 2-14 | 20px|border [Timahoe](/source/Timahoe_GAA) | 1-07 |- | 2007 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-14 | 20px|border [Stradbally](/source/Stradbally_GAA_(Laois)) | 0-07 |- | 2004 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 0-15 | 20px|border [Emo](/source/Emo_GAA) | 0-06 |- | 2002 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 2-11 | 20px|border [St Joseph's](/source/St_Joseph's_GAA_(Laois)) | 1-06 |- | 1999 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-13 | 20px|border [St Joseph's](/source/St_Joseph's_GAA_(Laois)) | 1-11 |- | 1991 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 0-07 | 20px|border [Portarlington](/source/Portarlington_GAA) | 0-05 |- | 1990 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-09 | 20px|border [Ballyroan](/source/Ballyroan_GAA) | 0-08 |- | 1987 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 3-16 | 20px|border [Ballylinan](/source/Ballylinan_GAA) | 0-05 |- | 1986 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 2-09 | 20px|border [Emo](/source/Emo_GAA) | 1-07 |- | 1985 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-06 | 20px|border [Ballyroan](/source/Ballyroan_GAA) | 0-07 |- | 1984 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 0-09, 2-08 (R) | 20px|border [Ballyroan](/source/Ballyroan_GAA) | 1-06, 1-05 (R) |- | 1982 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-13 | 20px|border [Annanough](/source/Annanough_GAA) | 0-04 |- | 1981 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 0-12 | 20px|border [Graiguecullen](/source/Graiguecullen_GAA) | 2-05 |- | 1979 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-10 | 20px|border [St Joseph's](/source/St_Joseph's_GAA_(Laois)) | 1-09 |- | 1976 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 0-09, 2-10 (R) | 20px|border [Graiguecullen](/source/Graiguecullen_GAA) | 1-06, 0-10 (R) |- | 1971 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-07 | 20px|border [The Heath](/source/The_Heath_GAA) | 0-07 |- | 1970 {{cite web |url=https://www.laoistoday.ie/2021/09/26/county-final-memory-portlaoise-hold-off-rising-st-josephs-in-1970-2/|title=County Final Memory: Portlaoise hold off rising St Joseph's in 1970|access-date=15 October 2021 |work=Laois Today |date=25 September 2021}} | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-07 | 20px|border [St Joseph's](/source/St_Joseph's_GAA_(Laois)) | 0-09 |- | 1968 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-10 | 20px|border [Timahoe](/source/Timahoe_GAA) | 1-05 |- | 1967 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 4-09 | 20px|border [Emo](/source/Emo_GAA) | 1-07 |- | 1966 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 0-07, 2-08 (R) | 20px|border [O'Dempsey's](/source/O'Dempseys_GAA) | 0-07, 1-04 (R) |- | 1964 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-05 | 20px|border [Graiguecullen](/source/Graiguecullen_GAA) | 0-07 |- | 1907 | 20px|border Maryborough | ?? | 20px|border [Rathdowney](/source/Rathdowney_GAA) | ?? |- | 1906Portlaoise played in "bright red" in the game. Replay report: Nationalist and Leinster Times 1883-current, Saturday, 22 December 1906; Page: 5 | 20px|border Maryborough | 0–8, 0-4 (R) (obj) | 20px|border [Raheenabrogue](/source/Raheenabrogue_GAA) | 0–8, 1-3 (R) |- | 1897 | 20px|border Maryborough | w/o | 20px|border Wolfhill | scr |- | 1889 | 20px|border Maryborough | 0-03 | 20px|border Wolfhill | 0-02 |} Note: The 1889, 1897, 1906 and 1907 titles were won under the name Maryborough. In October 1920, the Town Commission passed a resolution that Maryborough be renamed Portlaoise.{{Cite web|url=https://laoisheritagesociety.ie/portlaoise-forty-historical-facts/|title=Portlaoise: Forty Historical Facts|date=13 May 2019}} ===All Ireland Men's Senior Club Football=== {|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Year ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Winner ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Score ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Opponent ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Score ! style="background:#069;color:white" | County |- | 1982–83 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 0-12 | [Clann na nGael](/source/Clann_na_nGael_GAA_(Roscommon)) | 2-00 | [Roscommon](/source/Roscommon_GAA) |} ;All-Ireland Men's Senior Club Football - runners-up {|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Year ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Winner/Opponent ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Score ! style="background:#069;color:white" | County ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Portlaoise ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Score ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Referee |- | 2004–05{{cite news |url=http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=43680|title=Ballina best in dogged decider |access-date=9 July 2014 |work=[Hogan Stand](/source/Hogan_Stand) |date= 