Portlaoise GAA Club History

1940s

Explore the history of Portlaoise GAA from in the 1940s.

Historical research is ongoing. This page was last updated on 17 June 2026 and may be expanded as further records, photographs and memories are contributed.

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Decade Overview

Fighting for Survival

The 1940s were a defining decade in the history of Gaelic games in Portlaoise. Against the backdrop of wartime Ireland, shortages, travel difficulties and disrupted competitions, local clubs continued to provide an important outlet for players and supporters alike. While newspaper coverage was often limited due to wartime restrictions, Gaelic games remained at the heart of community life. The decade saw periods of uncertainty and change, but also some of the most memorable achievements recorded in the town up to that point.

Portlaoise enjoyed significant success on the playing field, most notably winning the Intermediate Hurling Championship in 1942 before going on to capture the 1943 Senior Hurling Championship, securing only the club’s second senior title and its first since 1928. Alongside these achievements, the Rovers club established itself as one of the strongest forces in Laois underage hurling and football. Their remarkable run included a succession of minor hurling titles, minor football championships and an Intermediate Hurling Championship victory in 1945 that elevated them to the senior ranks. The decade also saw local players represent factory teams, schools and area selections, highlighting the depth of Gaelic games talent within the town.

The period was also characterised by change and renewal. New clubs such as De Montforts, Kilminchy and O’Moores emerged and contributed to a vibrant local GAA scene, while street leagues, schools competitions and fundraising events helped sustain interest in the games. Although the Portlaoise club itself became dormant for several years in the middle of the decade, Gaelic games continued to flourish through the efforts of local players and volunteers. By 1949 the Portlaoise club had been reformed and was once again competing for honours.

1940

Ballyfin Medal Tournament

In 1940, the Rovers junior side beat Rosenallis, an Intermediate side, by 4-5 to 4-2 in the Ballyfin Medal Tournament.

Worsted Mills Reach Intermediate Final

In September 1940, Worsted Mills beat The Heath by 1-5 to 1-3 in the Intermediate Championship semi-final.

Annanough won the final by 1-5 to 1-3 after leading by 0-3 to 0-1 at the break.

Worsted Mills: Keogh (Goal), Michael Beere, Paddy Ruschitsko, M. Moloney, Jim Conroy, Paddy Connell, J. Critchley, Dan Tierney, Josie Conway, Syd Harkin, Tom Tierney, Walsh, McDonnell, P. Murphy.

Annanough: John McGlynn, Johnny McEvoy (Courtwood), Bob Miller, P. J. Hogan, Dan Coughlan, Mick McEvoy, Wm (Haily) Heffernan, Matt Dunne, Mick Shortall, John McEvoy (Ratheniska), Andy Troy, Jim Loughman, Jack Nerney, Dick Miller, Pat McEvoy.

Subs: Joe Fennelly, Jim Heffernan, Fran Nerney, Mick Dunne, Martin Stapleton.

Minor football title awarded after final dispute

There was some compensation for The Town in 1940 when Portlaoise captured the Laois Minor Football Championship, adding an important underage football title during a difficult period for the club.

According to Laois GAA historian John Phelan, a dispute arose before the county final over the age of one of the Stradbally players. As a result, the game was awarded to Portlaoise and The Town were credited with the championship.

A challenge match was played between Portlaoise and Stradbally instead, with Stradbally reputed to have won by 7-3 to 0-1. However, the official championship honours rested with Portlaoise.

1940 honours

Men’s Football – Minor Laois Minor ‘A’ Football Championship

1941

Intermediate Football Final

Portlaoise were beaten by Jamestown in the Intermediate Football Final of 1941 by 1-6 to 0-2.

Portlaoise: Lar Cushion, James Nolan, Kevin Croke, Flanagan, D. Delaney, R. Redmond, Mick Bowler, P. Walsh, M. Dunphy, Paddy Farrell, Paddy (Donegan) Conroy, M. Kissane, Tom McEvoy, Matt Jacob.

