A famous final win, and the controversy that followed

On 30 November 1958, Portlaoise defeated The Heath in the Laois Senior Football Championship final replay at O’Moore Park on a scoreline of 3-7 to 1-4. It was one of the great victories in the history of the club, appearing to return The Town to the senior football roll of honour for the first time in forty years.

The Leinster Express described the replay as a game of “thrilling passages, all-out endeavour, and a high degree of sportsmanship”, noting that the names of captain Alfie Lewis, midfielder Phil O’Keeffe and forward Noel Delaney would be toasted in Portlaoise as the county town returned to football fame.

Portlaoise led by 2-5 to 0-2 at half-time, but The Heath fought back strongly after the break. By the three-quarter stage, the gap had been reduced to 2-6 to 1-3 after Ollie Fennell goaled for The Heath, with Sean Brennan among their standout performers.

The decisive score came late on when Portlaoise substitutes Tom Phelan and Richard “Sonny” Brown combined, with Brown crashing home the clinching goal to seal a memorable 3-7 to 1-4 victory for The Town.

However, the celebrations were short-lived. The victory was later taken away following an objection, with the decision made by County Board chairman Lar Brady at a meeting in the Courthouse in Portlaoise. The manner in which the objection was handled caused deep anger within the Portlaoise club and left a bitter taste between the local rivals, Portlaoise and The Heath, for years afterwards.

Though the title was lost in the court room, the performance itself remained a hugely important moment in the club’s football story. It showed that Portlaoise were once again capable of competing at the top level in Laois and helped lay the foundations for the breakthrough that would finally arrive in 1964.

The breakthrough that changed modern Portlaoise football

The 1964 Laois Senior Football Championship victory is widely regarded as one of the most important moments in the modern history of Portlaoise GAA. When The Town defeated Graiguecullen by a single point in the county final, it ended a remarkable 57-year wait for a senior football title and transformed both the confidence and direction of the club.

For decades beforehand, Portlaoise football had endured periods of frustration despite strong underage work and the efforts of figures across The Rovers, Kilminchy and the revitalised Portlaoise club. The amalgamations of the early 1950s, combined with the rebuilding of the juvenile section after 1949, had slowly strengthened the foundations of Gaelic games within the town. By the early 1960s, that work was finally beginning to bear fruit.

The 1964 side contained players who had developed through the renewed juvenile structures of the 1950s and represented a generation that grew up believing Portlaoise could once again compete seriously for senior honours. The county final victory over Graiguecullen was tense and hard-fought, reflecting the intensity of local rivalry and the weight of expectation surrounding the team.

The scenes after the final reflected more than just the winning of a championship. For many within the town, it felt like the rebirth of Portlaoise football. The success gave the club renewed belief, attracted fresh energy into underage and adult structures and established a platform from which Portlaoise would eventually become the dominant football force in Laois over the following decades.

The breakthrough also helped shape the culture that later defined the club. Players from the 1964 era became important mentors, selectors, administrators and role models for younger generations. Their success inspired many of the footballers who would later win Leinster titles in 1971 and 1976, All-Ireland honours in 1983 and the extraordinary run of county championships that followed in later decades.

Looking back, the 1964 championship stands not simply as a county final victory, but as the moment when modern Portlaoise football truly began.

Three-in-a-row senior football champions

Portlaoise completed a famous three-in-a-row of Laois Senior Football Championships in 1968, confirming the club’s emergence as the dominant football force in the county following the breakthrough success of 1964. The achievement represented the culmination of years of rebuilding, juvenile development and unity within the town after the difficult decades that preceded it.

The three-in-a-row was achieved through county final victories over O’Dempsey’s in 1966, Emo in 1967 and Timahoe in 1968. The 1966 final originally finished level at 0-7 each before Portlaoise won the replay against O’Dempsey’s by 2-8 to 1-4.

In 1967, Portlaoise retained the championship in emphatic fashion, defeating Emo by 4-9 to 1-7, with a powerful attacking display confirming The Town’s growing strength within Laois football.

