Paddy Critchley figured on Irish Worsted Mills teams and won championship medals with Kilminchy at minor level in the 1940s and Park seniors in the early 1950s. Prominently involved with Portlaoise juvenile teams and structures in the 1970s and was a mentor with successful Portlaoise hurling teams of the 1980s. His sons Pat, Michael, John and Declan all played with distinction with the club winning many honours. Pat won an All-Ireland club football medal, captained Laois in the Centenary Hurling final in 1984 against Cork and is Laois’ only hurling All-Star. Declan is very involved in coaching under age teams.
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.
Ⓒ 1887 - 2025 - Portlaoise GAA - C'MON THE TOWN