Profile: Paddy Critchley

Paddy Critchley at a function with Tipperary Hurling Legend Jimmy Doyle. Paddy and Jimmy worked together in the promotion of hurling in the town in the early 80’s.

Paddy Critchley figured on Irish Worsted Mills teams and won championship medals with Kilminchy at minor level in the 1940s and Park seniors in the early 1950s. Prominently involved with Portlaoise juvenile teams and structures in the 1970s and was a mentor with successful Portlaoise hurling teams of the 1980s. His sons Pat, Michael, John and Declan all played with distinction with the club winning many honours. Pat won an All-Ireland club football medal, captained Laois in the Centenary Hurling final in 1984 against Cork and is Laois’ only hurling All-Star. Declan is very involved in coaching under age teams.

More Club History To Explore

Profile: Tommy Conroy

Tommy Conroy has been a stalwart of Portlaoise GAA throughout his life. He played senior football for the town for 17 years, winning six county championships as well as a Leinster title in 1987. He made his name when he broke onto the great town team of the 80’s with Colm and Gerry Browne, Curly and co still setting the standard. He soldiered through the barren years of the ‘90s and then a golden generation of new stars arrived like Ian Fitzgerald, Martin Delaney, Woolly, Fitzy etc and gave an an ageing sportsman a new lease of life. Here are some of his personal memories of the club.

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Profile: Jimmy Doyle

Jimmy Doyle was one of the giants of hurling. Born and reared within the shadow of hurling’s great amphitheatre, Semple Stadium, he went on to become one of the greatest hurlers of all time.

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Profile: Colm Browne

Colm Browne has achieved almost everything a Gaelic player could wish for. At Club level Colm has won ten Laois Senior Championships, four under 21s and two Minor Medals…

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