The historic three-in-a-row was completed in 1968 when Portlaoise defeated Timahoe by 1-10 to 1-5 in the county final. The victory cemented the team’s status as the leading football force in Laois and marked the first sustained period of modern dominance by The Town.

Among the established stars of the period were Paddy Bracken, Alfie Lewis, Paschal Delaney, Jim Hughes, Teddy Fennelly and “Rake” McDonald, players who had become central figures in restoring senior football strength to the town during the 1960s. Their experience and leadership provided the backbone for a younger generation beginning to emerge within the club.

The team of the late 1960s carried enormous significance for Portlaoise. It marked the first sustained period of modern dominance by The Town and proved that the club’s revival after the amalgamations and juvenile rebuilding of the 1950s had fully matured into senior success.

The three-in-a-row also laid the foundations for the even greater success that followed in the 1970s and 1980s. Many of the standards, attitudes and expectations developed during this period became embedded within the club and helped shape the Leinster-winning teams of 1971 and 1976 and ultimately the All-Ireland club champions of 1983.

The first modern Leinster club title

Portlaoise captured its first modern Leinster Senior Club Football Championship during the 1971/72 campaign, marking one of the great breakthroughs in the history of the club. The victory elevated The Town from county champions to provincial champions and established Portlaoise as one of the leading football clubs in Leinster.

The campaign is remembered above all for the extraordinary Leinster final comeback against Athlone. With only twenty minutes remaining, Portlaoise trailed by eleven points and appeared beaten. Yet what followed became one of the defining passages in the club’s football history. Driven by determination, fitness and belief, The Town produced a remarkable rally to overturn the deficit and secure a dramatic victory that entered club folklore almost immediately. Final score: Portlaoise 2-11 v 2-09 Athlone.

The win carried enormous significance for Portlaoise and for Laois football generally. Until then, few clubs from the county had made a major impact on the provincial stage. Portlaoise’s success proved that a Laois club could compete with and defeat the strongest teams in Leinster, helping raise standards and expectations both within the club and across the county.

The team itself reflected the growing maturity of the Portlaoise football revival that had begun in the 1950s and accelerated after the county championship breakthrough of 1964. Many of the players had come through the strengthened juvenile structures developed after the amalgamations with Kilminchy and The Rovers and carried a deep sense of pride in representing a united Portlaoise club.

Support for the team grew enormously throughout the campaign. Huge crowds followed Portlaoise around Leinster, while celebrations after the final became one of the great sporting occasions in the history of the town. The victory also strengthened the bond between the club and the wider community, with the success seen as belonging not just to a team, but to the town itself.

Portlaoise later faced Bellaghy of Derry in the All-Ireland semi-final. Despite a hugely spirited performance, The Town lost narrowly by a single point. Although disappointed to fall just short of an All-Ireland final, the campaign transformed the status of the club nationally and laid the foundations for the even greater achievements that followed in later decades, including the All-Ireland club title of 1983.

Looking back, the 1971/72 Leinster triumph stands as one of the moments that truly changed the trajectory of Portlaoise GAA. It gave the club a new level of confidence and belief and confirmed that The Town belonged among the elite clubs in Ireland.

A second Leinster crown for The Town

Portlaoise returned to the summit of Leinster club football in 1976, capturing a second provincial title and confirming that the success of the early 1970s had not been a once-off achievement. The victory further established The Town as one of the leading club football powers in Leinster.

The Leinster final was played in Croke Park, a major occasion for the club and supporters who travelled in huge numbers to Dublin. Portlaoise produced an outstanding performance to defeat Cooley Kickhams of Louth by 1-12 to 0-08, securing the provincial title in style on Gaelic games’ biggest stage.

The triumph came during an era when the club was building remarkable consistency at senior level. Following the breakthrough county title of 1964 and the famous Leinster success of 1971/72, Portlaoise had developed a strong winning culture built around disciplined training and a fierce sense of pride in representing the town.

The 1976 team combined hardened championship experience with the next wave of emerging Portlaoise footballers who had grown up inspired by the successes of the previous decade.

