AGM

Chairman of the club, Teddy Fennelly, slammed the Leinster Council for a u-turn in relation to the provision of a €25,000 loan towards the construction of the new GAA clubhouse at the AGM held in the CBS Library room. Earlier in the year, both the chairman and secretary of the club, Jimmy Cotter, had attended a meeting of the provincial Finance Committee and presented their case.

Chairman of the Leinster Council, Paddy Buggy, was supportive of the club and expressed his admiration for the plans as well as recognising the necessity for such a facility in a large town like Portlaoise. The Finance committee informed the club officials that Portlaoise GAA club would need to demonstrate its ability to handle the loan repayments.

To satisfy this requirement the club launched a hugely successful fund-raising scheme, which conclusively proved that the club was well fit to handle a loan of the type sought. But when the case was presented at the December meeting of the Leinster Council these figures were not entertained and the application was rejected.

Mr. Fennelly went on to say that as a result of this outcome he had subsequently submitted an application for a loan with the Club Development Committee, of which Mr. John Dowling – future President of the GAA – was secretary, but there was no response to this at the time of the AGM.

Furthermore he stated that, regardless of the outcome, the development was full steam ahead and if funds could not be secured through the organisations internal mechanisms, the club would approach the banks for finance.

While critical of the Leinster Council in general he did not include provincial secretary, Michael Delaney, in this. He praised the co-operation of Laois man Delaney and stated that he was very helpful at all times.

Regarding the new GAA centre that was coming to fruition Mr. Fennelly said; “The project we are undertaking is geared to satisfy the needs of the GAA in this growing town and surrounding area. The development would safely see the GAA in the county town well into the next century. It will be a valuable asset for the town as a whole and a great boost and benefit to the GAA in the entire county”.

On the playing side the chairman said that 1979 had been a great year for the footballers and an unlucky one for the hurlers. He stated that the whole club was looking forward to the forthcoming Leinster Final against their great rivals Walsh Island and if they could negotiate this hurdle they would be well set to challenge strongly for the club’s first All-Ireland title.

The other significant development from the 1980 AGM saw a special meeting for hurlers called for the following Saturday night. This was to deal specifically with how to improve hurling in the club and Fr. P.J. McDonnell C.C. urged all those with interest in hurling to attend.

It was agreed that the promotion of hurling should be taken more seriously and if it was, a senior championship would be won by the club in the short, rather than the long, term. The special meeting held in the Vocational School the following week was well attended and was an explosive affair. When the dust settled there was no question but hurling had a new impetus and the fruits of this new awakening were not long in delivering a new era for the game in the club.

Leinster Club Final 1980

The timing of the provincial championships was different to nowadays and this meant that the first action for Portlaoise in 1980 was a provincial final in March against the famed Walsh Island from Offaly. This was a game which captured the imagination of the general public. The kingpins of Offaly, a county which won All-Irelands in the early 1970s and was on course to do so again, against the champions of Laois, who were already marking themselves out as specialists of the provincial competition. The Connor Clan – with Matt, Murt, Richie, Liam and Tomas on board – versus the Brownes, Prendergasts, Eamon Whelan and co…

Over 6000 people turned up for the final in Athy in atrocious weather conditions. Both teams fought tooth and nail for every ball and scores were at a premium. Points by Liam Scully

(twice) and Gerry Browne had Portlaoise ahead but the great Matt Connor swung the pendulum the other way with a great goal and a couple of points. Noel Prendergast then goaled for the town and the half time score was 1-3 to 1-2 in favour of Portlaoise.

Tom Prendergast grabbed a great solo point early in the second half to put his team two points ahead but Walsh Island refused to yield and an Eamon Mulhall goal had them back in front. Colm Browne came down the field to kick an inspirational equaliser on 45 minutes.

The turning point in the game came when a Matt Connor 45m kick was floated into the Portlaoise square. Goalkeeper Mick Mulhall did well to stop this but could not hold the ball due to the extremely muddy conditions and sub Frank Williamson shot home the rebound for the Walsh Islanders third goal of the game.

In the final ten minutes Portlaoise took over and laid siege on the opposition goal. They were, perhaps, guilty of going for goals when taking the points may have been a more prudent approach. Colm Browne slotted over a free to reduce the deficit and Jimmy Lewis and George Plunkett came very close to scoring the elusive goal but time finally ran out and Walsh Island were Leinster Champions. For Portlaoise, great pride could be taken in the performance and hard lessons were learned that might come in useful in the future. Result: Walsh Island 3-2 to Portlaoise 1-6.

Scorers
Walsh Island: Matt Connor (1-2); E. Mulhall and F. Williamson (1-0 each).

Portlaoise: Noel Prendergast (1-0); Liam Scully and Colm Browne (0-2 each); Gerry Browne and Tom Prendergast (0-1each).

Senior Football

The exertions of the previous campaign didn’t hamper Portlaoise’s early progress through the county championship as they accounted for Ballylinan, Timahoe (2-9 to 0-11), Ballyroan (4-10 to 1-7), Courtwood (1-8 to 0-5), St Josephs (1-9 to 0-10), the Heath (4-9 to 2-5) and Stradbally (6-15 to 2-3) comfortably enough in the early stages.

It all caught up with them in the quarter-final, however, when a determined O’Dempseys dethroned the understrength Leinster finalists on a scoreline of 2-6 to 1-4. The men from Ballybrittas/Killenard district went on to win the county title for the first time since 1963 - just their second in total. O’Dempseys led by 1-2 to 0-2 at the break.

Senior Hurling

Portlaoise were in the wilderness in Laois senior hurling for a very long time and the last title won was in 1943. But green shoots were beginning to appear by 1980. They had reached a first final since 1960 three years previously but were soundly beaten by all-conquering Camross. The general consensus was that game came too soon for a young town team.

By 1980 Portlaoise were a more confident hurling team and were emerging as a real threat to Camross dominance. At least that was the feeling inside the camp. To the outside world there was little or no chance that Portlaoise would be able to deny Camross a five-in-a-row in the county hurling final of 1980.

En route to the final the town accounted for Borris-in-Ossory (2-11 to 3-7), Ballyfin (3-14 to 0-5), Clonad, Clonaslee (3-9 to 1-6), Ballinakill (2-7 to 2-6) while drawing in one group game with Durrow (1-7 each). They scored and easy win in the semi-final beating Ballacolla 3-15 to 3-4.

They were outsiders for the final but what a fright they gave the Camross men in what was regarded as the best decider for many years. Though defeated on the scoreline of 3-4 to 1-8, the town team gave an eye opening performance that signalled them as a team with the potential to succeed in future years. They certainly had the chances to win the game but experience told in the end and Camross prevailed. The match report in the Leinster Express was fulsome in its praise of the town full-back line of Jimmy Harding, John Joe Ging and Jack Kavanagh and reckoned that this was the best line on the field. Billy and John Bohane, Jimmy and Joe Keenan, Pat Critchley, Seamus Fitzgerald and Seamus Plunkett were also singled out but a player who would become a household name and arguably the finest hurler ever to wear the green and white was to receive special praise – “There was not a man on view who bettered the efforts of John Taylor, the Portlaoise left half back and at 19, the youngest member of the losing team. John played superbly all through the hectic hour and was never found wanting in the air, on the ground or in the man to man stuff.”

Not for the first time it was the Cuddys, Martin and PJ, who were the heroes of the hour for the men from the mountains and supplied all three goals to keep the determined townies at bay.

Intermediate Football

Portlaoise were leading O’Dempseys 1-3 to 0-5 when a fracas occurred and referee Laurie Lalor (Portarlington) abandoned the game. A replay was ordered and O’Dempseys won 3-7 to 0-11.

Junior Football

The junior footballers beat Ballacolla 1-8 to 1-1 in the opening round played at Ballinakill. They were surprisingly beaten in the next round by hurling kingpins Camross 2-8 to 2-4. At the time this was a huge shock in football circles but Camross proved their worth by going on to win the county final. Mark Kavanagh and Pat Dempsey had a firm grip at midfield but the forwards failed to make sufficient inroads on a strong Camross defence. The winners were nine points clear with ten minutes remaining but goals from John Joe Ging and Niall Kavanagh made things interesting in the closing stages. Leinster Council secretary, Michael Delaney, was the star for Camross. Other to catch the eye for the Town were Sean Bergin, Sean Dunne and Mick Rigney in the backs and Brian Rankin, Seamus Fitzgerald, and Alan Larkin in attack.

Junior Hurling

The juniors had a walkover against Miltown in the opening round. In the second round Portlaoise were fixed to play Ballacolla but the game did not go ahead and Ballacolla had a bloodless victory and a passage to the semi-final. They went on to win the championship.

U21 Football – seven-in-a-row

There was some revenge for the senior defeat when the U21s toppled O’Dempseys by 1-5 to 0-7 in thrilling fashion to claim a record seventh title in a row in the grade. Trailing by four points with only five minutes remaining in a low scoring game the Portlaoise management moved John Bohane from full back to full-forward and this paid immediate dividends as he unsettled a previously watertight defence. George Phelan and Pat Critchley landed crucial points to narrow the gap and when Bohane was fouled with seconds remaining, Noel Prendergast showed nerves of steel to slot the resultant penalty to the net sparking wild celebrations from Portlaoise players and fans and breaking O’Dempsey hearts.

Seamus Smyth was an excellent captain and he accepted the Jack Delaney Cup from county chairman Sean Ramsbottom after the game. Mark Kavanagh, at centre back, had a superb game as did Bohane, Critchley, Pat Roe, Jimmy Lewis, Prendergast and the reliable goalkeeper Pat Bennett. The late Eamonn Conroy scored a couple of crucial points to help his team to victory.

Referee: Pat Moran (Graiguecullen).

Scorers
Portlaoise: Noel Prendergast (1-0), Eamonn Conroy (0-2), Pat Roe, George Phelan, P Critchley (0-1each).

O’Dempseys: T. Tynan (0-4); W. Kehoe, J. Slevin, P. Hughes (0-1 each).

In earlier rounds Portlaoise beat St. Colmans

(Stradbally/Timahoe/Annanough) 0-8 to 0-7, then Arles 3-11 to 1-5 and St. Pauls (Emo/Courtwood) by 3-8 to 2-2 in the semi-final.

Under 21 Hurling

The under 21 hurlers were beaten in the semi-final by St. Kierans, an amalgamation of Rathdowney/Errill, who went on to win the county final. Combined with Ratheniska under the St. Marys banner they beat Blakefield (Borris/Kilcotton) 4-6 to 2-1 and St. John Bosco (Ballinakill/ Ballypickas) in the earlier rounds.

Minor Hurling

Another hurling highlight of 1980 arrived in October. Portlaoise got their hands on the Harry Gray trophy for the first time since 1972 when they denied Rathdowney in a thrilling contest. Rathdowney, like Camross in the senior, were seeking their fifth title in a row but Portlaoise made a crucial hurling breakthrough by pipping them by 4-7 to 5-3. Liam Bergin announced himself as a burgeoning star with two goals while Pat Roe played a real captain’s part by contributing five points. Top performers on the day also included Connie Conroy, Noel Rigney and Sean Dunne in defence, and Brendan Carroll and Martin Conroy in the forwards. The switch of Declan Critchley outfield from full forward was another vital move as he had a superb game in the second half especially.

Scorers
Portlaoise: Liam Bergin (2-0); Pat Roe (0-5); Declan Critchley, Brendan Carroll (1-0 each); Martin Conroy, Con Dunne (0-1 each).

Rathdowney: P. Delaney (2-0); S. Fortune (2-0); M. Daly (1-2); N. Browne (0-1).

In earlier rounds, Portlaoise beat Clonaslee 7-23 to 0-3 and Camross 5-13 to 2-2. In the semi-final they beat St. Fintans (Durrow/Cullohill) by 3-3 to 2-1.

Minor Football

Portlaoise beat Portarlington 0-14 to 0-4 and then Ballyroan 1-13 to 0-5 before losing to Stradbally 0-8 to 1-4 in a closely contested game. Ger Bracken scored a great goal in the opening half to help his side into a 1-2 to 0-3 lead at the halfway stage. But Stradbally improved on the restart and after John Comerford sent over the equaliser, Paul McEvoy pointed for a late winner. Noted for Portlaoise were Sean Dunne, Michael Crossan, Martin Dempsey, Pat Roe, Liam Bergin, Connie Conroy, John Carroll and the goal scorer, Ger Bracken.

Under 17 Hurling

The under 17 hurlers were beaten in the final by Errill 2-8 to 2-7.

Feile na nGael

Portlaoise U14s validated the great work being done at underage level in the town by winning the Division 2 national hurling title in the Feile na nGael competition by beating Dungarvan in the final by 1-6 to 0-2. The scorers on the day were: Paul Bergin (0-4), James Fahey (1-0), Liam Duggan (0-1) and Kevin Kavanagh (0-1). This squad was mentored by Ollie Byrne and Bill Phelan.

The panel were guests of honour at the All-Ireland hurling finals and later at a special reception in their honour at O’Connell Schools. In the championship Portlaoise beat Clough/ Ballacolla 7-10 to 3-1 in the final.

U12 Football

Portlaoise beat O’Dempseys 2-6 to 1-4 in the Under 12 football final.

A Leinster double for the CBS

St Marys CBS had a fantastic run all the way to an All-Ireland Final in Croke Park in 1980 where they were beaten by Ballyshannon from Donegal on a scoreline of 2-10 to 1-6. It was a fantastic adventure for this group of lads and there was a strong Portlaoise representation on the panel.

Leinster SH “B” (South) final: Portlaoise 4-14 to New Ross CBS 2-3.

In the Leinster Juvenile “B” final Portlaoise lost to Drimnagh CBS 7-1 to 3-4.

First Reported Ladies Football AGM

The first known newspaper report of a Portlaoise Ladies Football Club AGM appeared in the Leinster Express on 8 March 1980.

The report detailed the club's annual general meeting, which had been held in the Technical School on 27 January. It provided an early insight into the organisation and development of ladies football in Portlaoise at a time when the game was still establishing itself across the county.

The AGM marked an important milestone in the development of the ladies section, demonstrating that a formal club structure was already in place and helping to lay the foundations for future success.

1980 honours

• Men’s Football – Under 21 Laois U-21 ‘A’ Football Championship Portlaoise 1-5 v 0-7 O’Dempsey’s Captain: Seamus Smyth
• Hurling – Minor Laois Minor ‘A’ Hurling Championship Portlaoise 4-7 v 5-3 Rathdowney Captain: Pat Roe
• Hurling – Senior Laois ACHL Div 1 Portlaoise 2-11 v 0-8 Durrow Captain: John Joe Ging
• Hurling – Under 14 Laois U-14 ‘A’ Hurling Championship Portlaoise 7-10 v 3-1 Clough/Ballacolla
• Hurling – Under 14 & Under 15 All-Ireland Féile na nGael Division 2 Portlaoise 1-6 v 0-2 Dungarvan
• Hurling – Under 14 & Under 15 Laois Féile na nGael Division 1 Portlaoise v Rathdowney

AGM

The AGM was held on Sunday February 1st in the CBS, Tower Hill and was attended by about 120 members. The upsurge of hurling was the highlight of the year according to the report of club secretary, Bill Phelan. He praised the seniors for their achievement in reaching the final and putting in many fine performances along the way. He also paid tribute to the U14s for winning Feile na nGael and the minors for a memorable victory in a classic county final. He declared that hurling was finally on an equal footing with football in the club after a long period in the doldrums. Furthermore he boldly stated that a senior double was now a realistic aim for 1981.

Other news was that the club centre was nearing completion and chairman Teddy Fennelly called on all members to co-operate in ensuring the

£100,000 new development was a success. He paid tribute to the club development committee and singled out Paudge Dowling, Brian Delaney and Jimmy Cotter, who he said worked ceaselessly throughout the year to complete the project.

Development treasurer, Jimmy Cotter, said that the main income from the year came from the very successful 50p draw and also the £100 life membership scheme, as well as the temporary youth grant scheme which was worth £12,000. He also delivered the good news that Bord na Pairceanna had promised a grant of £2,000 which Paddy Buggy of the Leinster Council said he would match. Mr. Cotter thanked Mr. Buggy for backing the club’s application this year.

Hurling manager Tom Lalor called for more co-operation between the hurlers and the footballers and said he believed there were footballers in the club that were up to the standard required to play senior hurling and he needed these players on board.

His coach, the legendary Tipperary hurler, Jimmy Doyle, was present at the AGM and praised Portlaoise as one of the best clubs in the country. According to the report in that week’s Leinster Express, Doyle stated that “he had first-hand knowledge of a number of other clubs but never had he seen such dedication from players and members as he had seen in Portlaoise. He appealed for continued co-operation from the hurlers and asked those footballers who could hurl to join the panel. He added that those hurlers useful at football should also play that game. The two games go hand in hand”.

Club Treasurer, Dick Sides, reported a healthy profit to the meeting and vice-chairman James O’Reilly called on members to support the weekly club draw until the new development was fully paid for.

Senior Football

Portlaoise regained the coveted Jack Delaney Cup when they held off a strong challenge from one of aristocrats of Laois football, Graiguecullen, in Mill Field in Portarlington. This was the town’s 14th title and put them one ahead of the Carlow town border side in the Roll of Honour.

The final itself was a scrappy affair and Portlaoise were warm favourites with a good sprinkling of county players on board. Tempers threatened to boil over in the first half and play was held up for five minutes as Graiguecullen star Willie Brennan received treatment. But referee Cormac Lally kept a cool head and restored order quickly.

Ahead by 0-5 to 0-1 at half time Portlaoise looked well set to win comfortably. Liam Scully, with a brace of points, Eamon Whelan, Noel Prendergast and Bernie Conroy provided the scores. Graiguecullen had a number of wides that could have had them closer at the interval.

But Graiguecullen were to prove awkward opponents in a hard fought second half. Scully added another free when Billy Bohane was fouled to put five between the teams but a Paddy Kenna penalty hit the net to set up a nail biting finale. Portlaoise responded like champions and tacked on three points in a row through Eamon Whelan, Scully and Noel Prendergast to put daylight between the teams again.

Graiguecullen were defiant however and a point by Willie Brennan and a goal by Noel Salter left the teams level with just over ten minutes to play. Again the response was rapid as Gerry Browne and Scully pointed, and again obstinate Graiguecullen kept the game in the melting pot with a Danny Doogue point.