17 March 2005}} | [Ballina Stephenites](/source/Ballina_Stephenites_GAA) | 1-12 | [Mayo](/source/Mayo_GAA) | 20px|border Portlaoise | 2-08 | [Brian Crowe](/source/Brian_Crowe_(referee)) ([Cavan](/source/Cavan_GAA)) |- |} ===Leinster Men's Senior Club Football=== {|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Year ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Winner ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Score ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Opponent ! style="background:#069;color:white" | County ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Score |- | 2009 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-09 | [Garrycastle](/source/Garrycastle_GAA) | [Westmeath](/source/Westmeath_GAA) | 1-05 |- | 2004 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-11 | [Skryne](/source/Skryne_GFC) | [Meath](/source/Meath_GAA) | 2-04 |- | 1987 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-08, 1-07 (R) | [Parnells](/source/Parnells_GAA) | [Dublin](/source/Dublin_GAA) | 1-08, 1-05 (R) |- | 1985 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-08, 2-08 (R) | [Baltinglass](/source/Baltinglass_GAA) | [Wicklow](/source/Wicklow_GAA) | 1-08, 1-09 (R) |- | 1982 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-08 | [Ballymun Kickhams](/source/Ballymun_Kickhams_GAA) | [Dublin](/source/Dublin_GAA) | 0-07 |- | 1976 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-12 | [Cooley Kickhams](/source/Cooley_Kickhams) | [Louth](/source/Louth_GAA) | 0-08 |- | 1971 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 2-11 | [Athlone](/source/Athlone_GAA) | [Westmeath](/source/Westmeath_GAA) | 2-09 |} ;Leinster Men's Senior Club Football - runners-up {|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Year ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Winner/Opponent ! style="background:#069;color:white" | County ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Score ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Portlaoise ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Score |- | 2015{{cite web |url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/christmas-comes-early-for-battling-ballyboden-st-endas-370094.html|title=Christmas comes early for battling Ballyboden St Enda's |access-date=7 December 2015 |work=[Irish Examiner](/source/Irish_Examiner) |date=7 December 2015}} | [Ballyboden St Enda's](/source/Ballyboden_St_Enda's_GAA) | [Dublin](/source/Dublin_GAA) | 2-09 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-11 |- | 2013{{cite news |url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/heffo-inspiration-as-battling-saints-hit-the-summit-252098.html |title=Heffo inspiration as battling Saints hit the summit |access-date=9 December 2013 |work=[Irish Examiner](/source/Irish_Examiner) |date= 9 December 2013}} | [St. Vincent's](/source/St_Vincents_GAA) | [Dublin](/source/Dublin_GAA) | 3-12 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 3-09 |- | 2012{{cite news |url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/ballymun-break-new-ground-and-cup-216468.html |title=Ballymun break new ground — and cup |access-date=10 December 2012 |work=[Irish Examiner](/source/Irish_Examiner) |date= 10 December 2012}} | [Ballymun Kickhams](/source/Ballymun_Kickhams_GAA) | [Dublin](/source/Dublin_GAA) | 0-11 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 0-08 |- | 1986 | [Ferbane](/source/Ferbane_GAA) | [Offaly](/source/Offaly_GAA) | 3-05 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-10 |- | 1981 | [Raheens](/source/Raheens_GAA) | [Kildare](/source/Kildare_GAA) | 1-07 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 0-06 |- | 1979 | [Walsh Island](/source/Walsh_Island_GAA) | [Offaly](/source/Offaly_GAA) | 3-02 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-06 |} == Senior hurling == {|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Year ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Winner ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Score ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Opponent ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Score |- |- | [https://www.laoistoday.ie/2019/08/01/remember-the-game-portlaoise-crowned-shc-champions-after-defeating-castletown-in-2004/ 2004] | 20px|border Portlaoise | 2-08 | 20px|border [Castletown](/source/Castletown_GAA) | 0-07 |- | [https://www.laoistoday.ie/2018/11/15/looking-back-on-the-mighty-portlaoise-team-of-1998/ 1998] | 20px|border Portlaoise | 0-13 | 20px|border [Harps](/source/Harps_GAA) | 0-11 |- | 1991 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-14 | 20px|border [Clonad](/source/Clonad_GAA) | 0-07 |- | 1989 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-09, 0-12 (R) | 20px|border [Camross](/source/Camross_GAA) | 2-06, 1-04 (R) |- | 1987 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 2-13 | 20px|border [Clonad](/source/Clonad_GAA) | 1-05 |- | 1984 