The Town’s run eventually came to an end in the All-Ireland semi-final, where Portlaoise were defeated by Austin Stacks of Kerry in O’Moore Park. Although disappointed to fall short of an All-Ireland final appearance, the campaign further elevated the status of the club nationally and helped strengthen the belief that Portlaoise could compete with the strongest clubs in Ireland.

Looking back, the 1976 Leinster title confirmed that Portlaoise had moved beyond breakthrough status and become one of the great club football teams of its generation. The Town had firmly established itself among the elite clubs in Leinster football and laid more foundations for the historic All-Ireland success that would follow in 1983.

Portlaoise plans for the future

In March 1978, Portlaoise GAA unveiled one of the most ambitious development plans in the history of the club during a major press conference held at the Killeshin Hotel. The event marked the beginning of a transformative era for The Town as plans were officially launched for new club facilities and long-term development that would help shape the future of Portlaoise GAA for generations to come.

The launch was attended by some of the most influential figures in the Association, including GAA President Con Murphy, Leinster Council chairman Paddy Buggy and Laois County Board chairman Sean Ramsbottom. Club chairman Teddy Fennelly outlined the ambitious vision for the project and detailed plans for facilities that would cost in excess of £50,000, a huge figure at the time.

Fennelly explained that while Portlaoise would continue to place enormous emphasis on nurturing football and hurling, the club now also intended to provide first-class facilities worthy of the growing town and its expanding membership. He stressed that much of the work would be completed through voluntary effort, reflecting the deep community spirit that had always underpinned the club since its foundation in 1887.

GAA President Con Murphy strongly endorsed the plans and praised the ambition being shown by the club. He described the development as hugely important not only for Portlaoise GAA but for the wider community. Murphy noted that a town the size of Portlaoise needed modern sporting facilities and highlighted the importance of clubs having their own grounds and amenities to ensure long-term success.

Murphy also praised the close involvement of local schools, particularly the CBS, and spoke warmly about the role of women within the Association. He emphasised that women were making invaluable contributions through fundraising, catering and club organisation and appealed to the wider business community in Portlaoise to support the ambitious project.

Leinster Council chairman Paddy Buggy said he was deeply impressed by both the scale of the proposals and the professional manner in which the campaign was being presented, while County Board chairman Sean Ramsbottom reminded those present of the visionary work carried out years earlier by Fr John Kearney in securing O’Moore Park for the county. “Portlaoise, it could be said, was coming home,” Ramsbottom remarked.

The development plans received extensive coverage in the Leinster Express under the headline “Portlaoise GAA to invest £50,000 in new facilities”. The newspaper detailed the club’s ambitious fundraising programme, which included sponsored walks, dances, field days, cabarets, festivals of dancing, juvenile fundraising drives, a continuing 500 Club and even “Armchair Horse Racing”.

One of the standout fundraising occasions during the year was a major tournament game between Laois and Kerry held in June 1978. Kerry, featuring stars such as Pat Spillane, Charlie Nelligan, Jimmy Deenihan and Tim Kennelly, defeated Laois by 2-8 to 0-9 in a game that attracted huge local interest and helped raise valuable funds for the development project.

The great four-in-a-row of the Portlaoise hurlers

The early 1980s marked one of the greatest periods in the history of Portlaoise hurling as The Town captured four consecutive Laois Senior Hurling Championships between 1981 and 1984. The achievement restored Portlaoise to the summit of county hurling and established the team as one of the finest hurling sides produced in Laois during the modern era.

Remarkably, all four championship victories were captained by John Joe Ging, making him one of the most important and influential figures in the club’s hurling history. His leadership, consistency and determination became symbolic of the team throughout the four-in-a-row campaign.

The run began in 1981 when Portlaoise defeated Camross by 2-13 to 4-5 to claim the club’s first senior hurling title since 1943. The victory ended a 38-year wait for senior championship success and sparked a major revival in hurling within the club.