Jamestown: P. Hackett, C. Keogh, P. Sexton, J. Lalor, T. Hughes, W. Connor, S. Hughes, A. Stack, Hickey, J. Stack, Austin Stack, T. Connor, Mulhall, Hovenden, M. Carter, Paddy Carter.

Two minor football titles in succession

Portlaoise were officially credited with the 1941 Laois Minor Football Championship to complete two consecutive county minor football titles for The Town.

According to Laois GAA historian John Phelan, Portlaoise were beaten in the 1941 final by 2-5 to 0-1. However, circumstances following the game meant that the title was ultimately awarded to Portlaoise.

Remarkably, it meant that Portlaoise secured back-to-back minor football championships in 1940 and 1941 without claiming either crown on the field of play.

Despite the unusual circumstances, the honours record shows Portlaoise as county minor football champions for two years in a row during an era when administrative decisions and eligibility disputes could have a major impact on championship outcomes.

War-Time Impact on GAA Coverage

There were no reports in the papers relating to these wins.

News on sport was not a priority with the war gathering momentum and all commodities becoming scarce.

This included newsprint and the local papers consisted of a few skimpy pages of news and, peculiarly, little news of the progress of the war in Europe due to a strict censorship brought into force by the government of the day.

1941 honours

Men’s Football – Minor Laois Minor ‘A’ Football Championship

1942

AGM

Officers: Chairman: P. J. Campion, Secretary and Treasurer: R. Redmond; Assistant Secretary: J. O’Carroll; Hurling Captain: Paddy Farrell; Vice-Captain: Matt Jacob; Football Captain: Kevin Croke; Vice-Captain: Paddy Conroy.

Intermediate Title

Portlaoise beat Ballygeehan in the IHC final at Mountrath on November 29th by 6-5 to 3-0 after leading by 5-3 to 2-0 at half-time.

The championship was marked by appeals and objections and as the Nationalist reported:

“Both finalists had to survive many ‘lists’.”

From lists available the following panels contested the final:

Portlaoise: Paddy Conroy (goalie), Jim Brien, Jim Nolan, Sean Murray, Donal O’Sullivan, Jim Coss, Paddy Farrell (Capt.), Matt Jacob, Jimmy Conroy, Vinnie Scully, T. Murphy, Peter Ahearne, Tommy Dowling, Eamonn Collier, Tom McEvoy, T. Larkin, Marum, Flanagan, L. Kinsella, Eamon Walsh, Kevin Croke, Paddy Doran, Tom Croke, Tony Delaney, Peter Meaney, Martin Delaney, Jack Walsh.

Ballygeehan: Pat Hyland, Paddy Ryan, Paddy Phelan, Bob Phelan, Ker Bergin, John Phelan (Farren), John (Red) Hyland, Jack Cashin, Bernie O’Keeffe, Tony Prior, John Hyland, Paddy Byrne, Bill Phelan, Gerry McEvoy, Flynn.
Subs: Michael O’Dea, Tom Phelan, Bill Fitzpatrick, Jimmy Maher.

Referee: E. Lalor (Mountrath).

It took three games to separate Portlaoise and Mountmellick in the semi-final before the “Town” managed to qualify for the final.

They were finally victorious by 1-5 to 0-0, having led by 1-1 to 0-0 at the break.

Portlaoise’s strongest sector was their defence, having withstood all pressure thrown at them.

Paddy Conroy made good saves in goal, backed up by a solid rearguard that included Jim Brien, Jim Nolan, Tony Delaney, T. Murphy and J. Kinsella.

Paddy Farrell was a tower of strength in midfield and was ably abetted by Donal O’Sullivan.

They had active forwards in Peter Meaney, Jimmy Conroy, Jim Coss and Sean Murray.

They beat Rosenallis in the earlier round.

Junior Hurling success for Rovers

1942 proved to be a landmark year for Rovers as the club captured the first championship honours in its history, laying the foundations for future success and establishing the club as a growing force in local Gaelic games.

The breakthrough arrived in Junior Hurling where Rovers defeated Kyle by 3-7 to 1-2 to secure the club’s first championship title.

