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Profile: Joe Phelan

Folklore, History, Profile

What were your first memories of Portlaoise GAA?

Sunday morning blitzes, was a great way for chaps to get started. I hurled in goals for the first year aged 9 I think. Also have vague memories of seniors and Camross! Early Heroes? John Taylor was class. Very lucky to have hurled with him before he retired.

Unsung heroes?

I remember lads like Des Killeen, Eamonn Murphy, Micky Bowe and Keith Murphy on whom you could depend your life. Don’t think they’re making them like those lads anymore.

Best Players down through the years?

As well as John Taylor I would include Niall Rigney and Tommy Fitz who always stood up when the pressure was on.

Characters?

Brochan Reilly was some crack. Will always remember him belting out “Red is the Rose”. Times have changed over the years regarding the type of characters. More recently Bertie Walsh provided the entertainment.

Funny memories?

A trip to Gran Canaria had its moments but I can’t go into that. Memories of Underage Was lucky to have a very strong age group coming up through Juvenile. So we achieved a lot. Players like Eoin Browne, Bruno McCormack, Aidan Fennelly, Colm Byrne, Tommy Fitz, Noel Costello, Mick Bowe and more all proved to be serious players at senior level.

Biggest influences?

My father was always involved over the years with us which had a positive influence. Would have looked up to many players. Taylor, Rigney, Duggan, Teddy, Hano. Cheddar was and is a brilliant man. He would do anything for his players. Highlight of club career It will hopefully happen over the next couple of years Biggest disappointment? Missing the 2009 county final, was away that year!

What would your aspirations be for the club in 20 years time?

Would love to see our underage dominating again, which will lead to big things for the seniors. And I’m sure the club ground will get the clubhouse to match its surround, along with a few mature trees to break the wind.

What does Portlaoise GAA mean to you?

It has always been simple for me. I was given a Portlaoise jersey at Under 12 and was taught to respect it and do my best when wearing it or representing the club. Everything we did growing up revolved around hurling and football with Portlaoise, and that hasn’t changed too much over the years. I have always been hugely proud of being part of Portlaoise club.