Portlaoise successfully defended the title in 1982 with a 2-12 to 1-8 victory over Errill.

The third title arrived in 1983 when Portlaoise overcame Camross again by 3-10 to 3-5.

The historic four-in-a-row was completed in 1984 when Portlaoise defeated The Harps by 2-14 to 1-7 in the county final replay. The victory secured the club’s place among the great teams in Laois hurling history and confirmed the extraordinary consistency and standards achieved by the side across the four-year period.

Uniquely, all four finals were played at different venues because O’Moore Park was undergoing redevelopment during this period. The 1984 county final carried additional significance as it became the first final played at the newly renovated O’Moore Park.

The team was guided by Jimmy Doyle and Tom Lalor and featured many of the finest hurlers produced by the club. The era also coincided with a stronger period for Laois hurling generally, highlighted by Pat Critchley becoming the county’s first All-Star in 1985.

Portlaoise conquer Leinster once again

Portlaoise created another landmark in 1982 by reaching a second Leinster Senior Club Football Final within the same calendar year. After the disappointment of defeat to Raheens earlier that year, The Town responded in remarkable fashion, defeating Ballymun Kickhams of Dublin by 1-8 to 0-7 in Carlow to capture a third Leinster title, a provincial record at the time.

Played on a heavy pitch in difficult winter conditions, the game was a tense and fiercely contested affair with scores hard to come by. Portlaoise led narrowly by 0-3 to 0-2 at half-time through points from Tom Prendergast and Liam Scully, though Ballymun had enjoyed the assistance of a strong breeze and many felt the slender lead might not be enough.

The match was ultimately transformed by a whirlwind opening ten minutes to the second half. Joe Keenan produced the defining moment of the final when he latched onto a breaking ball and crashed a thunderous shot to the roof of the net. Energised by the goal, Portlaoise surged clear with further scores from Liam Scully, Pat Critchley, Noel Prendergast and Tom Prendergast to open up a commanding lead.

Ballymun, inspired by Dublin star Barney Rock, fought back strongly in the closing stages, but Portlaoise defended with enormous discipline and resilience. Jimmy Bergin earned particular praise for his handling of Rock, while Mick Mulhall, Mick Lillis and Eamonn Whelan were among the standout performers throughout the field.

Liam Scully lifted the Leinster trophy as captain as Portlaoise secured their third provincial title in the ten-year history of the competition. The victory set up a hugely anticipated All-Ireland semi-final against St Finbarr’s of Cork and became one of the defining victories on the road to the club’s historic All-Ireland success of 1983.

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.

All-Ireland Club Football Champions

Sunday 20 March 1983 remains the proudest day in the history of Portlaoise GAA Club. On that afternoon in Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, Portlaoise became the first club from Laois to win the All-Ireland Club Senior Football Championship, defeating Clann na nGael of Roscommon by 0-12 to 2-0 and finally bringing the greatest prize in club football back to the county for the first time ever.

The victory ended years of heartbreak and near misses for Portlaoise teams of the 1970s, finally burying what many had called the “gallant losers” tag. The triumph represented the culmination of decades of work, sacrifice and rebuilding within the club, stretching back through the amalgamations and juvenile revival of the 1950s, the breakthrough county title of 1964 and the Leinster-winning teams of 1971 and 1976.

The final itself was played in difficult and unusual circumstances. The match had originally been fixed for Tullamore, but torrential rain and strong winds forced a late switch on the morning of the game to Cloughjordan. In front of an estimated attendance of around 4,000, Portlaoise produced one of the grittiest and most determined performances ever delivered by a Town team.

Portlaoise started brightly despite difficult conditions. Tom Prendergast opened the scoring after six minutes following a quick free from Eamonn Whelan and quickly added another score from the kick-out. Gerry Browne and Tom Prendergast continued to drive Portlaoise forward as The Town established early control, though nervousness in front of goal and a series of wides prevented the Laois champions from fully capitalising on their dominance.