Whelan struck over his third point of the day for Portlaoise while an Alan Keating free left the minimum in it once more. This proved to be the final score of a tense game and Portlaoise were champions again on a scoreline of 0-12 to 2-5.

Scorers
Portlaoise: Liam Scully (0-5), Eamon Whelan (0-3), Noel Prendergast (0-2), Bernie Conroy (0-1), Gerry Browne (0-1).

Graiguecullen: Willie Brennan (0-3), Paddy Kenna (1-0 pen), Noel Salter (1-0), Danny Doogue (0-1), Alan Keating (0-1).

Earlier rounds: Portlaoise 2-11 to Emo 2-6. Portlaoise 3-6 to Stradbally 1-6. Mountmellick 2-7 to Portlaoise 1-5. Portlaoise 1-11 to Graiguecullen 0-9.

O’Dempseys 1-9 to Portlaoise 1-7. Portlaoise 3-11 to Portarlington 0-7. Quarter-final: Portlaoise 0-10; Annanough 0-4. Semi-final: Portlaoise 1-12 to St. Jospehs 0-9.

Leinster club: Portlaoise 4-9 to Thomastown (Kilkenny) 0-3. Quarter-final: St. Malachys (Westmeath) 1-10 to Portlaoise 1-10 (Draw;). Portlaoise 1-8 to St. Malachys 0-8 (Replay). The semi-final and final were played in 1982.

Two Cups presented

The Laoismen’s Association in London presented two cups to Portlaoise GAA Club for use in competitions at juvenile level. Secetary of the Association, Mountmellick man Peter Dunne, complimented the club on the remarkable work they had undertaken on behalf of the younger generation. That work was now paying dividends at senior level, he said. He also congratulated the club on its new club centre and excellent playing facilities. Club chairman, Jas. O’Reilly, returned thanks on behalf of the club and thanked the Laoismen’s Association for the reception afforded the hurling team on the occasion of their recent visit to London.

AGM

Teddy Fennelly stepped down as chairman of the club after a number of years having achieved all he had set out to achieve and passed the baton to James ‘Jas’ O’Reilly. There were no contests for any of the officer’s positions.

In his secretary’s report, Bill Phelan said that 1981 was an historic and most successful year in the history of Portlaoise GAA club. For the first time in the history of Laois GAA one club had won both senior titles and this was the crowning feature of the year.

Another major highlight was the completion of the club’s new GAA Club centre and special praise was lavished on the development committee led by Paudge Dowling.

The secretary praised the schools in the town and stated that “the teachers are doing a fine job helping to promote the games amongst their pupils and to them I say thank you most sincerely”.

He said the playing foundations of the club were very solid and singled out inter-county players for particular praise. Billy and John Bohane, Pat Critchley, Seamus Plunkett, Matt Keegan and John Taylor were on the Laois hurling team that qualified for league and Leinster semi-finals while Colm and Gerry Browne, Eamonn Whelan, Tom Prendergast, Bernie Conroy and Jimmy Lewis were on the Laois football panel that reached the Leinster Final.

Outgoing chairman, Teddy Fennelly, said that all targets of the club had been achieved in 1981. He said that it had been a difficult year in many respects but it was never easy to achieve anything worthwhile. He went on; “There is a great spirit inherent in the club which inspires so many to give unstintingly of their time, talents and money in helping to make Portlaoise one of the finest clubs in the Association”.

He said that more playing fields were needed and the purchase of more land for this purpose was a priority. The cost of the past two years development was £150,000, he said, and the amazing work of the financial and development people had ensured that the bank overdraft was well in hand and that 1982 would open the way for further development.

The AGM was adjourned for one hour as a mark of respect to former player and life member Vincent Scully who was buried on that Sunday morning and the late Mrs. Bergin - mother of senior hurler, Sean – who was buried the day before.

AIB Leinster Club of the Year

In recognition of their outstanding achievements during one of the greatest periods in the club’s history, Portlaoise were selected as the AIB Leinster Club of the Year in 1982. The award acknowledged the club’s remarkable success on the field, culminating in Leinster championship glory and the All-Ireland campaign that would ultimately lead to national success in 1983.

Leinster Club Football Final

For the second time in three years Portlaoise qualified for the Leinster Final and this time the opposition were Raheens of Kildare. Portlaoise were warm favourites to win their third title and in doing so make amends for their defeat against Walsh Island in the final of the 1979 campaign.

They had already enacted immediate revenge on the men of Walsh Island in the semi-final and the 1-14 to 1-7 win against one of the favourites for the competition ensured the tag of favouritism would be worn by the town.

But this was a Portlaoise performance to forget and Raheens won their one and only provincial title on a scoreline of 1-7 to 0-6. Portlaoise were guilty of over-playing the ball and they squandered a host of good chances all through the game.

The Leinster Express report of the game also suggested that the Portlaoise tactic of keeping their players out of competitive fare in the run-up to this final had backfired. The report stated that Raheens had much more match practise on their way to the final and this stood to them in Athy.

Best players on a forgettable day for Portlaoise were Mark Kavanagh, Eamonn Whelan and Mick Dooley who all tried hard.

Scorers
Raheens: G. Power (1-3); N. Byrne (0-2); P. Byrne and B. Power (0-1 each).

Portlaoise: Liam Scully, Jimmy Lewis (0-2 each); Mick Dooley and Eamonn Whelan (0-1 each).

In the semi-final Portlaoise were in top form easily ousting pre-match favourites, Walsh Island (Offaly) by 1-14 to 1-7 at Athy. The pattern of the game was set in the opening minutes when Jimmy Lewis collected a neat pass from Eamon Whelan and slotted over the bar. Two further points from Liam Scully gave then the ideal start and unsettled the four time Offaly champions. Laois led by

0-8 to 0-4 at the break. When team trainer, Colm Browne, moved from the wing to centre half back to marshal the Island’s main threat, Matt Connor, this consolidated Portlaoise’s grip on the game. A goal from Jimmy Lewis clinched the win. Liam Scully shot six points and Gerry Browne five, all scores vital in this great win.

Senior Hurling

It was always going to be a tough task to match the exploits of 1981 but this generation of Portlaoise players lacked nothing in ambition. The hurlers, having memorably captured a first title in 43 years, were intent on proving themselves to be a great team and what better way to do this than by winning back-to-back titles.

Standing in the way of this were Errill, appearing in a first final for many years. Portlaoise, with a host of inter-county stars, were favourites but Errill also had a scattering of well-known players such as the Delaneys, Hassetts, Peader Cleary and Paddy Bergin amongst others.

Played in Borris-in-Ossory the 1982 county final was extremely hard fought and there was great excitement all through. Errill took the game to the reigning champions with great gusto and went in one point ahead at the interval by 0-4 to 0-3. Scores were at an absolute premium and both defences were scrooge-like.

At the end of the third quarter it was deadlocked at 0-6 each. For the first time in the game the champions looked like upping the ante and quick-fire points from Joe Keenan and Jimmy Harding in the 46th and 47th minutes put a little daylight between the teams at last.

Errill may have been rattled but their response was instant with a point. In the 51st minute Paddy Bergin struck a free low and hard and a deflection from big full-forward Peader Cleary diverted the ball past the ‘Goggy’ into the net. Errill were now two points ahead and gaining in momentum. Paul Delaney struck a ground shot which forced a super save from Delaney in the Portlaoise goal. Delaney then tacked on a point. Errill were really putting it up to the champions now.

Then came the turning point of the game. A free for Errill hit the upright and was cleared upfield to safety by Portlaoise. From the resultant attack Liam Bergin broke through to score a crucial goal and bring the champions right back into the game. The pendulum swung rapidly and Billy Bohane duly supplied a knock-out blow with a second goal followed by four more points from Liam Bergin (two), Seamus Plunkett, and Bohane himself.

The champions had escaped with a late flourish and relief was the overwhelming feeling at the final whistle. John Joe Ging became the first Portlaoise captain to lift the Bob O’Keeffe cup in consecutive years. Portlaoise were now the undisputed kingpins of Laois hurling.

Scorers
Portlaoise: Billy Bohane (1-5); Liam Bergin (1-3); Matt Keegan, Joe Keenan, Jimmy Harding, Seamus Plunkett (0-1 each).

Errill: Paddy Bergin (0-5); Peader Cleary (1-0); S Scully, P Delaney and M Burke (0-1 each).

Earlier rounds: Portlaoise 4-12 to Ballinakill 2-7. Portlaoise 5-11 to Colt 1-0. Errill 2-11 to Portlaoise 2-7. Portlaoise also beat Rathdowney (2-9 to 0-4) and Ballyfin (0-12 to 0-8) but Borris-in-Ossory surprised them in the final group game winning by 2-5 to 0-10. Portlaoise won a play-off encounter with Rathdowney by 1-15 to 2-5 to qualify them for the quarter-finals. They reversed an earlier result with Borris-in-Ossory winning by 1-13 to 1-5 to reach the semi-final. Then they took the scalp of Camross by 1-17 to 3-2 to qualify for their third final in a row. The Nationalist termed the game “a one-sided bore”.

In the Leinster club championship, Portlaoise scored a great win over Dublin champions, St. Vincents, at Mountrath. In a dour first half in which the visitors lost a player through a second booking, Vincents led by 0-3 to 0-2. A goal in the opening stages of the second half by Vincents finally stung Portlaoise and they suddenly sprung to life. The man to lead the charge was full forward, Jimmy Harding who crashed home two goals to change fortunes and they never looked like losing after that.

The end of the road for this hugely successful campaign came for Portlaoise when beaten by Buffers Alley 1-14 to 1-9 in the semi-final. Portlaoise had the better of the opening half and led by 0-7 to 0-4 at the break but, in truth, they should have been much further ahead. Prospects looked much better for the Laois champions when Pat Critchley shot a point and after a move including Seamus Plunkett and Matt Keegan, the ball fell to Billy Bohane who crashed home a super goal. But Buffers Alley fought back and a Tony Doran goal had the sides level at the three quarter stage. Portlaoise battled to the end but the Wexford men had their tails up and held out to win a place in the provincial final.

Brady Cup Final 1982

Portlaoise 4-5 to Errill 1-5. Semi-final: Portlaoise 1-10; Cullohill 1-7. Final: Portlaoise 2-11 to Durrow 0-8 (first ever Brady Cup final win). This was an easier win than expected and added another elusive trophy to the cabinet of records held by this great hurling team. Portlaoise led by 0-5 to 0-2 at the end of the opening quarter but le at half-time by a single point at 0-6 to 0-5. Seamus Maher found the net for Portlaoise and then Billy Bohane and Pat Critchley added points. Durrow fought every inch of the way until John Bohane placed his brother Billy from a free and the latter hammered home the insurance score. Liam Bergin and Seamus Plunkett added points to complete a comprehensive win.

Senior Football

After becoming the first club to win a senior double in 1981 the club were just one game away from repeating this amazing feat. Following the hurlers victory against Errill it was now the footballers turn.

They didn’t disappoint when they disposed of newcomers Annanough with relative ease to claim the town’s 15th title. The final was played in Portarlington and Portlaoise triumphed by 1-13 to 0-4 with Pat Critchley getting the game’s only goal. Critchley scored two points also and other scorers on the day were Liam Scully, Gerry Browne and Tom Prendergast with three points each, and Noel Prendergast and Jimmy Lewis with a point apiece.

For Portlaoise winning this county final was never a case of mission accomplished. Having started the year by losing a provincial final in disappointing fashion to Raheens of Kildare, the footballers were looking for redemption and beating Annanough represented an important stage in this journey.

Earlier rounds: Portlaoise 1-7 to St Manmans 0-6. Portlaoise 2-11 to Portarlington 2-5. Portlaoise 5-9 to Arles 1-5. Portlaoise 6-5 to The Heath 1-5. O’Dempseys 1-9 to Portlaoise 1-8. Portlaoise 1-14 to Mountmellick 2-10. Quarter-final: Portlaoise 1-17 to O’Dempseys 0-9. Semi-final: Portlaoise 2-8 to St. Josephs 0-11.

SFL: The Heath 1-7 to Portlaoise 0-4. Barrowhouse 3-6 to Portlaoise 2-9. Ballyroan 2-9 to Portlaoise 0-7.

1982 Leinster Club Football Final

If at first you don’t succeed then try and try again. Portlaoise set another landmark by playing a second Leinster club final in one calendar year. And as forgettable as the first one was against Raheens, the second one was one of the most memorable games in the history of the club as they defeated Ballymun Kickhams of Dublin by 1-8 to 0-7 in Carlow.

At the third attempt Portlaoise claimed their third Leinster title – a record in the province – and in doing so set up a mouth-watering All-Ireland semi-final against the famed Saint Finbarrs of Cork.

This was typical end of year fare, keenly contested but with scores hard to come by on the heavy pitch. A dour first half saw Portlaoise take a slender 0-3 to 0-2 lead at the interval, with scores being provided by Tom Prendergast (0-2) and a Liam Scully free. Having been assisted by a strong breeze, however, this didn’t seem to be enough.

But a whirlwind first ten minutes of the second half, which yielded a goal and two points rocked the Dubliners and set Portlaoise on the path to victory. Joe Keenan was the hero of the hour as he latched onto a breaking ball and drove a thundering shot to the roof of the net. Though against a strong breeze this score seemed to re-energise Portlaoise and Liam Scully nearly copied Keenan but his rasping shot hit the underside of the crossbar and somehow stayed out.

Scully then slotted a free before Critchley shot a great point from the right wing to give the town a six point lead. Noel Prendergast stretched the lead still further after a pass from Keenan, and his brother Tom then shot a fine point to leave eight between the sides. This period of dominance in the third quarter effectively decided the game.

Like the good team that they were Ballymun fought back. Barney Rock, darling of Hill 16 for the Dubs, scored two and John Kearns converted a free to narrow the gap to 1-7 to 0-5. With their momentum building Rock won another scoreable free but frustration caused him to retaliate and the free kick was lost.

This was a big relief to Portlaoise and Liam Scully scored a point from play in the 21st minute to stem the rising tide. Rock responded with a 45m kick which Mick Mulhall had to tip over the crossbar. Tom Prendergast got a knock which diminished his influence on the game but by that stage the town forwards had concentrated their efforts on defending as Ballymun fought to breach the Portlaoise goal. But they ran out of time and Portlaoise were champions of Leinster for the third time in the ten year history of the competition. And what a way to make amends for that disappointing loss to Raheens the previous April.

Stars on the day were Mick Mulhall, who was soundness personified in the goals; Mick Lillis, who was the star of the half back line; Eamonn Whelan, who stole the show in midfield but great assistance from Mick Dooley; and Tom Prendergast, Pat Critchley and Joe Keenan in the forwards. Keenan’s goal was the highlight of the game and crucial to the outcome as were Prendergast’s four points. Critchley came on for the injured Billy Bohane and had a significant impact on the game. Special praise must also go to full-back Jimmy Bergin who was up against one of the big names in gaelic football, Barney Rock – he handled him in exemplary fashion and restricted him mainly to damage from place balls. Liam Scully lifted the coveted trophy as captain.

Scorers
Portlaoise: Tom Prendergast (0-4); Joe Keenan (1-0); Liam Scully (0-2); Pat Critchley and Noel Prendergast (0-1 each).

Ballymun Kickhams: Barney Rock (0-4); D. Sheehan (0-2); J. Kearns (0-1).

In the opening round of the Leinster club championship, Portlaoise fans came away with one abiding memory according to the Nationalist report. “That memory will be of Portlaoise full back Jim Bergin who, with less than seven minutes left, taking charge of the ball in determined manner around midfield. Having moved menacingly forward he tackled and grounded an opponent effortlessly and then shot the most beautifully judged point from about 50 metres out. That brilliant point put the Laois champions four points in front and put beyond any reasonable doubt the outcome. Result: Portlaoise 0-12 to Bunclody 1-5.

Portlaoise next scored a runaway win over Longford champions, St. Marys, by 2-18 to 1-2 in Portarlington. In the Leinster semi-final Portlaoise beat Sarsfields (Newbridge) by 1-11 to 1-6. Tom Prendergast shot the Portlaoise goal in the opening half and he and his brother, Noel, were both denied majors when their blistering second half attempts struck woodwork. Mick Lillis was in superb form in defence.

In the All-Ireland seven-a-side competition, Portlaoise beat Athlone 6-6 to 4-6.

Intermediate Football

Portlaoise won the final beating Killeshin by 0-13 to 2-4 on 29 August at Timahoe. Portlaoise’s most productive period in this hard fought encounter came in a three minute period before half-time when they stretched their lead to 0-7 to 0-1 by virtue of three points from George Phelan and one from John Bohane. Killeshin dominated the third quarter but a combination of poor Portlaoise defending and some wayward shooting denied Killeshin dominance on the scoreboard. The Keenan brothers, Jimmy and Joe, dominated the midfield exchanges which gave Portlaoise a valuable edge in possession.

Semi-final: Portlaoise 2-5 to Crettyard 1-3.

IFL: O’Dempseys 0-10; Portlaoise 1-2. Portlaoise 1-8 to Park/Ratheniska 0-6.

Intermediate Hurling

IHL: Portlaoise 5-8 to Clonaslee 3-2.

Junior Hurling

Portlaoise 5-6 to Clonaslee 3-2. Portlaoise 3-10; Mountmellick 1-0. Portlaoise 1-2 to Shanahoe 0-5 (Draw). Shanahoe 2-7 to Portlaoise 1-9. The teams were 1-5 each at half-time. Best players were Maurice Bohane in goal, Peadar Molloy, Sean Dunne, Pat Keogh, Amby Larkin, Pat Delaney, Liam Scully and Tony Maher.

Junior Football

Portlaoise 3-9 to Cullohill 0-5.

Portarlington 1-9 to Portlaoise 0-8.

JFL: Portlaoise 2-6 to Clonad 0-2. Portlaoise 1-4 to Ballyfin 0-6.

Under 21 Football

After a low-scoing 1-3 to 0-2 win over The Rock, Portlaoise qualified for the semi-final with a 2-6 to 1-5 win over Portarlington at a drizzly Mountmellick. Semi-final: St. Colmans 2-5 to Portlaoise 1-5. In the semi-final two first half goals from Joe Higgins helped his side into a 2-3 to 0-2 half-time lead. John Ramsbottom stretched the lead on the restart and then Colmans withstood the best that Portlaoise threw at them.

