Susie Delaney

Originally published: Town Tattler Vol 5 Issue 8

Susie Delaney recently helped Laois Camogie create history by winning the All-Ireland Junior Championship. A key member of both Portlaoise and Laois, Susie sat down with us to reflect on that special achievement, her journey through Portlaoise Camogie and her hopes for the future.

Susie, first off, congratulations again on the All-Ireland win. Can you put into words what it meant to you to be part of such a historic moment for Laois Camogie?

It’s hard to put into words what it means. Being part of such a big moment for Laois Camogie is something I’ll never forget.

We all dreamed of days like this growing up, and to actually be out there, wearing the Laois jersey and making history, was really special.

Let’s bring it back to the start. How did you first get involved with Portlaoise GAA and camogie? Do you remember those early days with the club?

I started playing camogie with Portlaoise when I was about eight, and I loved it straight away.

We had a great group coming up through the underage teams and had loads of success. We qualified for two Féiles in Waterford and Wexford when I was U14, which stand out as good memories of my early camogie career.

You come from a family with a strong sporting background. How important was that support at home in shaping your love for camogie and GAA?

I’m very lucky to come from a strong hurling family, there has always been great support at home.

From a young age, camogie and the GAA were just part of everyday life. There was always hurling talk at the kitchen table, whether it was after a match, training, or the next upcoming game.

My two brothers, Davy and Fionn, are also heavily involved and doing really well with Portlaoise, so it’s something we all share. The support and love for the game at home definitely helped shape my passion for camogie.

Winning an All-Ireland is something every player dreams of. What was going through your head when the final whistle went in Croke Park?

When the final whistle blew, it was surreal, like a dream come true.

Also pure relief to finally get over the line after last year’s one-point defeat. All the hard work was worth it for that moment.

Looking ahead, Laois now move up to Intermediate level in 2026. Where do you see this team going over the next few years, and how far do you think this group can go?

Moving into Intermediate in 2026, we’ll carry all the momentum from our Junior All-Ireland win.

Hopefully the group sticks together, I see us being competitive. The fact that our U16 and Minor sides both got All-Ireland finals this year shows the depth coming through.

Laois faces a similar challenge moving up a grade, however I am optimistic that we can go far from the start.

But my focus is solely on the next game and the task at hand, nothing is going to change overnight.

You’ve been a huge role model for young girls in Portlaoise. What are your hopes for the future of camogie here in the club?

The support in Portlaoise has been incredible, and seeing the number of young girls playing camogie and football in the club is promising.

I hope they stick with camogie, keep improving, and work their way up through the club and county team.

No doubt they will be an addition to Camogie in the club in the years to come.

What advice would you give to the younger players coming through who dream of following in your footsteps and wearing the Laois or Portlaoise jersey at the highest level?

I would advise to turn practising into a habit, pick up your hurley whenever you have a spare minute.

Attend training and matches as often as possible and work on your weaknesses, whether that be your weak side or first touch.

And finally, on a personal note, what’s next for you both with Laois and with Portlaoise? Any goals you’ve set yourself after this All-Ireland success?

With Portlaoise, the jump to intermediate this year has been a big step, results haven’t always gone our way, but our performances are improving every match and hopefully we’ll soon be competitive.

With Laois, the focus is on establishing ourselves at Intermediate level and continuing to push standards higher.

After achieving one dream in Croke Park, there are always new goals to work towards, both with club and county.