Disaster struck in the 26th minute when Owen McManus managed to divert the ball past Mick Mulhall for a Clann na nGael goal. Despite having played with the assistance of a strong wind, Portlaoise went into the interval holding only a narrow 0-5 to 1-0 lead after shooting thirteen wides in the opening half.

Yet adversity had long become one of the defining traits of this great Portlaoise side. Facing into the fresh breeze after half-time, The Town responded magnificently. Eamonn Whelan steadied matters with an early free before Gerry Browne added another point to push Portlaoise further ahead.

Clann na nGael briefly threatened a comeback when Tony McManus converted a controversial penalty, but Portlaoise refused to yield. Gerry Browne, Liam Scully and Tom Prendergast all added vital scores during the final quarter as The Town reasserted control and closed out a historic six-point victory.

Though Portlaoise finished with twenty wides, there was never any doubt about the superiority of their overall play. The defence was outstanding throughout, while the midfield pairing of Eamonn Whelan and Mick Dooley dominated possession during crucial periods of the game. Mick Mulhall gave another assured display in goals, while Tom Prendergast top scored with four points. Gerry Browne added three points, while Liam Scully and Eamonn Whelan each contributed two.

The full Portlaoise team that etched its name forever into GAA history was: Mick Mulhall; John Bohane, Jimmy Bergin, Mark Kavanagh; Colm Browne, Mick Lillis, Bernie Conroy; Eamonn Whelan, Mick Dooley; Noel Prendergast, Pat Critchley, Tom Prendergast; Liam Scully, Joe Keenan and Gerry Browne.

When the final whistle sounded, scenes of enormous celebration broke out among the Portlaoise supporters who had travelled to Tipperary. The victory gave Laois football its first ever All-Ireland senior football title and secured the immortality of one of the greatest teams ever to wear the green and white.

The significance of the achievement stretched far beyond Portlaoise itself. The success inspired footballers across Laois and proved that a club from the county could rise to the summit of Gaelic football in Ireland. A civic reception was later held at County Hall where County Manager Michael Deegan described the team as “a splendid example to the youth of Portlaoise.”

The official opening of Fr Browne Avenue

Monday 1 August 1983 marked one of the great landmark days in the history of Portlaoise GAA Club when the club’s new GAA Centre at Fr Browne Avenue was officially opened. Coming only months after the footballers had captured the All-Ireland Club Championship, the occasion represented another enormous milestone in what was already the most successful period the club had ever experienced.

The official opening ceremony was performed by GAA President Paddy Buggy alongside Portlaoise GAA Life President Fr Matt Walsh, one of the most influential figures in the history of the club. Their presence reflected both the importance of the development and the deep connection between the club’s proud past and its ambitious future.

A huge gathering attended the historic occasion including Leinster Council President John Dowling, Very Rev Gregory Brophy PP, Rev Kingston, Rev Fr Tom Coonan, Br J.B. Howard of Portlaoise CBS, Oliver J Flanagan TD, Tom Colgan of Portlaoise Town Commission, Laois GAA President Tom Cushen, County Board chairman Sean Ramsbottom, past and present club officers and hundreds of club members and supporters.

The opening day itself became a major celebration of Portlaoise GAA. A full programme of games was organised throughout the day to showcase both the new facilities and the strength of the club on the field. The senior hurlers defeated Cashel while the footballers overcame old rivals Walsh Island in front of large crowds. A social evening later concluded what many regarded as one of the proudest days ever experienced by the club.

Speaking during the ceremony, GAA President Paddy Buggy paid glowing tribute to Portlaoise and declared that The Town “must be the greatest club in Ireland.” He praised the organisation and ambition of the club in both football and hurling and congratulated Portlaoise on its extraordinary achievements, including the recent All-Ireland Club title, Féile na nÓg success and multiple county championship victories.

The opening of Fr Browne Avenue was the culmination of years of fundraising, volunteer effort and long-term planning that had begun in the late 1970s. Huge amounts of voluntary labour were invested into developing the grounds and facilities, reflecting the extraordinary commitment of Portlaoise members and supporters during the era.