Under 21 Hurling

Quarter-final: Rathdowney 5-4 to Portlaoise 2-4.

Minor Hurling

Castletown/Slieve Bloom 4-11 to Portlaoise 2-3.

Minor Football

Semi-final: Portarlington 2-5 to Portlaoise 0-5. Port led by 0-4 to 0-2 at the break and were well on top in the second half to dethrone the reigning champions. Players noted were Denis Brennan, Kevin Connolly, Joe Dunne, Patrick Delaney, Stephen Conroy, Paul Moran (0-2) and Brian McDonald (0-3).

Juvenile scene

U16 Hurling Final: Portlaoise 3-12 Kilcotton 1-1.

Portlaoise beat Portarlington in the Under 12 football final by 2-5 to 0-1. They beat Rathdowney in the Under 14 hurling final and repeated the win in the Feile final.

Stradbally beat Portlaoise in the Under 14 football final 2-5 to 0-3.

Portlaoise qualified for the Under 17 hurling final by beating Rathdowney/Errill 3-3 to 1-6.

They went on to win the title.

Street League

The Under 14 Street League whipped up huge interest. The semi-finals proved exciting affairs. Dublin Road beat Green Road by 3-4 to 3-3 while Marian Place accounted for St. Brigid’s place 0-6 to 0-1. Marian Place had stars in Michael Conroy, Des Killeen, Niall Morrin, Noel O’Reilly. St. Brigids had Niall Rigney, Donal Conroy, Paul Brennan and David Griffey to the fore. Best for Dublin Road were Cyril Duggan, Michael Dalton, and the Gorman brothers while noted for Green Road were Noel Carroll, James Dargan and the O’Sullivan brothers.

CBS news

Leinster Colleges (South) semi-final: Patrician College Ballyfin 2-5 to Portlaoise 1-7.

In South Leinster SF final Knockbeg College shaded matters with Portlaoise on a 1-5 to 0-6 scoreline.

In the Leinster SF championship St. Peters ended Portlaoise’s title hopes by 4-6 to 2-4 at windswept Carlow. St. Peters also ended the juniors hopes by 1-9 to 3-0.

1982 honours

• Hurling – Senior Laois Senior Hurler of the Year Billy Bohan
• Men’s Football – Intermediate Laois Intermediate Footballer of the Year Joe Keenan
• Men’s Football – Senior Laois Senior Footballer of the Year Gerry Browne
• Men’s Football – Intermediate Laois Intermediate ‘A’ Football Championship Portlaoise 0-13 v 2-4 Killeshin
• Men’s Football – Senior All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship Portlaoise 0-12 v 2-00 Clann na nGael
• Men’s Football – Senior Laois Senior Football Championship Portlaoise 1-13 v 0-4 Annanough Captain: Liam Scully
• Men’s Football – Under 12 Laois U-12 ‘A’ Football Championship Portlaoise 2-5 v 0-1 Portarlington Captain: Niall Morrin
• Hurling – Senior Laois Senior Hurling Championship Portlaoise 2-12 v 1-8 Errill Captain: John Joe Ging
• Hurling – Under 16 Laois U-16 ‘A’ Hurling Championship Portlaoise 3-12 v 1-1 Kilcotton
• Hurling – Under 17 Laois U-17 ‘A’ Hurling Championship Portlaoise v ?

AGM

Another historic year for Portlaoise GAA club was reviewed at the AGM. Retaining both senior county titles in 1982 was a unique feat but there was more. The footballers contested two provincial finals – an anomaly of the fixtures schedule back then – and though they lost to Raheens from Kildare in the first one they more than made amends with a fantastic victory over Ballymun Kickhams to win the Leinster title for the third time in their history. This ensured that the club had the All-Ireland series to look forward to as 1983 rolled in. To cap things off the club was also selected as AIB/GAA Leinster Club of the Year.

Secretary Bill Phelan, presenting his 13th Annual Report, highlighted the different achievements of the year just passed, and vowed that Portlaoise footballers sights were now set firmly on capturing the All-Ireland club title.

Chairman James O’Reilly said he was proud to be chairman of one of the biggest and best sporting clubs in Ireland while vice-chairman Peadar Molloy appealed to members for even greater support. One of the main debates of the AGM centred upon whether or not two senior football teams should be affiliated and a decision was deferred to the adjourned AGM at which the main clubs finances would be discussed at the end of the month.

Laois Under 21 hurlers win first Leinster title

Laois scored a great win by 3-13 to 4-8 over Wexford in the Leinster final. Wexford had dethroned the reigning Leinster and All-Ireland champions in the semi-final. Laois trailed by 2-5 to 0-7 at the break but goals by Tommy Delaney, Ray Broderick and team captain shot second half goals to give their side the upper half in the second half. Noel Rigney was the Portlaoise representative and had a fine game at left corner back.

All-Ireland Club Football Semi-Final 1983

Portlaoise were attempting to qualify for the All-Ireland Final at the third attempt. They had performed admirably in their two previous semi-finals but defeat was ultimately their lot against Bellaghy from Derry in 1972 and Austin Stacks from Kerry in 1977. Saint Finbarrs from Cork were the roadblock in the way of this elusive dream. A team laden with inter-county stars including John Kerins, John Meyler, Dave Barry, Christy Ryan, Teddy Holland and John Allen were favourites to advance but Portlaoise showed both quality and resilience to overcome the Cork men in an extremely hard fought game by 0-7 to 0-6.

As the scoreline would suggest this was an agonisingly close game with scores slow to come mainly due to the high winds which made accurate shooting difficult for even the most accomplished players on the field. In spite of the conditions the game was played in a very sporting manner.

Portlaoise sealed their victory, and a final date with Clanna Gael of Rosommon, in the 25th minute of the second half when Gerry Browne gained possession from a Bernie Conroy free kick and pointed to give the town a very sweet and long overdue victory.

Saint Finbarrs won the toss and opted to start with the aid of a strong wind at their backs but Eamonn Whelan opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a fine point which was greeted with rapturous applause by the sizeable Laois support. Noel Prendergast added another in the ninth minute and it was already becoming obvious that every score was going to be crucial. The ‘Barrs hit back with a point by Tony Leahy before Dave Barry levelled matters with a free from 35 metres.

The town really upped their game for the rest of the half and points from Gerry Browne, Joe Keenan and Tom Prendergast left the scoreline at 0-5 to 0-2 at the interval.

The Cork men attacked with a vengeance at the start of the second half but were guilty of some poor wides which would prove costly at the end. Teddy Holland and John Allen had wides before Jamsie Callaghan reduced the deficit from a twenty metre free. Liam Scully, after a foul on Pat Critchley, extended the lead once more but the Portlaoise men were coming under severe pressure now.

Points from Teddy Holland, Christy Ryan, and Callaghan again left the sides level with a few minutes to go. Not many would have wagered on a Portlaoise escape at this stage but up stepped the hero of the hour, Gerry Browne, to score one of the most important points of his career to send his club through to a first ever All-Ireland final.

This was a truly heroic performance from Portlaoise. Special mention must go to Jimmy Bergin at full back who did such a fine job in shackling ‘Barrs danger-man John Allen. Colm Browne and Mick Lillis also starred in defence while Eamonn Whelan and Mick Dooley ensured Portlaoise had the upper hand in midfield. Up front Pat Critchley and Liam Scully in particular got through a mountain of work while the hero of the hour was Gerry Browne with his invaluable late point.

Scorers
Portlaoise: Gerry Browne (0-2); Tom Prendergast, Noel Prendergast, Liam Scully, Joe Keenan and Eamonn Whelan (0-1 each).

Saint Finbarrs: Jamesie Callaghan (0-2); Tony Leahy, Christy Ryan, Teddy Holland, and Dave Barry (0-1 each).

All-Ireland Club Football Final 1983

“All the years of frustration ended and the tag of gallant losers was finally buried on Sunday last when Portlaoise became the first Laois side to win the All-Ireland Club Football Championship when they had six points to spare over the Roscommon champions Clanna Gael – a side that disappointed the majority of the estimated 4,000 attendance in Cloughjordan. This victory has finally laid to rest the ghosts of the seventies when it seemed that Portlaoise would always be the bridesmaid but never the bride. The win was also a major milestone in the history of Laois football as it was the first All-Ireland senior football trophy ever to be brought to Laois. The winners showed all their best traits of skill and determination in this historic win. Though in a perilous position at half time, holding a marginal three point lead at 0-6 to 1-0, having played with a strong breeze, the Laois champions put on a super display in the third quarter to gain a good five points advantage. And when Clanna Gael were awarded, and converted, a controversial penalty kick, the wearers of the green and white hit back again to kill off all hopes of a Roscommon victory and gain for the Laois club an indelible mark on the GAA history books”.

So read the opening paragraph in the match report of the Leinster Express in the aftermath of this momentous victory for Portlaoise. Sunday, the twentieth day of March 1983 remains the proudest day in the history of the club. Portlaoise footballers became champions of Ireland for the first, and to date, only time in the rather inauspicious surrounds of Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, when they defeated Clanna Gael of Roscommon on a scoreline of 0-12 to 2-0. The match was originally fixed for Tullamore but torrential rain and strong winds meant a change of venue on the morning of the match.

The Nationalist report revealed that Portlaoise “got the first free, first line ball and kicked the first wide before they shot their opening point. It took Portlaoise six minutes to register that first score. Eamonn Whelan took a quick free to Tom Prendergast on the right hand side of the field and from 35 metres he struck a fine point to the delight of the Portlaoise crowd. From the resultant kick out Prendergast again gained possession and put the town two ahead. Mick Dooley and Noel Prendergast combined to place Gerry Browne for the third point after ten minutes and then Noel placed his brother, Tom, for number four.

The ‘Town’ were in the ascendency but there was a notable nervousness in the attack and after missing the target on a few occasions they were further frustrated when Noel Predergast sent the ball wide from a spot kick. Tom Prendergast steadied the ship with a good point but then disaster struck. Midfielder Fran Nicholson drove the ball through the middle and Owen McManus, unbalanced by Colm Browne’s intervention, managed to get a left foot to the ball and divert it past Mick Mulhall in the 26th minute. It was nearly disaster on the double when Martin McManus found the side netting. Portlaoise went into the break just two points ahead at 0-5 to 1-0 after a half in which they shot 13 wides and still having to face a fresh breeze.

But adversity was always something this great team could cope with and immediately on the restart they took up the initiative once again. Eamon Whelan steadied the ship with a pointed free in the 33rd minute and Gerry Browne added another by the end of the third quarter. The Gaels once again closed the gap with a major when sharp-shooter full forward, Tony McManus slotted home a penalty. Gerry Browne stretched the Portlaoise advantage with a point in the 51st minute and further scores from Liam Scully and Tom Prendergast snuffed out the Gaels challenge.

It may not have been the greatest display ever from the Portlaoise men with 20 wides to their credit against the Gaels 11 but they held their opponents to a mere two scores and there was a gulf between the amount of possession enjoyed by either side and overall, more importantly the coveted title was theirs, putting the stamp of greatness and history on the team and the proud club they represented.

Scorers
Portlaoise: Tom Prendergast (0-4); Gerry Browne (0-3), Liam Scully, Eamonn Whelan (0-2 each); Pat Critchley (0-1).

Clan na Gael: Owen McManus and Tony McManus (1-0 each).

The team were given a Civic Reception at County Hall in June. Tributes flowed in from town councillors and county manager, Michael Deigan. He said the team was “a splendid example to the youth of Portlaoise”.

Senior Football

Leinster and All-Ireland champions, bowed out of the local championship when failing by 1-14 to 3-4 in the semi-final to St. Joseph’s. The Saints led by 0-4 to 0-3 after a quarter but this was stretched to 1-9 to 0-3 by the break. The Town fought back and three goals from Noel Prendergast, Tom Prendergast and Jimmy Lewis left a mere three points between the sides with five minutes remaining. The Saints held out for a famous victory for them.

Portlaoise entered two teams in the championship because of the Intermediate’s success the previous year and their meeting in the competition was a little bit of County and club history as this was the first and only time a club had two teams in the senior championship in either code. For the record the first team won easily by 3-16 to 0-5.

Earlier rounds: Ballyroan 1-13 to Portlaoise “A” 0-5. Portlaoise “A” 0-10; Arles 1-6. O’Dempseys 1-17 to Portlaoise “A” 0-3. Ballylinan

2-7 to Portlaoise “A” 1-3. Portlaoise 1-9 to O’Dempseys 1-7. Portlaoise 0-11 to Ballylinan 0-9. Ballyroan2-7 to Portlaoise 1-8. Annanough 3-6 to

Portlaoise 2-10. Portlaoise 0-14 to Arles 0-3. Quarter-final: Portlaoise 2-9 to Emo 0-4.

Senior hurling

Portlaoise confirmed themselves as the new force in Laois hurling when they completed a famous three in a row when by defeating Camross on a scoreline of 3-10 to 3-5 in a very sporting county final in Mountrath.

It was a rousing final in which Camross stretched the holders to the limit but eventually ran out of steam. They led by two points at the break and still retained a single point lead going into the final quarter when a Pat Critchley goal put the Town firmly in the driving seat. With four minutes remaining Billy Bohane sent over from a line cut all of fifty five yards out and you could physically see bthe Camross legs wearying as the Town romped to a third title on the trot.

This was Portlaoise at their best against a resolute opposition. Special mention was given to Liam Bergin, Mickey Bohane, Pat Critchley and “foot perfect”, Jimmy Harding, with John Taylor, Jimmy Keenan and John Bohane also brilliant in a classic sporting tie.

Scorers
Portlaoise: Billy Bohane (0-7); Liam Bergin (0-3); Noel Rigney, Mickey Bohane, Pat Critchley (1-0 each).

In the opening round Portlaoise and Durrow finished level at 0-9 each. They then beat Castleown 1-5 to 1-3 to Park/Ratheniska by 1-9 to 1-5 to Abbeyleix 1-12 to 1-7. Borris-in-Ossory beat them 0-9 to 0-4. Portlaoise 3-8 to Clonad 1-10. In the quarter-final, it took a Billy Bohane free in the final minute to earn his side a replay against Errill in the quarter-finmal. Portlaoise 1-8 to Errill 0-11. The Town side won the replay by 2-9 to 1-6. It took another spectacular finish by the Portlaoise men to beat Durrow by 2-17 to 2-10 in the semi-final.

Portlaoise beat Borris-in-Ossory 3-4 to 1-5 to qualify for the Brady Cup (S.H.) 1982 final against Camross, who beat Clonad 2-12 to 0-6 in the other semi-final. Camross won the final by 4-9 to 0-8. Portlaoise beat Abbeyleix 1-15 to 1-5 and Borris-in-Ossory 2-11 to 1-5 in the 1983 competition.

In the Leinster club championship, Portlaoise opened up with a huge 8-8 to 1-8 win over Wicklow champions, Avondale. The quarter-final against Buffers Alley (Wexford) was a memorable game at Borris-in-Ossory. It was all Wexford in the opening half and one could be excused for thinking the outcome was a foregone conclusion when the Alley led by 3-6 to 0-3 at the break. But slowly but surely the fighting Town side rallied and were only six points down at the end of the third quarter. A great goal by Matt Keegan shook the Wexford side and in the dying moments, Liam Bergin snatched another to level the game. Jimmy Harding, though treated badly by what the report recalled was an inept referee, was the hero of the hour against no less an opponent than Tony Doran. Portlaoise 2-13 to Buffer’s Alley 4-7. The Town made the long journey a winning one when beating the Alley 2-9 to 0-14 in the replay in Wexford Park. A splendid late goal by man-of-the-match, Pat Critchley, clinched the victory. Jimmy Harding once again outplayed the Wexford star, Tony Doran.

Lady luck deserted the hurlers in the semi-final when Kinnitty snatched a late late victory to qualify to meet Kilkenny champions, Shamrocks, in the Leinster final. The winners led by 1-5 to 1-4 at the break but it was a broken finger injury to star performer, Pat Critchley, in the opening half that caused the Portlaoise followers the most worries. And that was precisely what happened because Critchley, despite his best efforts, was severely restricted in his striking and this proved vital to the Portlaoise performance. Ace striker, Paddy Corrigan, sent over a long free to clinch the tie in the dying seconds on a 1-13 to 2-9 scoreline. John Bohane and Liam Bergin got the Portlaoise goals.

Junior Football

Portarlington proved too good for the ‘Town’ in the final winning by 3-8 to 1-4. The winners led by 0-6 to 0-2 at the break and dded further goals in the second period to record an easy win. Declan Timmons snatched the Portlaoise goal.

Portlaoise beat Cullohill 2-11 to 1-1 in the opening round, then disposed of Ballyfin by 3-9 to 1-6. In the semi-final they beat The Heath by 4-4 to 0-8.

The “B” team lost to The Rock by 0-6 to 0-4.

Junior Hurling

JHC “B” Portlaoise 4-10; Abbeyleix 3-0. Clonaslee 1-9 to Portlaoise 1-7.

Under 21 Football

St. Josephs had an easy win over Portlaoise by 4-7 to 2-8 at Stradbally.

AGM

Secretary Bill Phelan congratulated the footballers on winning the All-Ireland club title and the hurlers for completing a three-in-a-row of county titles in 1983. He also detailed other achievements including that of the Juvenile section of the club who had a very active and successful year.

The main decision at the AGM was to enter just one senior football team into the championship after the previous year’s experiment of fielding two teams was not deemed to have been a success.

Senior Hurling - Four-in-a-row

Laois hurlers were going through their best period for over half a century. In the prestigious Centenary Cup competition, they scored victories over some of the top teams before disposing of Galway by 5-7 to 4-9 in a thrilling semi-final. The great run, however, came to an abrupt end in Croke Park when Cork beat them 2-21 to 1-9 in the final. In an entertaining Leinster semi-final Kilkenny ousted Laois by 4-15 to 1-6. The senior footballers were beaten 3-15 to 3-10 in the Leinster semi-final.

Portlaoise were hoping to claim an unprecedented four-in-a-row in county titles in 1984, the Centenary year of the GAA. In their way stood the Harps, an amalgamation of Durrow and Cullohill clubs who were appearing in their first ever final.

