The road to 1964
Teddy Fennelly Snr describes his personal journey to the clubs first Senior title in 57 years in 1964.
Paudge Dowling made a unique contribution to the club during his long tenure in the 1970s and ‘80s as chairman of the development committee. During this time he spearheaded the acquisition of grounds and the building of the clubhouse at Fr. Browne Avenue – the first playing and social facilities owned by the club.
Paudge was a man of great humour and wit and was always an inspiration to officers and players because of his quiet yet invaluable wisdom. He hailed from an old Portlaoise family and two of his brothers, Sean and Ger, were likewise great Portlaoise men.
Ger’s son, Vincent, was club secretary from 2003 to 2005 and chairman from 2006 to 2014.
Teddy Fennelly Snr describes his personal journey to the clubs first Senior title in 57 years in 1964.
After fifty seven years, Portlaoise finally regained the championship trophy with a narrow victory over Graiguecullen, 1 – 5 to 0 – 7, the first title in the grade since 1907.
Johnny Lynch, of O’Moore Place, who rode to Mountmellick on a donkey to follow the Portlaoise hurlers in an epic game against great rivals, Clonad, played in Mountmellick.