The new grounds quickly became the spiritual home of Portlaoise GAA and would serve generations of players, coaches and supporters in the decades that followed. For many members, the development symbolised the growth of Portlaoise from a successful county club into one of the leading club organisations in Ireland.

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.

A fourth Leinster football crown

Portlaoise captured a record fourth Leinster Senior Club Football Championship in 1985, further cementing the club’s place among the elite football teams in Ireland during one of the greatest eras in the history of The Town. Just two years after lifting the All-Ireland Club title, Portlaoise again powered through Leinster with a blend of experience, skill and championship resilience that had become synonymous with the green and white.

The campaign began with an impressive 3-10 to 1-6 victory over Wexford champions Duffry Rovers. Noel Prendergast led the scoring with 1-6 while Tom Prendergast and Liam Scully also found the net as Portlaoise quickly established themselves as serious contenders for provincial honours.

Next came a gripping semi-final encounter against Navan O’Mahoneys of Meath at O’Moore Park. In one of the most demanding games of the campaign, Portlaoise had to draw on all their championship experience and composure before eventually emerging victorious by 2-10 to 1-10. Liam Scully and George Phelan struck crucial goals while Noel and Tom Prendergast, along with Eamonn Whelan, played leading roles in another hard-earned victory.

The Town then defeated Kildare champions Carbury by 1-11 to 2-3 in the provincial final stages. Portlaoise dominated much of the contest and had effectively wrapped up the game by half-time when they led by 1-5 to 0-1. Liam Scully’s goal, combined with excellent scoring from Joe Keenan, Noel Prendergast, Tom Prendergast and Eamonn Whelan, secured another convincing provincial win.

The Leinster final itself against Baltinglass in Athy became one of the great club finals of the era. Played before an estimated crowd of 4,000, the first encounter ended level at 1-8 apiece after a dramatic battle. Portlaoise led by 1-4 to 0-4 at half-time but Baltinglass mounted a powerful comeback inspired by Kevin O’Brien and Robert McHugh. The Town looked to be heading for defeat until Noel Prendergast struck a vital equaliser five minutes from time to force a replay.

Tom Prendergast delivered a magnificent performance in the drawn game and was widely regarded as the outstanding player on the field. Alongside him, Portlaoise lined out with a team packed with club legends including Mick Mulhall, Jimmy Bergin, Colm Browne, Bernie Conroy, Joe Keenan, Gerry Browne, Liam Scully, Pat Critchley and Eamonn Whelan.

If the drawn game had been dramatic, the replay one week later was even more memorable. An estimated crowd of 5,500 packed into Athy ten days before Christmas for what became a classic Leinster final replay. Portlaoise, who had developed a formidable reputation in replay situations, once again showed remarkable composure and championship nerve to defeat Baltinglass by 2-8 to 1-9.

Tom Prendergast again proved inspirational, scoring 1-3 in a dazzling display of skill and creativity. Pat Critchley added a goal while Eamonn Whelan, Seamus Lawlor and Liam Scully also contributed important scores. Portlaoise built up a six-point lead early in the second half and although Baltinglass launched another fierce comeback, The Town held firm to secure the title.

The triumph delivered Portlaoise a then record fourth Leinster Senior Club Football Championship and reinforced the club’s reputation as one of the dominant forces in provincial football during the 1970s and 1980s. The 1985 campaign also showcased the remarkable consistency of a generation of players who continued to carry the standards established by the All-Ireland winning side of 1983.

The formation of the Ladies Football club

Another hugely important chapter in the history of Portlaoise GAA began in 1985 with the formation of the ladies football section of the club. What started from a single meeting and the enthusiasm of a small group of players and volunteers would grow into one of the most successful and influential strands of the modern club.

Interest in ladies football in Portlaoise developed rapidly from the outset. Approximately fifty girls joined during the first year alone, a remarkable response that reflected the growing appetite for Gaelic games among young women in the town. Such was the early enthusiasm that Portlaoise entered two teams into championship competition almost immediately.