In the main this was a game to forget as both teams struggled to get any fluency on a heavy sod in the brand new O Moore Park, but the climax will live long in the memory as a never say die

Portlaoise fought back from the dead to rescue an unlikely draw. A young Liam Bergin was the undoubted hero of the hour as he got the all-important goal to save the champions blushes. Even after that the Harps had one final chance of glory when they were awarded a free but Tom Lennon’s effort tailed wide from 55 yards out. The final score was: Portlaoise 1-8 to Harps 2-5.

Lennon opened the scoring with a 65 metre strike before Plunkett levelled matters shortly after. In the fifth minute the Harps set the cat amongst the pigeons when Sean Murphy struck the game’s first goal. This quick-fire start to the final represented a false dawn however as defences took over and there was no further score for nineteen minutes. In this frustrating period a melee erupted and Portlaoise captain Billy Bohane and Mick Dunphy from the Harps were both sent off.

Liam Bergin narrowed the gap with another pointed free before the Harps struck a second hammer blow with a great goal from Phil White. The champions were rattled but managed to stay in touch with points from Bergin and Critchley which left the half time score at 2-1 to 0-4.

Critchley, Taylor and Plunkett were striving manfully to bring the Town back into the game and Liam Bergin again reduced the gap to two points. Martin Brophy got his first point of the game but again this was nullified by Bergin. The Harps were sensing blood however and Lennon and Murphy both pointed from close range to stretch the gap to four points. Matthew Keegan and Martin Brophy then traded points to leave the score at 2-5 to 0-7. Brophy’s score, with sixteen minutes left, would prove to be the Harps final score of the final.

Liam Bergin pointed another free to leave three points between the teams and shortly afterwards Portlaoise were awarded a penalty after Keegan was fouled when following up on a Plunkett shot. John Bohane struck it low and hard but Kelly managed to bat it to safety and it looked like it was goig to be one of those days for Portlaoise.

Both teams had chances. Jimmy Keenan was denied a goal when Kelly made a great save, while Brophy and Lennon both had wides for the Harps. Time was running out when Liam Bergin gained possession on the wing and broke a couple of tackles before firing a great strike past Kelly from a tight angle. The Portlaoise supporters were delirious but the game was not over yet.

With time virtually up Tom Lennon was fouled in a scramble for the ball and was awarded a free – to win the match – from 55 metres out. He struck it high and goalwards but it tailed off just wide of the right post and with this referee Tom Ryan blew the whistle to signal the end of the game.

Portlaoise had lived to fight another day! Best players on the day for the champions were Liam Bergin, whose goal lives long in the memory of anybody who witnessed it, Pat Critchley, Seamus Plunkett, John Taylor, John Bohane, Martin Cashin and Mickey Bohane.

Scorers
Portlaoise: Liam Bergin (1-5, 0-4 frees), Pat Critchley, Seamus Plunkett and Matthew Keegan (0-1 each).

The Harps: Sean Murphy (1-1), Phil White (1-0), Martin Brophy and Tom Lennon (0-2 each).

County Senior Hurling Final (Replay)

After the fright of the drawn game, Portlaoise were happy to have a second bite at the cherry and this time they were in much more clinical form. They raced out of the blocks and had seven points on the board before the Harps could muster a response. Billy Bohane, the inter-county star, was back having been sent off in the first game and he supplied three of these early scores. Liam Bergin continued his rich vein of form with two quick-fire points while Joe Keenan and Matthew Keegan also registered.

After 24 minutes the Harps finally settled and Liam Spencer struck a point. John Burke added another two minutes later before Bergin responded yet again for the Town. Matthew Keegan, with his second point of the day, sandwiched scores from Lennon and Brophy to leave the half time score at 0-9 to 0-4.

The Bohane brothers, Mickey and Billy, set the early trend for the second half with points and there was plenty of daylight between the teams yet again. The game was finally put to bed in the 43rd minute when Mickey Bohane struck for the game’s first goal and from this point the result was a formality. Keegan added some icing to the cake with another goal to complete a personal tally of 1-2. Brophy’s goal for the Harps in the 55th minute was merely a consolation score. Final score: Portlaoise 2-14 to Harps 1-7.

Portlaoise were champions again for the fourth successive year and what a display they put on when they had been given a second chance. Best players on the day were Jimmy Harding, a tower of strength at full-back, John Bohane, John Taylor, Martin Cashin, Seamus Plunkett, Pat Critchley, Billy Bohane, Mickey Bohane, Liam Bergin and Matthew Keegan.

This was Portlaoise hurlers sixth title in total and fourth on the trot. Amazingly the four finals were won at four different venues and John Joe Ging was captain on all four occasions.

Scorers
Portlaoise: Matthew Keegan (1-2), Billy Bohane (0-5, 0-4 frees), Mickey Bohane (1-1), Liam Bergin (0-3), Joe Keenan, Seamus Plunkett and Pat Critchley (0-1 each).

The Harps: Martin Brophy (1-2), John Burke (0-2), Liam Spencer, Tom Lennon and Sean Murphy (0-1 each).

Earlier rounds: Portlaoise 1-10; Ballinakill 1-9. Then after another win and a loss, Portlaoise overcame Clonaslee 2-16 to 0-4 before losing to Errill 3-10 to 0-6. It took a crunch tie against Ballacolla to clinch a place in the quarter-finals. The Town survived by a mere point 1-14 to 2-10. Quarter-final: Portlaoise 2-7 to Clonad 1-6. Semi-final: Portlaoise beat Rathdowney.

In the Brady Cup (1983) semi-final played in 1984, Camross beat Portlaoise 5-13 to 0-8. In the 1984 competition Portlaoise beat Castletown 1-12 to 1-6.

In the Leinster club championship Portlaoise easily won the opener against Westmeath champions, Raharney by 1-16 to 0-10. Kinnitty put an end to their hopes by 2-20 to 0-5 in a disappointing semi-final at Athy.

Senior Football

The football final was remarkably similar to its hurling counterpart the previous Sunday and also ended in a draw. There was great expectation in the lead-up to the final and Portlaoise were understandable favourites as a result of their recent All-Ireland success. They were chasing a record 16th Laois football title but Ballyroan had a number of stars in their ranks too like Liam Irwin, Mick Drennan, Pat Dunne, Pat McWey, Jim Whelan and county goalkeeper Martin Conroy. The game never lived up to expectations, though, and it was only in the closing stages as Portlaoise fought to retrieve a bleak situation that there was some excitement for the large attendance at the game.

Portlaoise were comfortable in the first half as Ballyroan showed signs of nerves with a few poor wides. Pat Critchley opened the scoring after a pass from Gerry Browne in the sixth minute and Noel Prendergast doubled the Towns tally with a pointed free six minutes later. Liam Irwin with a free got Ballyroan off the mark, and following another Critchley point, Irwin pointed again to leave the scores at 0-3 to 0-2 with twenty minutes gone. Two further pointed frees from Liam Scully and Prendergast left the half-time score 0-5 to 0-2 in favour of the county town men.

It was all looking quite comfortable for Portlaoise at the start of the second half when Liam Scully pointed from play to extend the lead to four points but Ballyroan then roared back into the game, thanks mainly to Liam Irwin and Pat McWey gaining the upper-hand in midfield. Sean Murphy narrowed the gap and this was followed by three pointed frees from Liam Irwin in the 35th, 42nd and 43rd minutes. The sides were now level, but more importantly Ballyroan were in complete control.

Things were looking decidedly more ominous in the 45th minute. A movement started by Tom McMahon and involving Gabriel Lyons ended with John Irwin lofting a dangerous ball towards the Portlaoise goal. It was a half-cross half-shot but it caught the town goalie unawares and the ball deflected awkwardly off Mick Mulhall’s chest and into the net. Ballyroan had completed a seven point turnaround and were now three ahead, with all of the momentum and time running out.

The sign of a great team is to remain cool under pressure and Portlaoise had already shown themselves to be a great team. Could they do so again? After 53 minutes Liam Scully narrowed the gap and with five minutes to go Noel Prendergast reduced the deficit to one with another pointed free. Fittingly the outcome in this dour and forgettable final was decided by one last free and happily for Portlaoise it was Noel Prendergast who was handed the task to rescue his team from 30 yards out. He duly obliged to the huge relief of all town supporters and yet again Portlaoise had demonstrated their never say die attitude and earned a second chance at redemption. Final score: Portlaoise 0-9 to Ballyroan 1-6.

This was a lacklustre performance by Portlaoise and only a few players emerged with any credit from this one. Mick Lillis played well, as did Liam Scully, Colm Browne, Jimmy Bergin, ad Pat Critchley until he received a knock midway through the first half. Noel Prendergast too showed nerves of steel in converting those late frees to hand his team a second chance.

Scorers
Portlaoise: Noel Prendergast (0-4), Liam Scully (0-3), Pat Critchley (0-2).

Ballyroan: Liam Irwin (0-5), John Irwin (1-0), Sean Murphy (0-1).

Senior Football Final (Replay)

Much like the hurling replay Portlaoise grabbed their second opportunity with both hands and won for the club a record-breaking 15th football county title. They completely dominated the game and the fact that Ballyroan had to wait until the second minute of the second half tells its own story. In the end the game was even more comfortable than the 2-8 to 0-4 score-line suggests.

The foundations for this success were built on an impregnable defence which sucked the life out of every threat from Ballyroan. The midfield partnership of Mick Dooley ad Joe Keenan had a huge challenge on their hands to quell the Irwin/McWey influence and not only did they do this but they totally dominated this vital sector of the field and provided a rich supply to the forwards. The forwards didn’t fire on all cylinders and missed as many chances as they converted but it was an improved showing from the drawn final and they all worked liked Trojans.

Liam Scully opened the scoring with a point from play in the 5th minute and 4 minutes later he struck for a goal having collected a foot pass from Gerry Browne. Tom Prendergast then registered his first score of the final and a Joe Keenan point left the interval score at 1-4 to 0-0.

Pat Whelan finally got Ballyroan off the mark but the reply was instant and devastating. In the very next attack Eamonn Whelan shot a pointed free and a few seconds later Mick Lillis, who was having a great game at centre back, gained possession and launched a long ball upfield towards Tom Prendergast. The ball bounced once and Prendergast caught it in his stride and unleashed an unstoppable shot to the back of the net to leave the scoreline 2-4 to 0-1. The game was effectively over now.

Liam Irwin tacked one on for Ballyroan but again a fierce response from a determined Portlaoise saw Noel Prendergast, Mick Dooley and Liam Scully drive further nails into the coffin and leave eleven points between the sides. At this stage Portlaoise took their foot somewhat off the pedal and Carter and Peacock added consolation scores. Liam Scully scored the final point of the game to bring events to a close.

Mick Mulhall in the Portlaoise goals was superb throughout and made two brilliant saves. Brian Colgan had a great game at corner back and John Bohane and Jimmy Bergin completed a teak tough full back line. Colm Browne played a leaders role and Lillis ad Bernie Conroy shone brightly too in a very strong half back line. Midfield was completely on top, as previously stated, while in attack Liam Scully, Tom Prendergast, Pat Critchley and Eamonn Whelan were in super form and Gerry Browne and Noel Prendergast worked tirelessly and with great industry.

Scorers
Portlaoise: Liam Scully (1-3), Tom Prendergast (1-1),Eamonn Whelan, Mick Dooley, Joe Keenan, Noel Prendergast (0-1 each).

Ballyroan: Liam Irwin, Pat Whelan, Tony Carter, Jim Peacock (0-1 each).

Other results: Centenary Cup semi-final: The Heath1-12 to Portlaoise 1-5. After two wins in the opening rounds of the championship Portlaoise beat Emo 0-13 to 0-8 to continue their unbeaten run. Next they dismissed Mountmellick by 2-14 to 0-5 and Arles by 1-10 to 0-7. Next came a draw with old rivals, St. Josephs, on a 0-13 to 1-10 scoreline. Portlaoise blitzed St. Josephs 4-12 to 1-6 in the quarter-final and in the semi-final they repeated their earlier win over Emo, this time by 1-13 to 1-6.

In the Leinster club championship Portlaoise and St. Vincents finished level at Portlaoise 1-7 to St. Vincents 1-10 at O’Toole Park, Dublin. Then injury hit Portlaoise side succumbed by 0-13 to 0-6 in the replay at Portarlington.

Junior Hurling

Portlaoise 2-6 to Kyle 3-1. Timahoe 1-6 to Portlaoise 1-2 (unfinished due to free-for-all). Timahoe 2-12 to Portlaoise 4-5 (replay).

Scorers
Tom Walton (3-0), Des Browne (1-0), Christy Cahill (0-2), Liam Harney, John Rogers and Martin Conroy (0-1 each).

Others to impress were Paul Kelly, in goal, Hugh Rochford, Ollie Dunne and John Carroll.

Junior “B”: Errill 1-5 to Portlaoise 2-6.

Junior Football “B”

Courtwood defeated Portlaoise

Under 21 Football

Ballyroan 2-6 to Portlaoise 1-4.

Under 21 Hurling

Semi-final: Clonad/Shanahoe 3-4 to Portlaoise 2-7.

Clonad/Shanahoe won the replay and went on to beat Rathdowny in the final.

Minor Hurling

Portlaoise were always in control of the minor hurling final of 1984 against Borris-in-Ossory, and claimed their first title since 1980 by 2-10 to 1-5. With the aid of a strong breeze they held a healthy 1-8 to 0-2 lead at the interval and although Borris came back to within five points halfway through the second half Portlaoise rallied again to put the issue beyond doubt. Paul Bergin was the star of the show with a sensational performance – he accounted for all but two of the town scores.

Owen Coss opened the scoring for Borris with a point but Paul Bergin slotted a free to level things up. In the fourth minute Bergin showed his class when he went on a mazy solo run and stitched the net with a great shot. He adorned this great goal with a succession of points and Tom Fitzpatrick also added one.

Owen Coss pointed a free early in the second half to reduce the deficit and when Mick Hanrahan struck a goal there was hope again for the Borris men. James Fahy dashed all hopes however when he broke through the defence in the 20th minute and shot the goal that effectively wrapped up proceedings. Bergin added a free and Portlaoise were champions again.

John Hanniffy pulled off some great saves in the goals and he got ample protection from a very solid defence in which full-back Cyril Duggan, right-full James O Sullivan, centre-half Matthew McDonald and left-half back Eddie Brennan were very prominent. Liam Duggan and Pat Dalton had a great duel with Owen Coss and James Finlay and held a slight advantage over the hour. Paul Bergin was the outstanding forward and he was ably assisted by James Fahy, Tom Fitzpatrick and Donal Conroy.

David Coughlan was captain and had the honour of lifting the Harry Grey Cup on behalf of his team-mates and club.

Scorers
Portlaoise: Paul Bergin (1-9), James Fahy (1-0) and Tom Fitzpatrick (0-1).

Borris-in-Ossory: Mick Hanrahan (1-0), Owen Coss (0-3), Jimmy Daly (0-2).

Portlaoise beat The Harps 1-11 to 1-4 in an earlier round. Then Camross 2-11 to 1-2 and Park/Ratheniska 2-8 to 0-4 in the semi-final.

Minor Football

1984 was a remarkable year in relation to Laois county finals. Both senior finals ended in draws and amazingly the minor football final also ended in a draw. Graiguecullen were trying to win their first minor title since 1949 while Portlaoise were hoping to bridge a much shorter three year gap. In the end it took a last minute goal from Paul Bergin to save the day for Portlaoise – one week after his brother Liam had saved the senior hurlers bacon against the Harps. Of course one week earlier Paul had been heroic too for the minor hurlers when he almost single-handedly put Borris-in-Ossory to the sword.

This was an extremely exciting game and Portlaoise were first off the mark when Patrick Gavin kicked a point after three minutes. The game was deadlocked for the next twelve minutes before Graigue took the lead with a Ned Hayden goal and they followed this up with a Mark Behan point. Liam Duggan narrowed the gap with a point and he then set Pat Gavin up for a fisted goal to give the lead back to the town men. James Fahy then converted a free to leave Portlaoise ahead at the interval by 1-3 to 1-1.

Ronan O Connell extended the lead with a point three minutes into the second half but Graiguecullen responded well with a great point from Paul Keating after a strong solo run and another from Davy Dooley. Liam Duggan was at the centre of everything for Portlaoise and he set up another goal, scored this time by Ronan O Connell in the ninth minute. The Graigue men refused to yield and answered back with a goal of their own after Mark Behan set Joe Nolan up to leave the scores at 2-4 to 2-3.

Fahy added another white flag for Portlaoise before Graiguecullen took the game by the scruff of the neck. Dooley, Nolan and Behan with a free had the Carlow border men ahead with eight minutes to go before Ronan O Connell levelled matters once more. Mark Behan then set Dooley up for what looked to be the match-winning goal but Portlaoise once more demonstrated their battling qualities and when Pat Dalton gained possession he passed to Paul Bergin who finished to the net to secure a reprieve for Portlaoise and left the final score at 3-6 apiece.

Scorers
Portlaoise: Pat Gavin, Ronan O Connell (1-2 each), Paul Bergin (1-0), James Fahey (0-2).

Graiguecullen: Joe Nolan (1-2), Davy Dooley (1-1), Ned Hayden (1-0), Mark Behan (0-2), Paul Keating (0-1).

Minor Football Final (Replay)

Much like the senior replays Portlaoise upped their game at the second time of asking and ran out convincing winners on a scoreline of 1-8 to 1-2. Though Graiguecullen started strongly and Joe Nolan pointed to give them an early lead they were guilty of too many missed chances and Portlaoise punished them severely.

The opening Portlaoise score was a goal from their saviour in the drawn game. James Fahy soloed strongly before releasing to Paul Bergin who made no mistake in the seventh minute. Fahy himself added a brace of points, one from play and one free, before Mark Behan pegged one back. Another Fahy brace of points left the half-time score at 1-4 to 0-2.

Graiguecullen kept the game in the melting pot when Dooley goaled early in the second half and they had further chances to tighten the noose but were guilty of some poor wides. When Fahy added another it heralded new energy in the town lads and a succession of unanswered points from Liam Duggan, Ronan O Connell, and Tom Fitzpatrick ensured the Corcoran Cup would rest in the county town for 1984.