The victorious side was:

James Keenan, Thomas Byrne, Joseph Byrne, Patrick Fitzgibbon, Patrick Kearns, Edward Conroy, Daniel Kerry, Joe Styles (Captain), James Maher, Patrick Griffin, Maurice Kerry, Joseph Tierney, Chris Scully, Thomas Bergin and Peter Keegan. Substitutes: W. Murphy, Patrick Byrne, John Maher, James Byrne and J. Murphy.

Minor Football

Rovers beat Graiguecullen in the final by 4-6 to 1-1, but to continue the sequence of changed final results in the grade, Graiguecullen are credited with this title.

Rovers panel as listed by GAA historian, John Phelan:

Rovers: Timothy Dunne (Goal), James Byrne, Joe Tierney, B. Farrelly, Teddy Wilson, Anthony Murphy, Patrick Kelly, Des Mulhaire (Stradbally), Jim Delaney (Stradbally), Joe McNally (Stradbally), John Keyes, Patrick Dunne, Seamus Mulhall (Stradbally), Joe Miller, Patrick Kelly.

Bill Delaney (Stradbally) was referee.

Little wonder there was concerns in the Graiguecullen camp with so many players from Stradbally on the Rovers team and a Stradbally referee!

Minor Hurling

There was no such controversy in Minor Hurling where Rovers defeated Cullohill to capture another county title. The panel was:

Timothy Dunne, James Byrne (Captain), William Bates, Patrick Kelly, John Keyes, James Delaney, Joseph Tierney, Edward Harkin, Joseph Miller, Teddy Wilson, Patrick Dunne, Andrew Dunne, William Bohane, Anthony Murphy, Des Mulhaire, Joseph McNally, Bernard Farrelly, Patrick Brennan, John Salmon, James Maher and Edward Fitzpatrick.

1942 honours

Hurling – Intermediate Laois Intermediate Hurling Championship Portlaoise 6-5 v 3-0 Ballygeehan Captain: Paddy Farrell
Hurling – Junior – Rovers Laois Junior ‘A’ Hurling Championship (Rovers) Portlaoise 3-7 v 1-2 Kyle Captain: Joe Styles
Hurling – Minor – Rovers Laois Minor Hurling Championship (Rovers) Rovers v Culohill Captain: James Byrne

Chairperson: P. J. Campion

Secretary: R. Redmond

Treasurer: R. Redmond

AGM details

Chairperson: P. J. Campion;
Secretary and Treasurer: R. Redmond;
Assistant Secretary: J. O’Carroll;
Hurling Captain: Paddy Farrell;
Football Captain: Kevin Croke;
Vice-Captain: Matt Jacob;
Vice-Captain: Paddy Conroy;

1943

AGM

Club President, P. J. Campion, in addressing a large attendance at the AGM was loud in praise of the Intermediate hurlers on winning the county title and felt that they would make a game attempt at winning the senior title in 1943.

Officers: President: P. J. Campion; Vice-President: P.J. Scully; Chairman: Kevin Croke, T.C.; Vice-Chairman: J. Connell, T.C.; Secretary: Dave Foley; Treasurer: P. J. Campion; County Board Delegates: Jimmy Conroy, Matt Jacob; SH Captain: Paddy Farrell.

Fundraising Initiatives

At the April meeting it was decided to send Mr. Croke and Mr. Campion to see the proprietors of the Coliseum and Electric cinemas with a view of getting a picture shown in aid of the club.

Also it was decided to run a raffle for a £5 note in aid of club funds.

Aeridheacht Tournament

In the Aeridheacht tournament in Mountmellick, Portlaoise beat Rosenallis by 7-10 to 3-0.

Clonaslee beat Rovers (Portlaoise) by 7-5 to 5-5.

Larkin played well on the left wing while “Finlay” McEvoy, J. Coss, P. Meaney and V. Scully all contributed to the big score for Portlaoise.

Others noted were Ahearne, E. Collier, J. Brien in defence, D. Sullivan and P. Farrell at midfield, with Paddy Conroy a safe “Cul-baire”.

For the Rovers, Jim “Bolo” Keenan, playing well in goal, was badly hurt and had to retire.