Among the key founding figures was Tom Daly, whose work and commitment played an important role in helping establish the club during its formative years. The foundations laid by Daly and the early organisers created structures that would allow ladies football to flourish in Portlaoise in the decades that followed.

The establishment of the ladies section in 1985 marked a hugely significant expansion of Portlaoise GAA and reflected the evolving role of Gaelic games within the community. What began with approximately fifty girls and a handful of volunteers would eventually grow into one of the strongest ladies football structures in Laois and Leinster.

Pat Critchley - Hurling All-Star

In 1985, Pat Critchley became the first and to date only player from Laois to win a senior hurling All-Star when he was selected at centrefield following a series of outstanding performances for Laois. The award represented a landmark moment not only for Critchley personally, but also for Portlaoise and Laois hurling, recognising one of the finest players ever produced by the club during a golden era for The Town.

A second football three-in-a-row

Portlaoise secured a historic second senior football three-in-a-row in 1986 when they defeated Emo by 2-9 to 1-7 in the Laois Senior Football Championship final. The victory delivered a seventeenth county title to The Town, their fifth championship success of the 1980s and their second sequence of three consecutive titles following the famous 1966, 1967 and 1968 triumphs.

The championship win further confirmed Portlaoise as the dominant football force in Laois during the era. Though reigning Leinster champions and All-Ireland winners only a few seasons earlier, The Town found themselves in a tense and rugged encounter against a determined Emo side who refused to yield throughout the hour.

The game itself never fully developed into a classic and the Leinster Express later remarked that the eventual five-point winning margin was somewhat flattering to Portlaoise. Billy Bohane’s late goal ultimately sealed the issue, but for long periods the contest remained finely balanced with Emo pushing the champions all the way.

Portlaoise and Emo were level at half-time after a fiercely contested opening period. Noel Prendergast missed a penalty in the first half, helping to keep Emo’s confidence alive, while Ger Lawlor delivered an inspirational display for the challengers and continually caused problems for the Portlaoise defence.

The Town appeared to take control during the third quarter when they opened up a six-point advantage through scores from Billy Bohane, Tom Prendergast and Eamonn Whelan. Yet Emo refused to disappear and a stirring comeback, inspired largely by Gerry Lawlor, cut the gap back to two points entering the closing stages and created a tense finish for the large attendance.

Ultimately, Portlaoise’s greater experience and attacking strength proved decisive. Billy Bohane struck the crucial late goal that finally settled the contest and ensured the title remained in the county town.

One of the defining performances of the final came from Eamonn Whelan, whose inspirational display at midfield played a major role in the victory. Whelan’s ninth senior championship medal highlighted both his extraordinary consistency and his importance to one of the greatest eras in Portlaoise football history.

Billy Bohane finished as Portlaoise’s leading scorer with 2-1, while Noel and Tom Prendergast contributed two points each. Joe Keenan, Eamonn Whelan, Gerry Browne and Seamus Lalor also added scores in another hard-earned county final triumph.

The Portlaoise team on the day was: Mick Mulhall, Brian Colgan, Bernie Conroy, Tommy Conroy, Liam Duggan, Colm Browne, John Taylor, Joe Keenan, Pat Critchley, Billy Bohane, Tom Prendergast, Gerry Browne (captain), Seamus Lalor, Eamonn Whelan and Noel Prendergast. Mark Kavanagh appeared as substitute.

The 1986 county championship triumph helped ease some of the disappointment that still lingered following the heavy All-Ireland semi-final defeat to The Burren earlier that year. After such a painful end to their national campaign, Portlaoise responded in the best possible fashion by reclaiming domestic honours and securing another historic three-in-a-row in Laois football.

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.

Heartbreak in the Leinster hurling final

The 1987 Leinster Club Senior Hurling Championship campaign remains one of the proudest and most heartbreaking chapters in the history of Portlaoise GAA. In the club’s centenary year, The Town produced a remarkable provincial run, defeating Kiltegan of Wicklow, Kilkenny champions Glenmore and Offaly champions St Rynagh’s to reach a first ever Leinster club hurling final.