Scorers
Portlaoise: James Fahey (0-5), Paul Bergin (1-0), Liam Duggan, Ronan O Connell, Tom Fitzpatrick (0-1 each);

Graiguecullen: Davy Dooley (1-0), Mark Behan and Joe Nolan (0-1 each).

Portlaoise took a giant step towards winning the title by beating the holders, Portarlington, 0-9 to 0-7 in an earlier round.

The legendary “Double Double”

Portlaoise GAA achieved one of the greatest and rarest accomplishments in the history of Laois sport, the famous “Double Double”. In a truly extraordinary year for The Town, Portlaoise captured senior and minor county championships in both football and hurling, completing a feat that remains one of the crown jewels in the history of the club.

The achievement reflected the remarkable strength of Portlaoise GAA at every level during the era. While the senior teams continued the success that had brought Leinster and All-Ireland glory in the early 1980s, the club’s juvenile structures were simultaneously producing another generation of exceptional talent ready to carry The Town forward into the future.

The senior hurlers completed a historic four in a row of Laois Senior Hurling Championships in dramatic fashion. Facing the newly formed Harps club in the county final, Portlaoise were fortunate to escape the drawn game with a replay after a major scare. However, given a second chance, The Town responded in emphatic style.

In the replay, Portlaoise raced from the blocks and had seven points on the board before The Harps managed a reply. With Mathew Keegan scoring 1-2, Billy Bohane contributing 0-5 and Mickey Bohane adding 1-1, Portlaoise powered to a convincing 2-14 to 1-7 victory. The triumph secured the club’s sixth senior hurling title and fourth in succession.

One week later, the senior footballers added another chapter to the remarkable season. Portlaoise entered the county final against Ballyroan as reigning All-Ireland champions and favourites to claim a record 15th Laois Senior Football Championship. Yet, much like the hurling final, the first encounter ended in a draw as Ballyroan, led by players such as Liam Irwin, Mick Drennan, Pat Dunne, Pat McWey, Jim Whelan and county goalkeeper Martin Conroy, pushed The Town all the way.

The drawn game finished 0-9 to 1-6 after Portlaoise fought back strongly in the closing stages to rescue the replay. But once again, The Town seized their second opportunity with ruthless efficiency. In the replay, Portlaoise dominated from start to finish and Ballyroan had to wait until the second minute of the second half to register their first score. The final score of 2-8 to 0-4 scarcely reflected the extent of Portlaoise’s superiority as they secured a record-breaking 15th senior football championship title.

At juvenile level, the club’s future stars mirrored the achievements of their senior counterparts. The minor hurlers captured their first county title since 1980 with an impressive 2-10 to 1-5 victory over Borris-in-Ossory. Paul Bergin produced one of the great individual performances in a minor final, accounting for all but two of the Portlaoise tally and firmly establishing himself as one of the brightest young talents in the county.

The minor footballers also required a replay to complete the clean sweep. Graiguecullen were chasing their first minor football title since 1949 and looked set for victory in the drawn game before a dramatic late intervention from Paul Bergin rescued Portlaoise. One week after his brother Liam had helped save the senior hurlers, Bergin struck a crucial last-minute goal after good work from Pat Dalton to leave the game level at 3-6 apiece.

In the replay, Portlaoise raised their performance significantly. James Fahy led the scoring with five points while a Paul Bergin goal and further scores from Liam Duggan, Ronan O’Connell and Tom Fitzpatrick secured a convincing 1-8 to 1-2 victory and brought the Corcoran Cup back to the county town.

Incredibly, replays were required in the senior hurling, senior football and minor football finals before the “Double Double” was finally completed, making the achievement all the more dramatic and memorable.

The legacy of 1984 still resonates deeply within Portlaoise GAA today. The achievements of that extraordinary season established a standard of excellence that inspired generations of players, mentors and supporters. The men and boys who wore the green and white during that unforgettable year ensured that Portlaoise stood proudly at the summit of both football and hurling in Laois, a feat unmatched before or since.

Juvenile scene

Portlaoise won the Under 17 hurling title in a replay against Camross. The first game ended on a score line of Portlaoise 3-7 to Camross 4-4. The ‘Town’ side won the replay by 2-9 to 2-3. Portlaoise (drawn game): John Hanniffy, James Lawless, Noel O’Reilly, Paddy Norton, John O’Sullivan, Cyril Duggan, Noel Rigney, Matt McDonald, James Fahy, Paul Bergin, Ray Carroll, Donal O’Sullivan, Paul Conroy, Tom Fitzpatrick, Greg Norton, Subs: Donal Conway, Martin Ging. The team in the replay was: James Hanniffy, Noel O’Reilly, Cyril Duggan, Paddy Norton, James Lawless, Matt McDonald, Noel Rigney, Paul Bergin, Tom Fitzpatrick, Donal Conroy, Pat Carroll, James Fahy, Greg Norton, John O’Sullivan, Donal O’Sullivan.

In the Under 17 football Portlaoise and Portarlington played a 1-4 each draw in the semi-final. Portarlington won the replay by 1-9 to 0-5.

Portlaoise defeated Harps 3-9 to 3-3 in the Under 16 hurling final.

The Under 16 footballers qualified for the final by virtue on wins over O’Dempseys and Ballyroan but lost the decider to Stradbally.

Portlaoise won the Under 14 hurling title beating St. Johns by 6-9 to 4-1 in the final.

This team also won the Feile final.

It was another championship double at Under 14 level when the footballers outplayed Stradbally by 8-13 to 0-1.

The team also won the Feile final. Stradbally won the U16 football title at the expense of the ‘Town’.

Portlaoise beat Rosenallis in the Under 12 hurling final.

1984 honours

• Hurling – Senior Laois Senior Hurler of the Year John Taylor
• Men’s Football – Minor Laois Minor ‘A’ Football Championship Portlaoise 3-6 v 3-6 Graiguecullen Captain: Eddie Brennan
• Men’s Football – Senior Laois Senior Football Championship Portlaoise 0-9 v 1-6 Ballyroan Captain: Colm Browne
• Men’s Football – Under 14 Laois U-14 Football Championship Winners Portlaoise 8-13 v 0-1 Stradbally Captain: Niall Morrin
• Men’s Football – Under 14 & Under 15 Laois Féile Peil na nÓg Portlaoise v ?
• Hurling – Minor Laois Minor ‘A’ Hurling Championship Portlaoise 2-10 v 1-5 Borris-in-Ossory Captain: David Coughlan
• Hurling – Senior Laois Senior Hurling Championship Portlaoise 1-8 v 2-5 The Harps Captain: John Joe Ging
• Hurling – Under 12 Laois U-12 ‘A’ Hurling Championship Portlaoise v Rosenallis
• Hurling – Under 14 Laois U-14 ‘A’ Hurling Championship Portlaoise 6-9 v 4-1 St John’s
• Hurling – Under 14 & Under 15 Laois Féile na nGael Division 1 Portlaoise v ?
• Hurling – Under 16 Laois U-16 ‘A’ Hurling Championship Portlaoise 3-9 v 3-3 Harps
• Hurling – Under 17 Laois U-17 ‘A’ Hurling Championship Portlaoise 3-7 v 4-4 Camross

AGM

Portlaoise reflected on a year of unprecedented glory at the AGM in January 1985. The previous year saw Portlaoise completed a famous double-double. They won both senior finals and both minor finals. Remarkably three of these four finals ended in draws and more remarkable still Portlaoise salvaged last gasp draws in each case before convincingly winning the replays. It demonstrated the marvellous never say die attitude within the club.

Chairman, Jas. O’Reilly, stepped down after a three year term and handed the baton to Peadar Molloy. Secretary, Bill Phelan, told the players “You did us proud” but urged “we must not rest on our laurels. Our aim for ’85 must be to complete the double-double for a second year running”. He paid special tribute to the minors and said, “you have proved yourselves masters of your own grade and I can see no reason why most of you cannot lead Portlaoise to senior titles in the very near future”.

He said that the Juvenile committee had an extremely busy and successful year and on behalf of the younger members of the club he extended thanks to the committee for their dedication to the youth.

In relation to the playing side he congratulated all the hurlers and footballers that were selected for their respective county teams and especially those that were selected recently for the provincial panels namely John Bohane, Pat Critchley and John Taylor (hurling) and Gerry Browne (football). He further congratulated Taylor on being an All-Star replacement and on winning the Leinster Express Hurler of the Year award.

On the social side he appealed for more support for Scor while he hoped that further development of the playing pitches would be completed in 1985. He thanked the Social Club for their fundraising efforts and also thanked all of the sponsors during the year. He thanked the ladies club for their usual hard work and all the schools in the town who were connected with the club. He went on, “We must build on our rock-solid like foundations and strive to make Portlaoise and even greater club. Everyone should put their shoulder to the wheel, stop the cribbing, the knocking, the bickering and step into the future eager and willing to help the club”.

Finally he appealed to the younger players to continue to show their loyalty to the club and added, “I hope you will help to build up a stronger tradition than at present by wearing with pride and distinction the green and white jersey of Portlaoise on the playing fields of Laois and Ireland”.

Laois hurlers qualified for the Leinster final for the first time since 1951 by beating Wexford 1-18 to 2-13 in the semi-final. Portlaoise were well represented by team captain, Pat Critchley, a midfield, John Bohane at full back, John Taylor at left half back and Liam Bergin, Seamus Plunkett and Joe Keenan in the subs. An earlygoal blitz by Offaly effectively ended the Laois hopes of a first title since 1949, in which John Bohane’s father, Billy snr, played a star role.

The footballers made it a double Leinster final appearance by virtue of a runaway win over a fancied Meath side in Tullamore by 2-11 to 0-7. In the final Laois had plenty of chances and the game was still there to be won until the final quarter. Lack of scoring power cost the side dearly. Portlaoise were represented by the Browne brothers, Colm and Gerry, while Noel Prendergast came on during the game.

Dublin led by 0-4 to 0-3 at the break and scored only one further point in the second half. In the process they shot 12 wides to Dublin’s 7 and had five ‘45’s to Dublin nil.

Jimmy Doyle, one of the legends of the game, who coached Portlaoise to four hurling titles on the trot 1981-‘84, was appointed manager of the county hurling squad after the Town lost the 1985 final to Camross.

Senior Football

Portlaoise senior footballers retained their title in determined fashion in O’Moore Park in October 1985. For the second successive year they defeated Ballyroan and in doing so extended their lead on the Laois Roll of Honour with a seventeenth county success. Final score: Portlaoise 1-6 to Ballyroan 0-7.

This was an absorbing contest and Ballyroan started in whirlwind fashion in front of an attendance of over 4,000 people. They raced into a four point lead before Portlaoise finally composed themselves calling on their vast reserves of big game experience.

Ballyroan’s marquee player, Liam Irwin, opened the scoring in the third minute with a pointed free before adding a carbon copy three minutes later. Thanks to their domination at midfield they were giving themselves a solid platform to put Portlaoise under pressure and their confidence was increasing as Jim Whelan and Declan Horan struck points to leave the scoreline reading 0-4 to 0-0.

Portlaoise switched Joe Keenan into midfield in an effort to stem the tide but still Ballyroan lorded possession. The wily Liam Scully settled Portlaoise nerves by slotting a point in the fifteenth minute before Donal Kearns shot the best score of the game with an inspirational point in the twentieth minute to stretch the lead once more.

With Portlaoise under the cosh some genius would be required and who better to provide that than Tom ‘Curly’ Prendergast. With the first half drawing to a close he collected a pass from Joe Keenan and rounded Laois goalie Martin Conroy before smashing the ball to the back of the net. Suddenly having been outplayed for the first half hour Portlaoise were back to within a point of their opponents. At half time the scoreboard read 0-5 for Ballyroan and 1-1 for Portlaoise.

Noel Prendergast levelled matters with a free having been fouled himself but Ballyroan were not prepared to fall away. Ray Broderick regained the lead for Ballyroan and still they had the lion’s share of possession. But what they did not have was a forward of the class of Tom Prendergast. He levelled matters again after a pass from Eamonn ‘Atch’ Whelan. Liam Irwin with another free continued the tit for tat nature of the game but Prendergast once more came to the fore as he soloed with ease through the heart of the opposition defence and slotted over to tie things up at 1-4 to 0-7. That man again put Portlaoise ahead for the first time with a well-worked point thanks to a Scully, Whelan and Noel Prendergast build up.

Ballyroan would have one final chance to clinch their first senior title since 1950. Irwin fielded a high ball and turned towards the ‘town’ goal. His pass found his brother John who worked his way inside before off-loading to Declan Horan. Horan was straight through on goal but a weak shot gave Mick Mulhall the chance to save and clear the danger. This was a great chance for the men in sky-blue but they had more. John Irwin over-carried in his quest for a point and brother Liam sent a free wide and placed another free short into the hands of Mulhall.

Inevitably the champions punished them to the full. Noel Prendergast slotted a trade-mark point following a well-placed pass from Gerry Browne with three minutes to go. Portlaoise played down the clock and were champions of Laois for the sixteenth time. The main difference between the two teams on the day was the great Tom ‘Curly’ Prendergast. Bernie Conroy was team captain for the year, and although he was ruled out of the final through injury, he had the honour of accepting the cup from county chairman, Sean Ramsbottom.

Scorers
Portlaoise: Tom Prendergast (1-3); Noel Prendergast (0-2), Liam Scully (0-1).

Ballyroan: Liam Irwin (0-3, all frees); Donal Kearns, Ray Broderick, Jim Whelan and Declan Horan (0-1 each).

Earlier games: Portlaoise 3-7 to O’Dempseys 0-11. Portlaoise 1-13 to Timahoe 2-4. Portlaoise 3-6 to Emo 0-12. Portlaoise 0-7 to Stradbally 0-2. St. Josephs 2-9 to Portlaoise 0-2. Portlaoise 3-12 to Ballylinan 2-5. Quarter-final: Portlaoise 1-6 to O’Dempseys 0-7. Semi-final: Portlaoise 1-14 to O’Dempseys 0-9.

Leinster club championship

In the Leinster club football championship Portlaoise proved too strong for Wexford champions, Duffry Rovers, by 3-10 to 1-6, then disposed of Navan O’Mahoneys of Meath by 2-10 to 1-10 at O’Moore Park in a gripping game in which the Portlaoise men had to call on all their considerable resources to snatch a hard-earned victory. Next to fall were Kildare champions, Carbury by 1-11 to 2-3. Portlaoise had it all but wrapped up at half-time when they led by 1-5 to 0-1.

The final against Baltinglass at Athy was a thrill a minute and the ‘Town’ breathed a sigh of relief when they escaped with a draw at 1-8 each. Portlaoise led by 1-4 to 0-4 at the break but Baltinglass staged a remarkable recovery and it took more than their share of the luck for the Town to earn a replay. Noel Prendergast popped up with the equaliser five minutes from time. If Kevin O’Brien and Robert McHugh were the twin terrors in the Baltinglass strikeforce, Portlaoise had their own terror in Tom Prendergast whose display was magical.

Portlaoise have a formidable record in replays and here once again they showed their class and kept their nerve to take the title by 2-8 to 1-9. This was a classic decider with super football played ten days before Christmas. And what a Christmas present! There was an estimated 4,000 present for the drawn game and ths bulged to an estimated 5,500 for the replay at the same venue just one week later. And the huge crowd were not disappointed. Once again it was Tom Prendergast’s elusive skills that kept the Baltinglass threat at bay but this time it was also an improved Portlaoise team performance. They led by six points ten minutes into the second half and withheld another storming comeback by the Wicklow champions to take a then record fourth Leinster title. There were a few positional switches but the lineout comprised the same personnel who played in the drawn tie.

Scorers
v. Duffry Rovers: N. Prendergast (1-6), T. Prendergast (1-1, L. Scully (1-0), E. Whelan (0-3).

v. Navan O’Mahoneys: L. Scully (1-2), G. Phelan (1-0), N. Prendergast (0-3), T. Prendergast (0-2), E. Whelan (0-2), L. Duggan (0-1).

v. Carbury: L. Scully (1-1), J. Keenan (0-3), N. Prendergast (0-2), T. Prendergast (0-2), E. Whelan (0-2), L. Duggan (0-1).

Leinster final v. Baltinglass: (drawn game): S. Lawlor (1-0), E. Whelan (0-3), T. Prendergast (0-2), L. Scully (0-1), P. Critchley (0-1), N. Prendergast (0-1).

Replay: T. Prendergast (1-3), P. Critchley (1-0), E. Whelan (0-3), S. Lawlor (0-1), L. Scully (0-1).

Senior Hurling

Portlaoise were attempting to win five titles in a row and in doing so equal the record jointly held by Camross and Ballygeehan. Alas it was not to be on a dreary November day in O’Moore Park when a late goal by Vinny Palmer denied them in a tempestuous and dour tussle against arch rivals Camross. Final Score was Camross 1-5 to Portlaoise 0-7.

Portlaoise were forced to line out without two of their great players, John Taylor and Pat Critchley – although Critchley did join the fray in the second half – and the loss of two such players was a deadly double blow for the “Town”.Yet they were there to the bitter end but a few missed chances cost them dearly in the finish.

If ever there was a day when defences were on top this was it. According to the match report in the Leinster Express both sets of forwards had a collective off day. Conditions too didn’t help and the the late November staging of the game didn’t help in that regard. Credit must go to Camross too, however. They showed the hunger of a team that was starved of success and they doggedly hung in and waited for their opportunity.

Portlaoise took the early initiative in the game and points by Liam Bergin, Tom Walton and Jimmy Keenan set a false tone for what was to follow. Mattie Collier opened the Camross account with a point from play mid-way through the first half and Frank Keenan with a free narrowed the gap to one. Billy Bohane and P.J. Cuddy traded scores before Bohane, with a free, pointed to leave the half time score at 0-5 to 0-3 in favour of the champions.

Keenan and Bohane again traded pointed frees and following a lengthy period where there were no scores at all Matthew Keegan showed great tenacity to put Portlaoise three points to the good as he battled past three stiff challenges with seven minutes left on the clock. Keenan reduced the lead with another free to set up a nerve-wracking finish. Inevitably there was to be one piece of drama and when Keenan drove a low ball into the Portaoise goalmouth and Vinny Palmer was on hand to finish the rebound into the Portlaoise net. Camross were champions of Laois again.