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-08, 2-14 (R) | 20px|border [Harps](/source/Harps_GAA) | 2-05, 1-07 (R) |- | 1983 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 3-10 | 20px|border [Camross](/source/Camross_GAA) | 3-05 |- | 1982 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 2-12 | 20px|border [Errill](/source/Errill_GAA) | 1-08 |- | [https://www.laoistoday.ie/2020/06/07/county-final-memory-portlaoise-hurlers-end-famine-in-1981/ 1981] | 20px|border Portlaoise | 2-13 | 20px|border [Camross](/source/Camross_GAA) | 4-05 |- | 1943 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 4-11 | 20px|border [Rathdowney](/source/Rathdowney_GAA) | 4-03 |- | 1928 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 0-04 | 20px|border [Clonad](/source/Clonad_GAA) | 1-00 |} ;Leinster Senior Club Hurling Championships - runners-up {|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Year ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Winner/Opponent ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Score ! style="background:#069;color:white" | County ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Portlaoise ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Score |- | [https://www.laoistoday.ie/0202/04/13/remember-the-game-portlaoise-lose-leinster-club-hurling-final-in-1998/ 1998–99] | [Rathnure](/source/Rathnure_GAA) | 1-13 | 20px|border [Wexford](/source/Wexford_GAA) | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-06 |- | 1987–88 | [Rathnure](/source/Rathnure_GAA) | 3-08 | 20px|border [Wexford](/source/Wexford_GAA) | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-13 |} == Laois Ladies' Senior Football Club Championship == {|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Year ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Winner ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Score ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Opponent ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Score |- | 2023 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-6 | St Conleth's | 0-07 |- | 2022 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 2-5 | St Conleth's | 0-10 |- | 2020 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 1-12 | [Sarsfields](/source/Sarsfields_Mountmellick_LFC) | 0-12 |} ;Laois Ladies' Senior Football Club Championship - runners-up {|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Year ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Winner/Opponent ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Score ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Portlaoise ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Score |- | 2018 | [Sarsfields](/source/Sarsfields_Mountmellick_LFC) | 0-11 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 0-07 |- | 2017 | [Sarsfields](/source/Sarsfields_Mountmellick_LFC) | 3-15 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 0-03 |- | 2016 | [Sarsfields](/source/Sarsfields_Mountmellick_LFC) | 2-11 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 0-12 |} ==Juvenile teams== Portlaoise has won the [Féile na nGael](/source/F%C3%A9ile_na_nGael) (hurling) and Féile Peile na nÓg (Gaelic football) competitions several times, recording wins in Féile na nGael in 1980, 1981, 1993, 2009 and 2012 and Féile Peile na nÓg in 1983,Leinster Express, Saturday 16 July 1983; Page: 25 1992,Leinster Express, Saturday 13 June 1992; Page: 40 and 2009.Leinster Express, Wednesday 8 July 2009; Page: 11 In 2009, Portlaoise recorded a rare double, winning Division 3, Féile Péile na nÓg in [Kildare](/source/Kildare), when they defeated [Limerick](/source/Limerick) club, [Monaleen GAA](/source/Monaleen_GAA), 5-4 to 0-3 in the final in [St. Conleth's Park](/source/St._Conleth's_Park), [Newbridge](/source/Newbridge%2C_County_Kildare) and Division 2, [Féile na nGael](/source/F%C3%A9ile_na_nGael) at home in [Laois](/source/Laois)/[Offaly](/source/Offaly), beating St Patrick's, [Portaferry GAA](/source/Portaferry_GAA) from [Down](/source/County_Down), 4-6 to 1-4.Leinster Express, Wednesday 24 June 2009; Page: 15Laois Nationalist, Friday 26 June 2009; Page: 61 === Féile na nÓg Winning Years === {|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Year ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Winner ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Score ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Opponent ! style="background:#069;color:white" | County ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Score |- | 2012 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 3-07 | [St Johns Belfast](/source/St_John%2527s_GAA_(Antrim)) | [Antrim](/source/County_Antrim) | 2-08 |- | 2009 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 4-06 | [Portaferry](/source/Portaferry_GAA) | [Down](/source/County_Down) | 1-04 |- | 1993 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 3-05 | [Sarsfields](/source/Sarsfields_GAA_(Galway)) | [Galway](/source/Galway) | 0-2 |- | 1981 