The victories over Glenmore and St Rynagh’s were regarded as major milestones for both Portlaoise and Laois hurling. Billy Bohane starred against Glenmore with 0-10 while Portlaoise overwhelmed St Rynagh’s in the second half of the semi-final to win 1-12 to 0-7 at O’Moore Park.

Waiting in the final were Wexford champions Rathnure, a side packed with county stars including Martin Quigley, Jimmy Houlihan and John Conran. Yet Portlaoise showed no fear and led for almost the entire contest in one of the great Leinster club finals.

Billy Bohane’s early goal helped Portlaoise into a 1-4 to 0-5 half-time lead, while magnificent displays from John Taylor, Cyril Duggan and Des Rigney drove The Town forward during a superb second-half performance. Paul Bergin, Pat Critchley and Liam Bergin also excelled as Portlaoise looked set for a famous victory.

With time almost up, Portlaoise still led by two points. However, in devastating fashion, Rathnure struck for a late injury-time goal through Nicky Hearne to snatch a dramatic 3-8 to 1-13 victory and deny The Town a first Leinster title.

Despite the heartbreak, the performance earned enormous admiration across the province. The Leinster Express described the game as “a triumph for Portlaoise and Laois hurling” and the 1987 team remains widely regarded as one of the greatest hurling sides ever produced by the club.

A fifth Leinster football title

Only weeks after the heartbreak of the Leinster hurling final defeat to Rathnure, Portlaoise responded in magnificent fashion by capturing a fifth Leinster Senior Club Football Championship in 1987. The victory moved The Town two clear of every other club on the provincial roll of honour and further cemented Portlaoise’s status as one of the great football teams of the era.

The campaign itself had already featured drama from the opening round. Against Meath champions Summerhill, inspired by All-Ireland winning captain Mick Lyons, Portlaoise fought back to earn a 0-12 each draw thanks to a series of late James Fahy frees. The replay proved far more comfortable as The Town powered to a 1-15 to 1-4 victory with Fahy again starring.

In the semi-final at Carlow, Portlaoise defeated Athy of Kildare by 2-5 to 0-2, with James Fahy and Pat Critchley scoring first-half goals in another composed display.

The Leinster final against Parnells proved another epic battle. The drawn game ended level at 1-8 each before Portlaoise once again demonstrated their remarkable ability to respond in replay situations.

In the replay, Parnells made the stronger start and led by 1-3 to 0-2 at half-time after Brendan Brady blasted a goal to the net. Portlaoise had missed a series of chances but, as so often with this great team, their composure and championship mentality eventually shone through.

Tom Prendergast began the comeback with a brilliant second half display while Seamus Lalor palmed home a vital goal in the 42nd minute after another dangerous Prendergast run. Gerry Browne and Noel Prendergast then struck crucial late points to push Portlaoise ahead before Browne’s final clearance confirmed a dramatic 1-7 to 1-5 victory.

For players such as John and Billy Bohane, Pat Critchley and John Taylor, the victory carried extra emotion after the cruel Leinster hurling final defeat only weeks earlier. The football triumph helped banish some of those painful memories and once again highlighted the resilience that had become synonymous with Portlaoise teams of the era.

Outstanding performances came from across the field. John Bohane produced one of his finest ever football displays, Gerry Browne delivered an inspirational performance, while Billy Bohane’s accurate long passing and Tom Prendergast’s brilliance continually troubled the Parnells defence. Mick Mulhall also made history by winning his fifth Leinster medal in his tenth provincial final appearance.

The victory ensured that 1987 would be remembered as one of the most extraordinary years in the history of the club, with Portlaoise contesting both the Leinster football and hurling finals during the centenary year of the club’s foundation.

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 1-09 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.

Captained by Cora Graham, Portlaoise produced an outstanding display against a spirited Mountrath side and controlled much of the contest on their way to a deserved county final success. The victory represented a hugely significant moment for the players, mentors and volunteers who had worked tirelessly to establish ladies football within the club during its early years.