Scully, Murphy, Conroy, Maher and Styles got most of the scores.

Feis Shield Hurling Final

The Feis hurling final, which was a very prestigious tournament in the period, saw Portlaoise serve notice of their championship aspirations by beating Abbeyleix by 3-3 to 1-6 in a highly competitive tussle.

The “Town” were outclassed in the first period and were behind by 1-6 to 0-1.

They reappeared a transformed side and D. Sullivan scored two goals to tip the balance in the Town's favour.

In the semi-final Portlaoise beat Mountrath by 3-3 to 0-2.

Junior Football Championship

In the quarter-final Portlaoise drew with The Heath, 1-4 to 2-1.

In the replay Portlaoise had an easy victory by 4-7 to 2-1.

It was a different story in the first half when the opposition led by 2-0 to 0-3 at the interval.

Portlaoise took advantage of the breeze in the second period and were strong defensively, keeping The Heath scoreless.

Stars for the winners included Prendergast, Foley and T. McEvoy.

In the semi-final Portlaoise defeated Old Pound by 2-4 to 1-3.

This result would be overturned by objection and Old Pound got the ticket to the final against Park.

Intermediate Football Championship

Portlaoise were eliminated by Mountmellick by 3-7 to 2-1.

Senior Hurling Championship

The town hurlers had some major tussles against Abbeyleix in 1943.

In the opening round they were defeated by 5-4 to 5-7. It was a very exciting match where the crowd were kept on edge to the very end.

Portlaoise went into the break in front, 2-2 to 2-1.

Abbeyleix had a whirlwind period in the second half, and a goal by Ger Hetherington had them in front.

After an exchange of points Abbeyleix shot 2-4 without reply to put them ahead by nine points.

Portlaoise fought back with two goals from Nolan and Vinny Scully, but it proved too little too late in a gripping finish.

Portlaoise issued an objection but Kevin Croke withdrew it on behalf of the club.

A replay was agreed and the proceeds went to the O'Moore Park fund.

The replay was not nearly as exciting as the first game.

Portlaoise brought on Byrne, Martin Delaney and Tom Croke for Sullivan, Conroy and Meaney.

The trio helped their side to a runaway win by 6-4 to 0-1.

Farrell, Nolan and Ahearne also shone.

Tom McEvoy took the honours in the forwards where Jim Coss: "was as crafty as ever"

Eamon Collier and Vinnie Scully also contributed to the scoring.

Goals by Collier and McEvoy (2) helped Portlaoise into a 3-0 to 0-1 lead at half-time.

Semi-Final Defeat and Objection

After Portlaoise's defeat to Errill by 3-4 to 5-1 in the S.H. semi-final, it looked like the curtain had finally come down on the town's season.

The Portlaoise supporters left Mountrath on the 17th of October very disappointed after arriving with the expectations of a victory.

Portlaoise started well with a goal from Tom McEvoy.

They had a disastrous period in the first half when they conceded three goals in five minutes and at one stage were nine points in arrears.

They fought their way back to level scores and had chances to win, but bad finishing put paid to their challenge.

The opposition wrapped the game up near the end with a goal to win by three points.

Portlaoise scorers were Tom McEvoy (1-0), Jimmy Nolan (1-0), Eamon Collier (1-0), Jim Coss (0-3) and Vinny Scully (0-1).

Portlaoise objected claiming that the Errill list contained the names W. Delaney and J.J. Delaney, two players who did not play in the match and that the Errill team had Michael Everard and John Everard of the Moyne club, Tipperary, both players not being legal to play in the Laois championship.

The objection was discussed at a meeting of Laois County Board.

A witness, J. Conroy, stated that he knew W. Delaney and J.J. Delaney of Errill. He had seen them at the game in Mountrath and they did not play.

Errill maintained that both had played in the game but they were not the two players suspected by Portlaoise who were two others of the same name.

One (William) attended the meeting and said he played and after further discussion as to J.J. said to be from the Derries, the chairman of the County Board, Lar Brady, held that the first part of the objection had not been proved.

Mr. Croke (Portlaoise) thought that the player should be present.