Portlaoise could hold their heads up as they fought gallantly but the Gods conspired against them on this day.

Best for Portlaoise on the day were defenders John Bohane, Sean Dunne, Sean Bergin and debutant Des Rigney, who replaced the suspended John Taylor. Goalie Sean ‘Goggy’ Delaney had a superb match as he stopped several goal bound shots. Martin Cuddy and Jimmy Keenan had an ongoing tussle throughout the match, both on and off the ball and the spoils were shared evenly here. Matthew Keegan was a star in attack and battled tirelessly although somewhat restricted by the close attentions of the Camross defence.

Scorers
Camross: V. Palmer (1-0); F. Keenan (0-3, frees); M. Collier, P.J. Cuddy (0-1 each).

Portlaoise: Billy Bohane (0-3, all frees); Liam Bergin, Tom Walton, Jimmy Keenan and Matthew Keegan (0-1 each).

Earlier rounds: Portlaoise 4-12 to Kilcotton 1-4. Portlaoise 4-5 to Ballacolla 1-6. Camross 3-5 to Portlaoise 3-5. Portlaoise

3-15 to Ballinakill 2-10. Portlaoise 2-20; Abbeyleix 1-1. Camross 4-12 to Portlaoise 2-10 (play-off). Quarter-final:

Portlaoise 3-7 to Rathdowney 2-7. Semi-final: Portlaoise 1-10; Clonad 0-8.

Brady Cup: Castletown 4-12 to Portlaoise 2-12.

Junior Football

Courtwood 1-11 to Portlaoise 2-2.

“B”: Portlaoise 3-6 to Arles 0-4. Graiguecullen 1-4 to Portlaoise 0-6.

Junior Hurling

Portlaoise qualified for the final by beating Rosenallis 1-10 to 0-7 in the semi-final at Mountmellick. Paul Bergin was the main driving force and finished with 1-8 to his credit. But in the final they failed narrowly by 2-5 to 1-5 against Ballypickas who won the title for the first time since 1963.

Earlier rounds: Portlaoise 1-10; Harps 0-9. Portlaoise 2-6 to Mountrath 0-7.

“B” championship: Portlaoise 1-12 to Colt 3-2. Kyle were given a walk-over in the next round. Mountmellick 1-8 to Portlaoise 2-5 (Draw). Mountmellick 1-11 to Portlaoise 2-8 (replay - also drawn). Portlaoise 3-10; Mountmellick 3-5 (second replay). Clonad 2-12 to Portlaoise 3-6.

Under 21 Hurling

Borris/Kilcotton ousted the Town in the semi-final after a thrilling replay. Pat O’Brien (Borris) and Portlaoise’s, Paul Bergin with 1-4 each were the main scorers. Myles Standish shot the winning point with two minutes remaining.

AGM

Laois footballers started the year on a hig note by beating Dublin 0-12 to 1-7 in the National Football League semi-final. In a thrilling final, the O’Moores just edged out Monaghan and so bridged a sixty year gap since the last time the county won the title. Colm Browne captained the team to the historic victory and also representing Portlaoise were his brother Gerry, Tom Prendergast, Eamon Whelan and substitute, Noel Prendergast.

After a major refurbishment and the laying of a new pitch, O’Moore Park was officially reopened in May. Newly crowned NFL champions put on a spectacular performance, perhaps the finest in the long history of the GAA in the country when crushing a full strength Kerry team by 2-13 to 1-7. Just a few weeks later, however, the Leinster Express screeched in its banner headline “Daylight Robbery” describing the inexplicable loss to Wicklow in the first round of the Leinster championship. Wicklow won by 2-10 to 1-9 at Aughrim, a venue that was not fit to hold this tie because of the massive support built up by Laois after their recent triumphs. However many did not turn up for health and safety reasons. The ignominy of the result was shaded by the Offaly referee who wrote his name in the Laois GAA archive by continually penalising the Laoismen and eventually sending off three of their players for trivial offences in the confined cauldrom of Aughrim on the day.

There were widespread fears about the suitability of the venue and another Leinster Express headline gave the verdict – “Fears of venue fully justified”. It was certainly a case of “Daylight Robbery” as the main headline suggested.

Laois hurlers held the reigning All-Ireland champions, Offaly, in their semi-final encounter. The thriller finished Offaly 1-23 to Laois 4-9. P.J. Cuddy scored 3-1 and Portlaoise had stars in John and Billy Bohane, John Taylor, Pat Critchley and Seamus Plunkett.

Pat Critchley was honoured by the Portlaoise Town Commission in recognition of becoming Laois’ first hurling All-Star.

All-Ireland Club Football Semi-Final 1985/86

Portlaoise, after their Leinster championship heroics prior to Christmas 1985, suffered a humiliating defeat to the County Down champions, The Burren, by 2-13 to 0-6 in the All-Ireland semi-final played at O’Moore Park in late February. It was ranked as the Town’s worst ever defeat. They were out-manoeuvred and outclassed in every department in a lack lustre display that was impossible to forecast or explain. Bernie Conroy went in a full-back in place of Jimmy Bergin and Liam Duggan was in the attack in place of Liam Scully, who was later introduced, in anotherwise unchanged side from the Leinster final success.

The Burren were in the ascendancy from the start and although they led by 0-7 to 0-2 at the interval, Portlaoise fans were expecting the usual Town fightback. Matters got worse as the Down champions attacked aggressively and their two goals were hammer blows that ended Portlaoise’s hopes of an All-Ireland final appearance. This was a bad day at the office for the Town.

Senior Football

Final: Portlaoise 2-9 to Emo 1-7. A seventeenth title for the Town, their fifth in the 1980s and a third in a row. The Leinster Express reported that the margin of two points that separated the sides with time running ut would have been a fairer reflection of the game. But a late goal by Billy Bohane which sealed the issue gave it a flattering look. “The Leinster champions were less than convincing but a stirring display by a vintage Eamon Whelan, who claimed his ninth championship medal, played a large part in giving Portlaoise its second three in a row last achieved in 1966/’67/’68”. The sides were deadlocked at the break but the Town opened up a six point lead in the third quarter. A stirring display by Gerry Lawlor helped bring his side back to two points and a nail-biting time for the fans. In a rugged and far from classic encounter, the Portlaoise star forwards failed to spark yet they had still too much fire power than their opponents. A missed penalty in the opening half by Noel Prendergast helped keeped Emo’s spirits high and they proved hard to shake off during the remainder of a tense hour.

Scorers
Portlaoise: Billy Bohane (2-1); Noel Prendergast, Tom Prendergast (0-2 each); Joe Keenan, Eamonn Whelan, Gerry Browne and Seamus Lalor (0-1 each).

Emo: Ger Lawlor (1-3); John Lawlor, Christy Wheeler (0-2 each), N Corcoran (0-1).

Other games: Portlaoise 3-13 to Rovers 0-1. Quarter-final: Portlaoise 1-10; Graiguecullen 0-8. Semi-final: Portlaoise 2-12 to Stradbally 1-8.

Leinster club championship 1986/’87

The Town were back in the Leinster final this time against Offaly champions, Ferbane, but the outcome was different than the previous year. Then it was celebration after ousting Baltinglass at the second attempt but this time with the title again in the bag in the dying seconds Ferbane’s Brendan Flynn struck a crucial goal to edge his side ahead by a point and no time left to recover. By such narrow margins are games, big and small, won and lost.

It was a fabulous finish for Ferbane and heartbreak for Portlaoise in a magnificent game played in Newbridge on a mild December Saturday. It was payback time for the only other previous meeting of the teams in the competition when Portlaoise came out on top also by the minimum margin and went on to register their first provincial success in 1971.

Portlaoise led by a slender two points at the break having played with a strong backing breeze. John Kelly had struck a goal for the Offalymen which was negated by a brilliant goal from James Fahy before the break. A good third quarter in which Gerry Browne was inspirational saw the Town stretch the lead to 1-9 to 1-5 and as time ebbed away they held on tenaciously to a slender lead despite conceding a second goal. It was nail-biting stuff all the ay and just when it seemed Portlaoise had retained the coveted crown, long serving goalie, Mick Mulhall brought off a tremendous save from Brendan Lowry, only to watch Brendan Flynn gain possession and slot it just out of his reach for the crucial score. Final score: Ferbane 3-5 to Portlaoise 1-10.

Scorers
James Fahy (1-0), Tom Prendergast and Billy Bohane (0-3 each), Pat Critchley, Seamus Lalor, Noel Prendergast and Gerry Browne (0-1 each).

Earlier rounds: Perhaps Portlaoise used up all their luck for the year in the qualifying rounds in which they won both games by a solitary point. Results: Quarter-final at Enniscorthy: Portlaoise 2-9 to Duffry Rovers (Wexford) 0-13.Semi-final: Portlaoise 1-3 to Sarsfields (Kildare) 0-5.

Senior Hurling

Errill beat Portlaoise 2-12 to 1-9 in the semi-final.

Other results: Portlaoise 3-8 to Clough/Ballacolla 0-3. Portlaoise 2-14 to Borris-in-Ossory 1-6. Portlaoise 1-13 to Rathdowney 1-8.

Brady Cup (1985): Portlaoise 2-6 to Ballinakill 0-1. (1986)

Quarter-final: Portlaoise 4-18 to Ballyfin 6-6. Semi-final: Portlaoise 1-19 to Errill 1-4.

Junior Football

Portlaoise 0-8 to Ballinakill 1-5 (draw). Portlaoise 0-11 to Ballinakill 1-7. Courtwood 1-11 to Portlaoise 0-2. Players noted were Liam Bergin, Matthew Keegan, Gorge Plunkett, David Coughlan, Seamus Smith, Donal Dunne and the Carrolls.

“B” competition: Spink 0-7 to Portlaoise 0-6.

Junior Hurling

“A” championship: Borris-in-Ossory 2-2 to Portlaoise 0-7. In the “A” league semi-final Portlaoise conceded a walkover (to Rosenallis) in the semi-final.

“B” competition: Portlaoise w/o; Kilcotton scr. Kyle w/o; Portlaoise scr.

Under 21 Football

Portarlington scored an impressive win over the’Town’ side in the final on the score of: Portarlington 1-9 to Portlaoise 1-6.

Earlier results: Portlaoise 1-16 to Courtwood/Emo 0-6. Quarter-final: Portlaoise 1-3 to St. Abbans 0-6 (draw). Portlaoise 0-8 to St. Abbans 0-7 (replay). Semi-final: Portlaoise 2-4 to O’Dempseys 0-6.

Under 21 Hurling

Portlaoise 0-16 to Camross/Kyle 1-6. (Played in June 1987).

Borris/Klilcotton 2-5 to Portlaoise 0-6.

Minor Hurling

Portlaoise beat Clough/Ballacolla but the holders were shocked in the next round by Clonaslee on a 2-9 to 0-14 scoreline.

Players noted were Martin Ging, Des Killeen, Donal Conroy, Paul Brennan, Cyril Duggan, John Keenan, Greg Norton, Niall Morrin and Dermot Bohane. Cyril Duggan scored 0-10 of the Portlaoise total. Portlaoise lost the league final to Harps by 2-3 to 1-1.

Minor Football

Stradbally, with the help of players from Timahoe and Annanough beat Portlaoise 1-7 to 0-7 in the semi-final.

Earlier rounds: Portlaoise 2-11 to O’Dempseys 0-8. Portlaoise 6-12 to Graiguecullen 1-2.

Under 16 Hurling

Portlaoise avenged the previous year’s defeat by trouncing the Harps 10-3 to 1-2 in the final.

The U16 footballers took the title by beating St. Michaels 4-8 to 1-7 in the final.

U14 Hurling

Portlaoise added the county championship to the county Feile title they had already won with a very hard-fought victory over Borris-in-Ossory on a scoreline of 4-4 to 2-3. The town side had to rely on two late goals to see them through in a highly entertaining and evenly contested encounter. In defeating Borris, Portlaoise were awarded the Tom Guilfoyle Cup and his widow Mrs Guilfoyle presented the new trophy to Declan Hearns, captain of the winning team.

Martin Dunne, Declan Fitzpatrick, Mark Gavin and Damien Fitzpatrick were the Portlaoise heroes, all getting the sliotar into the net, while Brian Bohane shot two points and Fergal Morrin and Martin Dunne the others to complete the total. Portlaoise were also well served on the day by Peter Delaney, Gus Hayes, Declan Hearns, Eamon Fennelly, Eamonn Murphy and Joe Paisley.

Scorers
Portlaoise: Martin Dunne (1-1); Declan Fitzpatrick, Mark Gavin, Damien Fitzpatrick (1-0 each); Brian Bohane (0-2); Fergal Morrin (0-1).

Borris-in-Ossory: Joseph Dooley (1-1); S. Dollard (1-0); Tim Finlay (0-2).

Portlaoise lost to Mountmellick by 2-6 to 1-4 in the Under 12 football final.

Ladies Football

The Heath beat Portlaoise in the Junior final by five points.

Colm Browne - Football All-Star

In 1986, Colm Browne received one of the highest honours in Gaelic football when he was awarded an All-Star at left half-back. The award recognised Browne’s outstanding performances for Laois and further highlighted the remarkable contribution of Portlaoise players during one of the greatest eras in the history of the club. Widely respected for his leadership, reading of the game and inspirational defending, Browne was a central figure in both Portlaoise and Laois footballers.

1986 honours

• Men’s Football – All Star GAA Football All-Star
• Men’s Football – Senior Laois Senior Football Championship Portlaoise 2-9 v 1-7 Emo Captain: Gerry Browne
• Men’s Football – Under 16 Laois U-16 ‘A’ Football Championship Portlaoise 4-8 v 1-7 St Michael’s
• Hurling – Senior Laois ACHL Div 1 Portlaoise 3-7 v 0-7 The Harps Captain: Sean Bergin
• Hurling – Under 14 Laois U-14 ‘A’ Hurling Championship Portlaoise 4-4 v 2-3 Borris-in-Ossory Captain: Declan Hearns
• Hurling – Under 14 & Under 15 Laois Féile na nGael Division 1 Portlaoise v Borris in Ossory
• Hurling – Under 16 Laois U-16 ‘A’ Hurling Championship Portlaoise 10-3 v 1-2 Harps

AGM

It was decided at this meeting to name the club centre, Aras An Dubhslaine – in memory of the late Pascal Delaney. This was the centenary year of the club and it was a year to remember. Portlaoise won the senior double for the fourth time and just missed out winning the Leinster club double when the hurlers were denied of the title by a late goal rush by Wexford champions, Rathnure.

Opening of Club Museum launches Centenary Year

1987 marked one of the most significant milestones in the history of Portlaoise GAA as the club celebrated its centenary year, marking one hundred years since its foundation in 1887.

Senior Football

Portlaoise secured a first ever 4-in-a-row with this comprehensive victory over debutants Ballylinan by a margin of 20 points on a score of Portlaoise 3-16 to Ballylinan 0-5. In doing so they also completed another famous county final double following the hurlers’ success against Clonad.

The first half was competitive and it was only a goal by Joe Keenan in the 27th minute that put some daylight between the teams in this period as the half time score stood at 1-4 to 0-3. But a rampant town side really took over from the start of the second half and a quick fire 1-6, 1-2 of which came from the gifted Tom Prendergast, meant the game was over as a contest by the 40th minute. Prendergast added icing to the cake in the last minute with his second goal, and brother Noel also made a big contribution with 6 points.

Mick Mulhall won his 9th medal on the field of play – a record in the big ball code and while there were many contenders for man of the match the accolade from this game went to John Bohane who reigned supreme to demoralise the Ballylinan forwards time and again.

This was a very strong performance from the town side with each player on top of his game – this was Portlaoise’s 18th title which equalled the hurling record of Rathdowney, their fourth time to achieve the hurling/ football double, the first 4-in-a-row since Graiguecullen achieved the feat between 1944-47, and this title was won by the highest score and the biggest margin ever.

On the way to the final Portlaoise had a narrow victory in the opening round beating The Heath 0-8 to 1-3. Quarter-final: Portlaoise 2-12 to Emo 1-9. Semi-final: Portlaoise 1-8 to Portarlington 1-8. Kevin McCann levelled the game with a late free and in the replay the same player executed a similar score to again save the day for Portarlington at 0-9 each. But two goals from Tom Prendergast, one from a penalty in extra time, clinched a final place for the Town.

Leinster Club Football Final

Portlaoise 1-8 to Parnells 1-8.

Portlaoise called on their never-say-die spirit once more as they rescued a draw from this thrilling Leinster Final with an injury

time point from Pat Critchley – who up to this point had been kept relatively quiet in the game played at Newbridge. Parnells, by far the bigger team physically, had dominated most aerial battles but the trademark style of the town, working it upfield from the backs, yielded the chance to get a second bit of the cherry.

Mark O’Hanlon and Brian Talty had the Dublin champions into early lead and they were unlucky not to get a penalty when it appeared that Tiernan may have been pushed in the back. Tom Prendergast reduced the gap with Portlaoise’s first score in the 12th minute and two minutes later the aristocrats of Leinster Club football were ahead when Karl Lenihan got his boot to Fahy’s line-ball for an opportunist goal.

Fahy himself added two more points to leave the town men four ahead by the 19th minute. Talty reduced the deficit to leave the half time score 1-3 to 0-3.

Shortly after the re-start John Byrne found Talty and the Galwegian rattled the crossbar with a rasping shot. More drama ensued a minute later when referee Aldridge spotted a foul in the Portlaoise square and recently retired Monaghan player Brendan Brady drove the resultant penalty home to level the tie. Limerick man Donie Fitzgibbon made a great solo and put over a fine point and Parnells were now in the ascendancy.

Mick O’Hanlon tacked on another two points to tighten the noose but the Portlaoise men then demonstrated the characteristics which had made them so successful down through the years. Noel Prendergast with a great score and two frees from Fahy had the teams level again as the town men worked gallantly to erode the strong challenge of Parnells.

Parnells withstood the onslaught and a point from substitute John Prendergast and another from Fitzgibbon left the score at 1-8 to 1-6 and it looked like the game was up for Portlaoise. A piece of magic from Tom Prendergast narrowed the gap – a brilliant point under severe pressure and then Fahy hit the upright when trying for the equaliser.

