Interview with James ‘Jas’ O’Reilly
Player, selector, administrator and fund raiser. The Portlaoise great Jas O’Reilly.
Paudge Dowling made a unique contribution to the club during his long tenure in the 1970s and ‘80s as chairman of the development committee. During this time he spearheaded the acquisition of grounds and the building of the clubhouse at Fr. Browne Avenue – the first playing and social facilities owned by the club.
Paudge was a man of great humour and wit and was always an inspiration to officers and players because of his quiet yet invaluable wisdom. He hailed from an old Portlaoise family and two of his brothers, Sean and Ger, were likewise great Portlaoise men.
Ger’s son, Vincent, was club secretary from 2003 to 2005 and chairman from 2006 to 2014.
Player, selector, administrator and fund raiser. The Portlaoise great Jas O’Reilly.
“Portlaoise GAA in Turmoil” – This was a front page headline no club would wish to see in their local paper.
Paddy Brennan is a legendary figure in the Portlaoise club.
He won minor hurling championships with the Rovers Club
and when that club merged with Portlaoise in the early 1950s,
Paddy threw in his lot with the Town. He went on to star with
his club and also in the blue and white of Laois for many
years.
Ⓒ 1887 - 2025 - Portlaoise GAA - C'MON THE TOWN