Our Minor Miracles

Originally published: Town Tattler Vol 5 Issue 10

October 13th, 2024. A chance to add a new chapter to Portlaoise GAA club’s already rich history. For the first time since 1981, our Minor and Senior footballers would play in their respective county finals on the same day and at the same venue.

Forty-three years in the making, it was a magnificent achievement for the club, no matter the potential outcome in either game.

For the minor footballers, reaching the county decider ended a twelve-year wait for possible minor football glory. Considering the rich success of our underage teams through the years, twelve years seemed like a lifetime.

Again, it also went to show that minor football championships are hard won, and each victory should be treasured.

After a tough season that saw its fair share of highs and lows, spirits were high in the build-up to the final. There was a togetherness about the group that one doesn’t often see.

This had been born from many factors. As a team they had reached incredible heights, winning county titles at Under 13 and Under 15 level, as well as an Under 15 Féile title.

Unfortunately, they had also experienced harrowing lows. The loss of their friend and teammate David Brown had left an indelible mark on the group.

How they responded to his tragic loss really showed just what they were made of. Overcoming early setbacks in the championship, they went on a five-game winning streak before securing their place in the final through a hard-fought victory over Killeshin/Crettyard/Spink.

Preparation for the Big Day

Character is an often treasured resource, but these young men had shown they had bundles of it.

In their first training session after the semi-final win, coach Paul Cahillane set out what the next two weeks would entail from a preparation point of view. No stone would be left unturned and, as he told the boys himself:

“If you trust yourselves and do what we’re asking of you, you will be county champions.”

Training itself progressed well and, having had a front-row view of the lads’ preparation, I could see that they were locked in. They were ready for battle.

The day of the county final was treated like any other game, with the players meeting roughly an hour before throw-in. Warm-up schedules were maintained as always, as was the approach from mentors Brian Dunne, Charlie Fitzpatrick, Paul Cahillane, Kevin Gorman and John Delaney.

The routine was to be maintained as always. Preparation had been meticulous. It was now up to the players themselves to get the job done.

County Final Day

O’Moore Park was a hive of excitement prior to throw-in. Fans from both Portlaoise and Portarlington made their way to their seats early, such was the excitement and anticipation around seeing both minor and senior footballers from both clubs playing in county finals on the same day.

In the dressing room beforehand, Paul and Brian spoke calmly and concisely to the players. They reiterated key tactical points and the general game plan.

Most importantly though, they urged the lads to trust in their own ability.

“If you trust in yourselves and in what you’re being asked to do, you will be county champions.”

As they left the dressing room there was a very definite sense that these boys were ready to reach the promised land.

Team photos and warm-ups completed, it was time for battle.

The opening stages were evenly contested, with both sides playing well within themselves. Portarlington opened up an early two-point lead before Portlaoise struck for the game’s first major score.

After a brilliant run from Aaron ‘Bruno’ McCormack, the ball made its way across the face of goal where Liam Conroy was on hand to finish to the net.

The goal brought Portlaoise back into the contest and the remainder of the half stayed finely balanced. A four-point Portlaoise lead was reduced to a single point by the interval.

A Championship Winning Second Half

There was no need for panic though, as both Brian and Paul once again evoked calm within the group, reminding the lads that if they trusted in themselves and what they were being asked to do, they would be county champions.

Nods of approval spoke volumes and as the players returned to the field, positivity and belief flowed through the team.

In the second half Portlaoise were a different beast. The shackles were thrown off and Portlaoise football took over.

Three goals in nine minutes, two from the indomitable Darren Brennan and another from Finn Dawson, broke the spirit of the Portarlington challenge.

Portlaoise began to dominate every area of the field. They won the dirty ball, put bodies on the line and refused to relent.

Ben O’Connor, as he had done all year, led by example with a man-of-the-match performance that was thoroughly deserved.

Portarlington cried out for mercy, but Portlaoise had long since abandoned them.

Goals win games, and the final scoreline of 4-07 to 0-11 reflected Portlaoise’s dominance.

Portlaoise were once again Minor ‘A’ Football Champions.

More Than a Victory

The scenes of joy and celebration at the final whistle will live long in the memory.

Years of hard work and graft had finally come to fruition.

As captain Ben O’Connor delivered his acceptance speech, he spoke with an elegance and composure far beyond his years.

He finished by remembering David Brown, dedicating the victory to his memory and emphasising that the players had won the title for him.

There is not a doubt in my mind that David was there on the field of battle with them. The words “David Brown, Forever Young” rested proudly on the sleeves of the players’ jerseys.

Portlaoise, Minor ‘A’ Football Champions 2024, now rests proudly on the Corcoran Cup.

C’mon the Town.