As the game entered injury time the ball found its way to former All-Star hurler Pat Critchley. Everybody in attendance knew this was the last chance and Critchley made no mistake as he arced the ball over the bar from 40 yards to save the day. What a relief for Portlaoise. As Portlaoise mentor Bill Phelan ominously declared when interviewed afterwards “You know we don’t lose replays!”

Leinster Club Football Final Replay

Portlaoise 1-7 to Parnells 1-5.

Having gotten out of jail Portlaoise banished the demons of the previous year’s heart breaking defeat against Ferbane, and in doing so secured the clubs 5th Leinster Senior Football title, which put them two ahead of everybody on the roll of honour. For John and Billy Bohane, Pat Critchley and John Taylor the victory was especially sweet – having been so cruelly denied in the hurling decider two weeks previously.

Parnells started the game stronger and led by 1-3 to 0-2 at the break – the goal slammed brilliantly to the net by Brendan Brady. They looked well in control as Portlaoise missed a litany of scoreable chances. But this Portlaoise team were a champion bunch with a champion mindset and Noel Prendergast shot a fine point having been set up by Gerry Browne. Tom Prendergast then made a brilliant run through the Parnells defence and his powerful shot was tipped over the bar by netminder Mick Hoban.

Both sides missed chances and then in the 42nd minute Tom Prendergast again caused panic and when his shot broke high Seamus Lalor was on hand to palm the ball into the net and Portlaoise were ahead by 1-4 to 1-3.

Fitzgibbon and Holland regained the lead for Parnells as Taylor and Keenan were introduced to add energy to the Portlaoise effort. Keenan had a goal mysteriously disallowed and then Tom Prendergast had a point disallowed too because of an earlier foul. Critchley had a wide under intense pressure but Portlaoise were rampant and surely it was just a matter of time before this dominance paid dividends.

Billy Bohane then placed Noel Prendergast for the equalising score again – a score that gave Portlaoise great heart. A minute later Bohane again placed Gerry Browne who shot his side into the lead from all of 45 metres. Noel Prendergast tapped over a 13 metre free but shades of the Rathnure game two weeks previously then hung over Portlaoise for a few moments. But the indomitable Gerry Browne, defending deeply, came out with a great ball and his long kick was the final play of the game. Portlaoise were champions of Leinster yet again.

John Bohane, more noted as a top class inter county hurler, gave his best ever display for the footballers to completely snuff out the threat of John Prendergast, who stood inches taller than him. Gerry Browne made an enormous contribution and scored two great points to go alongside his brilliant foraging and overall workrate. Critchley was everywhere as usual and Tom Prendergast could not be stopped no

matter what tactics were employed by the opposition. Billy Bohane had an excellent game in midfield and his long accurate passing was a feature of the game. Lenihan too had a great hour and made a telling contribution.

Mick Mulhall was faultless in the goal and was making a record tenth appearance in a Leinster Final – winning his 5th medal. Colm Browne rolled back the years with an inspirational performance. Brian Colgan settled very well after a shaky start and Kavanagh was faultless. Tommy Conroy did an effective marking job on Talty while Duggan did very well but shipped some very strong tackles which forced his replacement.

Seamus Lalor covered acres of ground and his goal was vital in the outcome of the game while Noel Prendergast saved one of his better performances of the championship for the replayed final. Fahy carried an injury into the game but his

impact all year had helped get Portlaoise into a position where this final was there for the taking. The introduction of Keenan and Taylor was vital in giving Portlaoise extra impetus at a vital stage in the game.

Earlier rounds: In a tip top opening game at Summerhill, the home side looked the more likely victors for most of the hour but it was a game of swaying fortunes.Summerhill just edged it at half-time by 0-8 to 0-7 and extended this to three points with just eight minutes remaining. They held the whip hand in the second half mainly due to the influence of their super star, Mick Lyons, at midfield. Only a few weeks previously he had captained his county, Meath, to All-Ireland glory. Yet for all his greatness, the sure-footed James Fahy countered him by shooting nine points, seven from frees, many long-range. Indeed it was Fahy who came to the rescue of Portlaoise and his converted late frees rescued the Town and forced a replay.

Summerhill (Meath) 0-12 to Portlaoise 0-12. The replay was a more comfortable affair and after leading by 0-7 to 1-3 at the break Portlaoise went on to record a runaway 1-15 to 1-4 win. James Fahy was again the main striker scoring 1-5 of his side’s total.

The semi-final at Carlow on November 15th was a more straight forward affair. Portlaoise had more scoring power than Kildare champions, Athy, winning by 2-5 to 0-2. James Fahy and Pat Critchley scored the goals in the opening half.

Senior Hurling

Portlaoise powered to their most dominant hurling final performance when they easily swept aside the challenge of near neighbours and arch-enemies Clonad by 2-13 to 1-5. Two goals midway through the second half from Offaly star, Pat Cleary, and Paul Bergin put paid to the Clonad challenge and helped Portlaoise to their 7th SHC crown.

Such was the quality of the town performance that Clonad trainer, Dinny Roe, said “We always knew Portlaoise would be hard to beat and they played the best hurling seen in O’Moore Park in many years. We could not stay with Portlaoise in the form they were in. The best team won on the day”.

Long serving selector and former trainer Tom Lalor attributed the performance to the hunger of the team, having been defeated by Camross in the 1985 final and then Errill in the 1986 semi-final. “We were hungry going out there today. We wanted to win this final so badly. We were the more determined and it showed. We started off very well and did not give them a chance to settle and then the two quick goals in a minute left them reeling”. He also had words of encouragement for Clonad who he said were a young team with a bright future. He remembered back to when Portlaoise, with a young team, reached a county final and were similarly mauled, and urged them to keep at it and that they would be back”.

In the opening round Portlaoise beat Clough/Ballacolla 5-24 to 0-3. Next they beat Errill 2-16 to 1-3. Then they beat Clonad 0-14 to 1-6 and further wins by 1-21 to 0-10 win over Borris-in-Ossory and by 2-14 to 2-7 against Abbeyleix qualified them for the semi-final. A goal by Pat Cleary in the opening half helped the Town side into a 1-6 to 0-6 half-time lead against the Harps in the semi-final. The Durrow/ Cullohill side battled gamely but Portlaoise finally sealed the win with a late flourish of points. Billy Bohane shot 0-9 of the 1-16 total against 1-12 for the Harps.

In the Brady Cup final for 1985, played on March 15, 1987, Harps beat Portlaoise 2-7 to 1-5. In the 1987 version, Borris-in-Ossory beat the Town 0-6 to 0-4.

Leinster Club Hurling Final

Rathnure 3-8 to Portlaoise 1-13.

This was arguably the most heart-breaking defeat in the history of Portlaoise hurling. One of the, if not THE greatest team the town has ever produced, blazed a memorable trail through the province defeating the Offaly and Kilkenny champions along the way and there was a quiet confidence within the club that a first Leinster hurling title was imminent.

They were up against a very strong Rathnure side with an array of Wexford inter-county stars such as Martin Quigley, Jimmy Holohan, John Conran, the Codds etc but this Portlaoise team had no fear of reputation or tradition.

In an enthralling game the men from Laois were cruelly denied when a goal, against the run of play, deep into injury time by Nicky Hearne turned the dream into a nightmare. Portlaoise had taken the game to the Wexford men from the first whistle and led the whole way through only to be denied at the death.

Even in defeat the town men could be proud of their display. The Leinster Express reported that while “it was a famous win for the mighty Wexford men it was also a triumph for Portlaoise and Laois hurling”.

Prior to the decisive goal by Hearne, Portlaoise had three minutes earlier suffered the setback of a second Rathnure goal which had levelled the scores but magnificent points by Man of the Match, John Taylor and the towns best forward, Paul Bergin, had re-established a two point lead with time up on the clock. Unfortunately there was no time or opportunity to respond to Hearnes goal but such is the twist and fate of sport.

Pat Critchley opened the scoring in the second minute with a fine point to which Jimmy Houlihan equalised with a 65 two minutes later. The town had a stroke of good luck in the 7th minute when a long free from Billy Bohane was fumbled to the net by goalkeeper Ted Morrissey. Houlihan, with two frees and John Conran with a great score from all of 80 metres had the sides level once more before Portlaoise hit a purple patch in the twentieth minute and reeled off three points in a row from Paul Bergin, Martin Cashin and Critchley. John Murphy reduced the gap with a point to leave the half time score 1-4 to 0-5 in favour of the Laois men.

Portlaoise started the second half in whirlwind fashion and points flowed from Pat Cleary, Liam Bergin and Billy Bohane. The only worry was the amount of chances the town were missing but they were playing exhibition stuff in the third quarter. After an exchange of points Rathnure struck for their first goal in the 38th minute when a long free from Houlihan found Dunphy who placed Murphy for a tidy finish to reduce the gap to two points 1-8 to 1-6.

Taylor placed Paul Bergin in the 44th minute for another beauty of a score and then Cashin hit a rasper which was saved on the line by Morrissey. At this stage Portlaoise were completely dominant thanks mainly to their magnificent half-back line of Taylor, Duggan and Rigney. Houlihan reduced matters again but as was the case all day long Portlaoise responded and a super point from Paul Bergin had Portlaoise three to the good with four minutes remaining. Then, as already described, Codd struck for goal number two. Cue brilliant response from Taylor and Bergin to leave the town men on the cusp of their most famous victory.

Veteran full back Martin Quigley then burst up the field and struck into the heart of the Portlaoise full back line. Hearne pulled on a loose ball which skied off the goalmouth muck and past the despairing dive of Sean Delaney. Instead of ecstasy the Portlaoise players and supporters alike were in despair as the Wexford men celebrated wildly.

According to the Leinster Express:

The performance of the half back line of Taylor, Duggan and Des Rigney will long remain a treasured memory. How John Taylor can be ignored by the All-Star selectors must be the greatest travesty of modern hurling. He is simply the best defender in the game today – and friend and foe alike will testify to that observation. Those other two young men, Duggan and Des Rigney are great hearted hurlers with big futures ahead of them. If one is looking for other Portlaoise heroes then none would outshine that great hearted all-rounder, Pat Critchley, or his very able companion at midfield, Seamus Plunkett. Seamus was given the task of marking Jimmy Houlihan and how effective he did his job. Paul Bergin showed all his class in the half forward line and his four points from play were peaches while his brother Liam, and Matt Keegan were others that always threatened.

Billy Bohane has had happier hours while Pat Cleary got little change from his marker Jim O’Connell and Martin Quigley quenched full forward Martin Cashin’s effectiveness. The 18 wides from Portlaoise told a story of the pressure exerted from the Rathnure backs. Portlaoise’s full back line too had a fine hour with Pat Hooban making some fine clearances and Bergin and John Bohane always looking compact. Sean Delaney could not be faulted for any of the goals that passed by him. Overall it was Rathnure’s strength, durability and ability to score goals which won the day. But hurling too was the winner in this memorable tussle.

Earlier rounds: Portlaoise 2-21 to Kiltegan (Wicklow) 0-7. Portlaoise next accounted for Kilkenny champions, Glenmore, by 0-14 to 1-8 at O’Moore Park. Glenmore’s misfortune of having to start the game without their injured star, Christy Heffernan, probably was a boost for the home side. It was Portlaoise who led all the way and were five points clear, 0-8 to 0-3, at the break. But, having lost a player sent off, the Kilkenny champions fought back gamely and when Heffernan was introduced at the three-quarter stage, the excitement grew to fever-pitch. Billy Bohane’s contribution of 0-10, 0-7 from frees, was vital to this memorable win.

Next came the champions of Offaly, St. Rynaghs, in the semi-final at O’Moore Park on November 22. With footballers already in the provincial final this was developing into the greatest ever year for the club on the playing fields – appropriately to mark the centenary year of the club’s foundation in 1887. Although it was level-pegging at half-time, the Town turned on the style in the second half to end eight points clear at 1-12 to 0-7

Junior “A” Hurling

Portlaoise 3-12 Timahoe 1-7

Portlaoise captured only their second ever Junior Hurling title when giving an excellent display to defeat Timahoe in O Moore Park by 3-12 to 1-7. The first half was very evenly contested and the sides were level at 1-5 each at half time. Matt Keegan, who went on to star for the seniors in both county and provincial finals later in the year, struck for an early goal for the town men but the flame-haired Willie Ramsbottom cancelled this out with a goal for the Round Tower men on the stroke of half time.

Portlaoise, having hurled against a strong wind in the first half, were now in prime position to take control and a goal by James Fahy seven minutes into the second half gave them a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Timahoe hung in and Colm McEvoy narrowed the gap with a point. Portlaoise then got a third goal courtesy of Tom Fitzpatrick and this signalled the end of a stern Timahoe challenge. A string of points by Rigney and Fahy added gloss to the scoreline and in the end eleven points separated the sides.

Wrest formed a very solid full-back line with the Dunne brothers, Christy and Ollie. Brian Murphy was an excellent pivot at centre-back, emulating his father Ned who was left full-back on the only other town team to win this title in 1965. He was ably flanked by Paddy Norton and Billy Fitzpatrick. Niall Rigney gave an excellent performance in midfield assisted by the late great Matthew McDonald. Up front James Fahy, Hugh Rochford, Martin Conroy, Pat Manton, Matt Keegan and Tom Fitzpatrick were always dangerous. Philip Rochford never put a foot wrong in the goals.

Jimmy Wrest had the honour of lifting the silverware as captain on the day but he was quick to point out that he was deputising for Paddy Harding who was suspended for the final. These two teams had a 25th Anniversary re-union in the old clubhouse in 2012 and friendships formed back in the 1980s through battles such as this ensured a most enjoyable night for all who attended.

Earlier results: Portlaoise 3-10; Borris-in-Ossory 2-6. Portlaoise 0-16 to Mountrath 1-11. Play-off: Portlaoise 2-12 to Mountrath 3-5. Semi-final: Portlaoise 2-10; Shanahoe 2-7.

“B” competition: Portlaoise 3-8 to Harps 2-5 to Ratheniska w/o; Portlaoise scr.

Junior “A” Football

Portlaoise lost the final by a whisker in a game they could have won. But it was Spink’s day and they won the title on a scoreline of Spink 1-7 to Portlaoise 0-9. Tom Miller in the Spink goal denied Portlaoise time and time again. Spink led by 1-3 to 0-4 at the break. This was stretched to four by the end of the third quarter. But back came Portlaoise and despite scoring the last three points and having the Spink goal area under siege, they were still one point short at the finish.

In the first round Portlaoise beat Mountmellick 1-8 to 1-3. Quarter-final: Portlaoise 1-7 to Ballyroan 0-4. Semi-final: Porttlaoise 1-8 to Abbeyleix 0-8.

Junior “B”: Portlaoise 4-9 to Shanahoe 0-4. Camross 2-4 to Portlaoise 0-7.

Under 21 Football

Portarlington, holders, easily swept aside the Portlaoise challenge in the semi-final by 2-6 to 0-4.

Earlier in the championship they had beaten Emo/Courtwood 0-9 to 1-3 and Spink 0-8 to 0-4.

Under 21 Hurling

Portlaoise 5-14 to Mountrath/Trumera/Slieve Bloom/Ballyfin 0-4. Borris/Kilcotton 5-8 to Portlaoise 3-11.

Scorers
Paul Bergin (2-6); James Harrington (1-0); Niall Rigney (0-3), Tom Fitzpatrick and Liam Duggan (0-1 each).

Minor Football

Quarter-final: Portlaoise 3-6 to O’Dempseys 0-5. Semi-final: Portarlington 0-9 to Portlaoise 0-8.

Minor Hurling

Portlaoise 4-1 to Rosenallis 0-2. Clonaslee 3-12 to Portlaoise 2-12.

Scorers D. Griffey (1-2); N. O’Sullivan (1-1), M. Ging, J. Keenan, P. Brennan, D. Killeen (0-2 each), C. O’Brien (0-1).

Juvenile scene

In the U16 Hurling final Portlaoise beat Camross by 9-10 to 1-2.

Rathdowney beat Portlaoise 3-3 to 2-3 in the Under 17 hurling final and also in the Under 14 hurling final by 3-7 to 2-6.

1987 honours

• Men’s Football – Senior Laois Senior Football Championship Portlaoise 3-16 v 0-5 Ballylinan Captain: Noel Prendergast
• Hurling – Junior Laois Junior ‘A’ Hurling Championship Portlaoise 3-12 v 1-7 Timahoe Captain: Jimmy Wrest
• Hurling – Senior Laois Senior Hurling Championship Portlaoise 2-13 v 1-5 Clonad Captain: Sean Bergin
• Hurling – Senior Leinster Senior Club Finalists
• Hurling – Under 14 & Under 15 Laois Féile na nGael Division 1 Portlaoise v ?
• Hurling – Under 16 Laois U-16 ‘A’ Hurling Championship Portlaoise 9-10 v 1-2 Camross

AGM

All-Ireland club semi-final

Played on 21 February, a mild Spring day at O’Moore Park, Portlaoise came into the game as firm favourites against Roscommon and Connaught champions, Clan na Gael. The clubs had met only once previously – the All-Irelanmd club final of 1983 – and Portlaoise were convincing winners at 0-12 to 2-0. But this time it was a different story and Clan na Gael set down their intentions early. The home side knew they had a game on their hands when ace forward, Tony McManus found Tom Lennon in “a small poket of space” and he scorched home a great goal, midway through the half. This helped the visitors into a 1-6 to 0-4 game.

The visitors maintained their advantage into the final quarter despite Portlaoise throwing everything into attack. Tom Prendergast flashed through and was landed on his back to cries of “penalty” but the referee called a throw-in instead to the amazement of the fans and the frustration of the players. Portlaoise got a few more goal chances but a gritty Clana Gal side held out. It was a disappointing day for the Town, who played bravely and well but could not overcome the slower start and the early Clan na Gael superiority.

The Clan na Gael trainer, Donie Shine, was radiant after his side’s victory. “Over the years I have watched Portlaoise teams with admiration. We are honoured to beat you. I hope we win the All-Ireloand now. Winning the All-Ireland without beaing Portlaoise would be like winning the Sam Maguire without beating Kerry”, he said. Portlaoise and neutral fans were mystified how the referee did not award the penalty that could have brought the game to a replay.

Result: Clonad Gael 1-9, Portlaoise 0-9.