Concerning the second part of the objection, a list from the Mid-Tipperary Board showed that the players mentioned were registered with the Moyne club.

Mr. Croke said that while it was freely believed that the Everards played with Errill his club could not prove it as the players were not personally known to him.

He, therefore, could not proceed with that part of the objection but he thought that it was a matter for investigation by the County Board.

Mr. P.J. Campion said there was no doubt but that there were Moyne players on the Errill team and a future game might show it.

The chairman ruled that the charges had not been proved and hence the objection was over-ruled.

This gave Errill the right to meet either Rathdowney or Clonad in the final.

Portlaoise announced that they were not happy with the decision and appealed to the Leinster Council.

In the other semi-final Rathdowney refused to play Clonad under a referee appointed by County Chairman, Lar Brady.

Clonad was awarded the game.

The Leinster Council, however, ordered that the game should be refixed.

Portlaoise and Rathdowney finally got the tickets to the final, which took place in 1944.

Senior Hurling County Final

After a long and adventurous campaign, Portlaoise finally lifted the cup for the 1943 championship on the 26th of March, 1944.

They defeated Rathdowney by 4-11 to 4-3.

In Peter Aherne the victors had the outstanding player on the pitch and Paddy Farrell played a pivotal role at midfield.

Paddy Conroy was a star goalie, with Jim Brien outstanding in the backs, Tom McEvoy outfield, with Eamon Collier, Vinnie Scully and Jim Coss outstanding in the forwards.

Portlaoise had a good first period and were leading by 3-4 to 2-2 at the break with the goals coming from Tom McEvoy, Paddy Farrell and Jim Coss.

The town dominated the second half and Vinny Scully's goal finished off proceedings.

Portlaoise scorers were Vinny Scully (1-2), Jim Coss (1-1), Paddy Farrell (0-5), Tom McEvoy (1-0), Peter Ahearne (1-0), Eamonn Collier (0-2), Tommy Dowling (0-1).

The teams were led around the field by the Portlaoighise Coy. LDF Band and the game attracted a large crowd.

It was the “Town's” second title; their first win was in 1928.

Objection Withdrawn

Rathdowney lodged an objection but this was withdrawn at a County Board meeting in April and the chairman, Lorcan (Lar) Brady, congratulated Portlaoise on winning the title.

Medal Presentation

The medals were presented at a function and ceilidhe in the Coliseum Ballroom on Sunday night, September 24.

Fr. Browne, P.P., congratulated the players and presented the medals.

Fr. Brophy, who was transferred from Mountrath, to replace Fr. Kerrigan, the club chairman, promised his support for the club.

President, Mr. Paddy Campion, called on the youth of the town to continue playing the games of their forefathers and looked forward to acquiring a playing pitch for the club.

The Billie Cummins Band provided the music and Mr. J. O'Neill was M.C.

Portlaoise: Patrick Conroy (goal), Jim Brien, James Nolan, Donal O'Sullivan, Jim Coss, Paddy Farrell (Capt.), Matt Jacob, Jimmy Conroy, Vinnie Scully, Thomas Murphy, Peter Ahearne, Tommy Dowling, Eamon Collier, Tom ("Finlay") McEvoy, James Larkin.
Subs: Marum, Flanagan, Kinsella, Eamon Walsh, Kevin Croke, Paddy Doran, Tom Croke, Tony Delaney, Martin Delaney, Peter Meaney, James Nolan, Jack Walsh, James Gorry, Patrick Conroy (The Downs), Joseph Conroy.

Rathdowney: Paddy Fitzpatrick (goalie), Paddy Hogan, Paddy McCormack, Whelan, Willie Wheeler, Michael Golden, Tommy Barrett, Tom Loughlin, Paddy Carroll, Barney Dunphy, Billy Ryan, Jack Fitzgerald. (12) Rest from Jack Malone, Paddy Malone, Jimmy Daly , Delaney, Maher, White, Hennessy, Jackie Fitzpatrick, M. Dunphy, Jimmy Grey, Jackie Cahill, Sean Daly, Dinny Grey.

