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.
Eamon ‘Atch’ Whelan was one of the greatest footballers who ever lined out for the club. He came on the senior team as a raw 17 year old in 1970 and showed extraordinary pace and ability in playing his part in
winning the title.
Billy Bohane was one of the greatest hurlers ever produced by Laois and was midfield on the Laois Millennium team.
Ⓒ 1887 - 2025 - Portlaoise GAA - C'MON THE TOWN
