Dr. Thomas F. O’Higgins, who chaired the first meeting of Portlaoise GAA, in 1887. He was a popular G.P. in Stradbally for many years. He married Anne O’Sullivan who was daughter of T.D. O’Sullivan who was one time Lord Mayor of Dublin. He was murdered at his home outside Stradbally in 1923. One of their sons, Kevin O’Higgins, played a leading role in setting up the Irish Free State including the establishment of an unarmed police force. He took a hard line during the Civil War and retained more than one enemy. He was assassinated as he walked to Mass on Booterstown Avenue in Dublin in 1927.
Portlaoise GAA is fortunate to have in its ranks many inspirational figures over its long history. None more so that Fr. Matt Walsh, Life President of the club for thirty years until his unexpected death at his home at Lower Beladd on 30 October 1995.
Jimmy Harding was one of the clubs leading dual players.
He won football championships in 1976, 79, 81 and 82 and figured in the Leinster title win of 1977 and was part of the panel for the All-Ireland club win of 1983.
Ⓒ 1887 - 2025 - Portlaoise GAA - C'MON THE TOWN