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 5-04 | [Lismore](/source/Lismore_GAA) | [Waterford](/source/Waterford) | 2-00 |- | 1980 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 5-04 | [Dungarvan](/source/Dungarvan_GAA) | [Donegal](/source/County_Donegal) | 2-00 |} === Féile Peile na nGael Winning Years === {|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Year ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Winner ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Score ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Opponent ! style="background:#069;color:white" | County ! style="background:#069;color:white" | Score |- | 2009 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 5-04 | [Monaleen](/source/Monaleen_GAA) | [Limerick](/source/County_Limerick) | 0-03 |- | 1992 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 2-08 | [Four Masters](/source/Four_Masters_GAA) | [Donegal](/source/County_Donegal) | 0-1 |- | 1983 | 20px|border Portlaoise | 0-04 | Monaghan Harps | [Monaghan](/source/Monaghan) | 0-02 |} ==Player awards== ===All-Stars=== All-Stars were awarded to two Portlaise club members in the 1980s. [Pat Critchley](/source/Pat_Critchley) received a [hurling All-Star in 1985](/source/List_of_All_Stars_Awards_winners_(hurling)) and [Colm Browne](/source/Colm_Browne) received a [football All-Star in 1986](/source/List_of_All_Stars_Awards_winners_(football)). [Pat Critchley](/source/Pat_Critchley)'s selection on the 1985 All-Star hurling team made him the first (and only) from the county to achieve that honour. The Portlaoise clubman was selected at midfield alongside [Nicky English](/source/Nicky_English) and [Joe Cooney](/source/Joe_Cooney). In the summer of 1985, Critchley played one of his best ever games against Wexford in the Leinster championship and Laois reached the provincial final for the first time in 36 years.{{cite web|title=Pat Critchley (Portlaoise)|url=https://laoisgaa.ie/county-board/archive/laois-all-stars/v/|website=Laois GAA|accessdate=8 January 2025}} [Colm Browne](/source/Colm_Browne), a [Templemore](/source/Templemore)-based member of [An Garda Siochána](/source/An_Garda_Sioch%C3%A1na), was born in London. Playing at wing back, he made the breakthrough (alongside his brother Gerry) on to a Portlaoise club team in the mid 1970s.{{cite web|title=Colm Browne (Portlaoise)|url=https://laoisgaa.ie/county-board/archive/laois-all-stars/colm-browne-portlaoise/|website=Laois GAA|accessdate=8 January 2025}} He was captain in Laois's National Football League victory in 1986 and was rewarded with an All-Star award later that year. Three years earlier, he had been player-manager when Portlaoise won the All-Ireland Club Football Championship title. He subsequently took over the reins from [Richie Connor](/source/Richie_Connor) as Laois manager in 1994. ===Laois Teams of the Millennium=== Four Portlaoise footballers were selected on the Laois Football Team of the Millennium for the year 2000. Paddy Bracken was in goal, Colm Browne at right half back, Eamon "Atch" Whelan, at full-forward and Tom Prendergast at left full-forward.Leinster Express, Saturday 11 December 1999, Page 15 Two Portlaoise players were also selected to the Laois Hurling Team of the Millennium, with John Taylor at left half back, and Pat Critchley at midfield. ==Notable players== * [Colm Browne](/source/Colm_Browne) * [Pat Critchley](/source/Pat_Critchley) * [Sean Delaney](/source/Sean_Delaney_(sportsman)) * [Gareth Dillon](/source/Gareth_Dillon) * [Ian Fitzgerald](/source/Ian_Fitzgerald) * [Karl Lenihan](/source/Karl_Lenihan) * [Mick Lillis](/source/Mick_Lillis) * [Peter McNulty](/source/Peter_McNulty_(Gaelic_footballer)) * [Colm Parkinson](/source/Colm_Parkinson) * [Tom Prendergast](/source/Tom_Prendergast_(Laois_footballer)) * [John Taylor](/source/John_Taylor_(hurler)) * [Zach Tuohy](/source/Zach_Tuohy) ==References== ===Notes=== {{reflist}} ===Sources=== * {{citation | last1 = Fennelly | first1 = Teddy | last2 = Delaney | first2 = Brian | title = C'mon The Town - Portlaoise G.A.A. 1887-2016 | publisher = Portlaoise G.A.A | date = 2016}} * {{cite book |title=125 Years Laois GAA Club and County History |date=December 2009 |publisher=Quality Printers Ltd |location=Laois |pages=181, 271 |edition=1st | ref = {{harvid|125 Years Laois GAA Club and County History|2009}} }} ==External links== * [https://portlaoisegaa.ie Portlaoise GAA Official Website] * [http://www.laoisgaa.ie Laois GAA Official Website] {{Laois GAA clubs}} Category:Gaelic games clubs in County Laois Category:Hurling clubs in County Laois Category:Gaelic football clubs in County Laois Category:Sport in Portlaoise Category:Ladies' Gaelic football in County Laois --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Portlaoise GAA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portlaoise_GAA) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portlaoise_GAA?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.