Scorers
Clan na Gael: Tom Lennon (1-2); Owen McManus, Jimmy McManus, Paul McManus, Emmett Durney, Gery Lennon, Padraig Naughton, Eamon McManus (snr) (0-1 each).

Portlaoise: Noel Prendergast (0-4); Gerry Browne, Seamus Lalor, Tom Prendergast, James Fahy, Pat Dolphin (0-1 each).

Senior Hurling

Portlaoise had wins over Errill 2-14 to 1-8, Clonaslee 2-15 to 2-8, The Harps 0-14 to 0-6, Wolfe Tones 3-16 to 1-11, and Rathdowney in the semi-final 2-12 to 1-2.They were beaten in the final by Camross 1-13 to 0-10.

Although beaten in the county final by Camross, Portlaoise represented Laois in the Leinster club Championship as Camross were serving a ban in Leinster competitions. They beat Castledermot (Kildare) in the first round 0-17 to 1-6, drew with St Vincents 1-9 to 2-6 in O Moore Park but were beaten in the replay at Parnell Park by 5-13 to 5-6. In the replay Vincents crashed home five goals in an eighteen minute period of the first half to lead by 5-7 to 2-2. Despite a spirited rally in the second period, Portlaoise just failed in their bid for a final place.

Brady Cup Final 1986 (Played in 1988)

Portlaoise won The Brady Cup for 1986.In the final which was played in March 1988 Portlaoise beat The Harps 3-7 to 0-7.The game which was played in difficult conditions at Mountrath was a personal triumph for Portlaoise corner forward Martin Cashin who scored 2-3.Portlaoise led 1-3 to 0-4 at half time.They led 2-5 to 0-7 at the three quarter stage and went on to win comfortably.

After the game Mick Lawlor, hurling board chairman, presented the trophy to Portlaoise captain Sean Bergin.

Senior Football

Portlaoise were beaten in the first round by Portarlington on a scoreline of 0-11 to 1-7. Portlaoise were defending their Laois and Leinster championships and were chasing a record breaking five-in-a-row in Laois championships. Portarlington displayed dogged determination throughout allied to considerable skill and deserved their win.

Portarlington led six points to one at half time but had to withstand the craft of the champions who cut the deficit to one point at the finish. This was no match for the faint hearted at Timahoe on Sunday evening as the contest transpired to be one of crunching tackles and non stop action and excitement throughout.

Intermediate Hurling

Portlaoise scored wins over Slieve Bloom 4-11 to 3-7 and The Harps 3-10 to 2-1 but lost to Borris in Ossory 5-11 to

5-6.They qualified for the quarter final where they again met Borris in Ossory and drew first time 2-6 to 1-9 but were beaten in the replay 4-10 to 3-9.

Junior Hurling

Drew with Camross 1-8 to 3-2 but were beaten in the replay 3-14 to 1-8.

Junior Football

Portlaoise added another title to their ever growing list when beating Rosenallis 2-10 to 2-5 in the final. Goals by Ben Carroll and Liam Bergin helped the Town into a 2-7 to 0-2 lead at the break. Some of the attendance had left by the time Rosenallis had clawed themselves back into contention cutting the gap to five points. But Portlaoise held out for a fairly comfortable victory.

Under 21 Hurling

A very strong Portlaoise team exacted revenge for the senior final with a convincing win over Camross/Clonaslee/Kyle in an exciting U21 final on the score of Portlaoise 4-16 to 3-9.

Featuring several players who would go on to star for both club and county at senior level including John Hanniffy in goal, Cyril Duggan, Des Killeen, Niall Rigney, Paul Bergin, Pat and Tom Fitzpatrick amongst others, Portlaoise finished off the game in the second quarter when they blitzed their counterparts with three goals and two points inside eight minutes. Best players on the day for the losers were Liam and Martin Delaney, Conor Bates, Seamus Cuddy, John Bates, Sean Breen and John Lalor.

Under 21 Football

Beat The Heath/Park Rathineska 3-10 to 0-6 and St Fiaccs 0-8 to 0-6 but were beaten in the semi-final by Emo/Courtwood 1-3 to 1-2.

On a frosty October bank holiday at O Moore in a tough and exciting game Portlaoise led at half time by 1-1 to 0-1. They were pegged back in the second half by the determined play of the area team and were one point in arrears at the final whistle.

Minor Hurling

Beat Camross/Clonaslee 3-10 to 1-3 but were beaten in the semi-final by Rathdowney/Errill 2-6 to 0-5. Rathdowney Errill took their chances better in a game played in constant drizzle and on a heavy sod.They led 1-3 to 0-4 at half time and a goal and a point in the final quarter saw them run out deserving winners.

Minor Football

Beat St. Michaels 3-5 to 1-5 but lost in second round to Annanough 1-8 to 0-5.

U17 Hurling

Portlaoise defeated Castletown 3-6 to 1-5.

U16 Hurling

Portlaoise defeated Borris in Ossory/Kilcotton 8-9 to 2-3.

Under 15 hurling

Final: Portlaoise 3-10; Portlaoise 0-1.

U14 Hurling

Final: Portlaoise 3-1 to The Harps 1-2.

The Harps reversed the result in the Feile final.

The first ladies adult title

Sunday 2 October 1988 marked a historic milestone in the story of Portlaoise Ladies Football when The Town captured the first ever adult ladies silverware in the club’s history. Portlaoise defeated Mountrath by 1-9 to 1-00 in the Laois Ladies Junior Football Final to secure a famous breakthrough victory only three years after the formation of the ladies section of the club.

1988 honours

• Men’s Football – Junior Laois Junior ‘A’ Football Championship Portlaoise 2-10 v 2-5 Rosenallis Captain: Mick Rigney
• Hurling – Under 14 Laois U-14 ‘A’ Hurling Championship Portlaoise 3-1 v 1-2 Harps
• Hurling – Under 16 Laois U-16 ‘A’ Hurling Championship Portlaoise 8-9 v 2-3 Kilcotton
• Hurling – Under 17 Laois U-17 ‘A’ Hurling Championship Portlaoise 3-6 v 1-5 Castletown
• Hurling – Under 21 Laois U-21 ‘A’ Hurling Championship Portlaoise 4-16 v 3-9 Camross Clonaslee Kyle Captain: John Hanniffy
• Ladies Football – Junior Laois Ladies Junior ‘A’ Championship Portlaoise 1-9 v 1-0 Mountrath Captain: Cora Graham

Senior Hurling Final

Portlaoise 1-9 to Camross 2-6.

In a dour and fractious county final the only real winners were the county board who were guaranteed bonus gate receipts from a much anticipated replay. Portlaoise made all the early running in this game and were ahead inside the first minute when Paul Bergin pointed a free following a foul on Pat Hooban. The response was swift from the Camross men and they were awarded a penalty a couple of minutes later when P.J. Cuddy was fouled. Frank Keenan’s effort was saved but the rebound fell to Peter Dooley who whipped the ball home.

Hanniffy was forced to make a couple of quick fire saves to keep his side in touch before Tom Fitzpatrick reduced the deficit with a well taken point. A foul on John Taylor then gave Niall Rigney the opportunity to equalise. Portlaoise were dominant at this point and another free from Bergin put his side ahead. After fifteen minutes the same player got his side’s only goal. Again Fitzpatrick was involved as he turned his man and gave a lovely weighted handpass to Bergin who carried the ball forward before blasting past Patsy Carroll in the Camross goal.

Portlaoise were now four points to the good.

Reigning champions Camross sensed danger at this stage and responded with a Collier point. Then, Joe Dollard, who up to this point was effectively marshalled by Duggan, ghosted in at the far post to score an opportunist goal. The same player swiftly pointed a free to put his side ahead but Niall Rigney with a free levelled matters once more leaving the half time score 2-2 to 1-5.

Tommy Delaney opened the second half scoring for Camross before Rigney, with another free, equalised. Paul Bergin then scored a lovely point to edge ahead and shortly after he came very close to getting a goal after a long ball in from Taylor. Scores were at a premium in the second half. Keenan and Rigney swapped frees before Liam Bergin stretched the lead with a fine point. Keenan pointed his second free and Fint Lalor rescued his side with a great point from a sideline cut. In terms of excitement this was a game that will not be fondly recalled and it was the first draw in a county final since the centenary final of 1984 between Portlaoise and The Harps.

Best players on the day were Hanniffy, who made some important saves, Duggan and Des Rigney in defence who marshalled Dollard and PJ Cuddy effectively. John Taylor was his usual forceful self and subdued the dangerous Fint Lalor. Plunkett was strong in midfield and Niall Rigney demonstrated his importance with some good general play and fantastic free taking. Best of the forwards on the day were Paul Bergin and Tom Fitzpatrick.

Senior Hurling Final Replay

Portlaoise 0-12 to Camross 1-4

The replayed game is often best remembered for a bust up that went on for several minutes and resulted in a couple of sending offs. But at the end of a titanic struggle Portlaoise had landed their eighth title in total and their sixth of the decade.

Niall Rigney and Cyril Duggan really came of age in this game and both played starring roles in wrestling the Bob O’Keeffe Cup from the fingertips of the Camross men.

Paul Bergin opened the scoring for Portlaoise from a free after a couple of minutes as the Town side played against a strong breeze. In the sixth minute Fint Lalor drove a low free goalwards but Hanniffy was alert and saved well. However the breaking ball fell to Frank Keenan and he made no mistake as he whisked the ball into the net. Collier added a minor score to keep Camross in the ascendancy.

On ten minutes Keegan place Bergin to narrow the gap and the same man tapped over another free to reduce the deficit further. Fint Lalor with a free at the other end had the score at 1-2 to 0-3 after the first quarter. In the 21st minute Paul Bergin placed the inrushing Critchley who was hauled down for a penalty but Bergin uncharacteristically mishit this much to relief of the men from the mountains. Liam Bergin, having gathered a John Taylor sideline ball, and Critchley added points to leave Portlaoise all square at the break and with the prospect of the wind at their backs for the second half.

Bergin and Lalor again swapped frees early in the second half before Portlaoise began to exert their dominance around the middle of the field. Niall Rigney sent over a 65 and then Fitzpatrick released Jimmy Keenan for a good score to put two between the teams. Camross attacked strongly at this point but Hanniffy was in excellent form and made a couple of crucial saves. Paul Bergin added another free following a foul on his brother Liam.

With an exciting finale in store a massive melee broke out with almost every player involved. It lasted for at least three minutes and at the end of it Jimmy Keenan and Martin Cuddy were sent off. In truth many players could have been singled out but because these two had previously been cautioned they both paid the price. When peace resumed Fint Lalor narrowed the gap and then Seamus Cuddy hit a rasper which was saved brilliantly by Hanniffy much to the relief of the Town men. Cyril Duggan was fouled when bursting out of defence and from the resultant long range free Bergin made no mistake.

With four minutes remaining Niall Rigney landed a mighty free from all of 85 metres which resulted in a deafening roar from the Portlaoise supporters. Tom Fitzpatrick put the icing on the cake with a late point and Portlaoise were champions once more. John Hanniffy was superb in the Portlaoise goal and really established himself with this excellent performance.

The Leinster Express described the performance as follows:

Portlaoise were celebrating their notable win thanks mainly to a number of players who excelled on the day. None moreso than elegant midfielder Niall Rigney, who lorded it at midfield – with considerable help from his partner Seamus Plunkett –especially when the chips were down in the closing stages. His two brothers were soundness personified in defence, Nollaig at right full-back and Des at right half, but the shining star of that tightly knit defence in which Clareman and Portlaoise based bank official Ger Hoey, Team captain John Bohane, the ever reliable and often spectacular John Taylor, and splendid goalie John Hanniffy, excelled was the centre half back Cyril Duggan, a wonderful pivot who time and time again salvaged his team under threat and sent long punishing balls back down deep in the Camross defence.

Paul Bergin emerged as the most dangerous man up front and his six points tally made him the games top scorer to boot. Pat Critchley made his presence felt more and more as the game progressed while Matt Keegan worked tirelessly for the cause, and together with whole hearted displays from Liam Bergin, Tom Fitzpatrick and Jimmy Keenan often caused panic in the Camross defence.

Earlier rounds: Portlaoise drew with Rathdowney in the first round of their group.They beat St. Fintans 3-12 to 2-4, The Harps 1-13 to 1-6 and Castletown 0-14 to 1-9 to qualify for the semi-final when they again beat The Harps 2-7 to 1-6.

In the Leinster club championship Portlaoise easily dismissed the Westmeath champions, Brownstown, by 4-14 to 1-9 and this qualified them for a semi-final date at Carlow with Shamrocks of Kilkenny. Forced to field five short of the regular side because of suspensions following the final, they went into the game as no-hopers against a top-class side that fielded no less than seven Fennelly brothers and had won the All-Ireland title twice in recent years. But it was that element of surprise thast almost resulted in one of the biggest shocks in championship hurling. The sides were level at 1-5 each at the break. A goal by Martin Cashin, his second major of the day, from a delivery by Matthew Keegan had the Town in front with only minutes remaining. However Shamrocks dug deep to send over a few late points to earn a final place against Buffer’s Alley of Wexford. John Taylor was magnificent in defence where Cyril Duggan, Des Killeen and Noel Rigney also proved almost unbeatable in a team that showed the skill and fighting spirit of Portlaoise hurling.

Senior Football

Portlaoise opened the campaign promisingly with a fine win over defending champions, Portarlington. But then came the shocker when a below par performance against Ballylinan sent them hurtling from the championship at the quarter-final stage. Scores stood at 0-4 each at half-time and it was expected that the Town team would kick on for victory. But it was a brave Ballylinan side that kicked on to record an 0-9 to 0-6 victory in one of the biggest shocks of the decade.

Intermediate Hurling

Beaten in first round by Park/Rathineska by 6-10 to 0-10.

Intermediate Football

Beaten by The Rock by 0-9 to 0-6.

Junior Hurling “B”

Beaten in first round by Ballypickas by 4-9 to 1-2.

Under 21 Football

Beaten in first round by Don Bosco by 1-7 to 1-2.

Under 21 Hurling

The final ended in a draw at Portlaoise 1-8 to Kilcotton/Borris in Ossory 0-11. But Borris had the edge in the replay on a scoreline of Kilcotton/ Borris-in-Ossory 2-9 to Portlaoise 0-10.

Portlaoise received a walkover from Colt/Trumera in the opening round and beat the Harps 3-11 to 1-6. Minor Football

Beaten in first round by St Josephs on a 1-6 to 0-7 scoreline.

Minor Hurling

Final: Portlaoise 1-13 to Castletown/Slieve Bloom 2-7. Portlaoise dethroned the reigning champions,

Castletwon/Slieve Bloom – who had two thirds of the previous year’s team still playing – in a thrilling minor final. The town lad started strongly and quickly raced into a 0-6 to 0-1 lead. Points from play for Des Fitzpatrick, Declan Hearns, Brian Bohane and Pat Fitzpatrick as well as two frees from Bohane left the champions under the cosh with just over twenty minutes remaining.

The champions showed their mettle then and roared back strongly into the contest. A point by Donovan and then a goal By Mattie Cuddy, following good work by Peters and Sean Collier, left just a point between the sides.

Bohane was causing all sorts of problems and had a fine score at the start of the second half to restore order. Cuddy replied and then the champions were awarded a penalty. Donovan’s low strike was well saved by goalie James Brown. Three minutes later the sides were lever. Peters cleared to Cuddy and he pointed from 40 metres. Inspired by Peters and Cuddy, Castletown piled on the pressure and a ball from Collier ended up with Cuddy who lashed to the net and put his team 2-4 to 0-7 in front. Donovan added a pointed free and Portlaoise looked to be in real trouble.

Hearns and Bohane helped the town cut into the champions lead with two pointed frees. The holders remained dangerous and Brown made a crucial save with 15 minutes to go. A centre was broken down by Brian Byrne for the inrushing Hearns and he finished expertly to the net to put Portlaoise back in the lead after 46 minutes. Holmes levelled matters and Hearns restored town advantage. Donovan equalised once more three minutes from time but Portlaoise finished strongly and scores from Pat and Des Fitzpatrick and a Bohane free sealed another famous minor title for Portlaoise.

The Leinster Express stated that: “For Portlaoise, James Brown was excellent in goals, with Eamon Murphy, Ivan Byrne, and Niall Brady especially strong in defence. Pat Fitzpatrick played well in the middle of the field, while Brian Bohane’s skills were eye-catching in an attack that also featured good displays from Declan Hearns, Brian Byrne and Dessie Fitzpatrick. Declan Fitzpatrick played well in the opening half.”

Portlaoise hammered Rathdowney in the quarter-final by 8-13 to 0-3 and in the semi-final they beat the Harps 2-12 to 1-5.

Juvenile scene

Under 17 Hurling final: Portlaoise 1-12 to Ballinakill 1-0.

U16 Hurling final: Portlaoise 2-2 Rathdowney 0-4.

Under 16 Football final: Graiguecullen 1-12 to Portlaoise 0-5.

Leinster Colleges “B” Final

Portlaoise CBS 0-14 to Ard Scoil Ris 2-6.

A goal just before the final whistle gave this scoreline a somewhat unfair complexion. Portlaoise CBS with 12 players from the club getting game time were the dominant force in what was a gripping contest. Two of the non-club players, Tomas Kenna from Durrow and Andy Bergin from Clonad, went on to become inter-county stalwarts while the star of the show was Fergus Dunphy whose family moved to Monasterevin not long after – depriving the club of a very promising prospect.

Former Dubs player and All-Ireland winning manager Pat Gilroy was the chief scoring threat for Ard Scoil Ris plundering 2-2 and he was a towering menace all through the game. Pat Fitzpatrick was captain of a very good team which was trained by teacher Mick Scully, former Tipperary player and father of P.J. the current Laois hurler.

1989 honours

• Hurling – Minor Laois Minor ‘A’ Hurling Championship Portlaoise 1-13 v 2-7 Casletown Slieve Bloom Captain: Richie O’Sullivan
• Hurling – Senior Laois Senior Hurling Championship Portlaoise 2-6 v 1-9 Camross Captain: John Bohane
• Hurling – Under 16 Laois U-16 ‘A’ Hurling Championship Portlaoise 2-2 v 0-4 Rathdowney
• Hurling – Under 17 Laois U-17 ‘A’ Hurling Championship Portlaoise 1-12 v 1-0 Ballinakill