Senior Hurling Medal Tournament

Portlaoise succumbed to the challenge of Rathdowney by 2-6 to 2-0 in the O'Moore Park Medal Tournament.

The game was played in Borris-in-Ossory on the 12th of December.

The “Town's” goals came from Eamon Collier and Matt Jacob.

Minor Football

The Rovers beat Mountmellick by 1-3 to 0-4 in the 1943 Minor Football Championship Final.

Rovers: Joe Tierney (Capt.), Michael Maher, Andrew Dunne, James Maher, James Byrne, Michael Ryan, Teddy Wilson, Patrick Conroy, Anthony Conroy, Tim Fitzpatrick, Henry Jones, Thomas Conroy, Peter Maher, Joseph Conroy, Anthony Murphy, James Conroy (Rathleague), David Dunne, James Conroy (Glenfield), Martin Lanham, William Brown, Bernard Bland, Peter Lanham, Seamus Mulhall, Joe McNally, Dessie Mulhare, Jim Delaney and Teddy Delaney (all Stradbally).

Minor Hurling Championship

Rovers beat St. Fintan's (Raheen) by 4-4 to 2-1 in the opening round of the Minor Hurling Championship.

Later in the year the Rovers beat Mountmellick by 4-6 to 4-1 in the semi-final and qualified to meet Rathdowney in the final.

The winners led by 2-2 to 0-1 at half-time.

They were best served by Tierney (1-1), J. Conroy (2-2), Dunne, Ryan, T. Conroy (0-3), Fitzpatrick (1-0) and Wilson.

Rovers beat Rathdowney by 3-6 to 2-2 in the delayed final at Abbeyleix played in 1944.

Andrew Dunne, Teddy Wilson and Michael Ryan in defence, and Joseph Tierney, Thomas Conroy and James Byrne in attack were best for the winners.

They led by 3-6 to 0-0 at half-time and Tierney, Dunne, P. Lanham, T. Conroy and J. Byrne got the scores.

Rovers: Joseph Tierney (Capt.), Michael Maher, Andrew Dunne, James Maher, James Byrne, Michael Ryan, Teddy Wilson, Patrick Conroy, Anthony Conroy, Tim Fitzpatrick, Harry Jones, Thomas Conroy, Peter Maher, Joseph Conroy, Anthony Murphy, James Conroy (Rathleague), David Dunne, James Conroy (Glenfield), Martin Lanham, William Brown, Bernard Bland, Peter Lanham.

Junior Hurling Championship

Rovers beat Cathal Brugha by 3-3 to 2-3 with J. Troy, T. Conroy and T. Keogh getting the scores.

1943 honours

Men’s Football – Rovers Laois Minor ‘A’ Football Championship (Rovers) Rovers (Portlaoise) 1-3 v 0-4 Mountmellick Captain: Joseph Tierney
Hurling – Minor – Rovers Laois Minor Hurling Championship (Rovers) Rovers 3-6 v 2-2 Rathdowney Captain: Joseph Tierney
Hurling – Senior Laois Senior Hurling Championship Portlaoise 4-11 v 4-3 Rathdowney Captain: Paddy Farrell
Hurling – Senior Laois Feis Hurling Competition Portlaoise 3-3 v 1-6 Abbeyleix Captain: Paddy Farrell

President: P. J. Campion

Chairperson: Kevin Croke

Vice-Chairperson: J. Connell

Secretary: Dave Foley

Treasurer: P. J. Campion

AGM details

President: P. J. Campion;
Vice-President: P. J. Scully;
Chairperson: Kevin Croke, T. C;
Vice-Chairperson: J. Connell, T. C;
Secretary: Dave Foley;
County Board Delegates: Jimmy Conroy, Matt Jacob;
Treasurer: P. J. Campion;
Senior Hurling Captain: Paddy Farrell;

1944

AGM

The main topic of conversation involved the heavy expenses incurred by the club during the previous year but it was decided that it would be worthwhile, if they lifted the senior hurling trophy.

Officers: President: Patrick J. Campion; Chairman: Fr. E. Kerrigan; Vice-Chairman: P.J. Scully; Secretary: James Conroy; Treasurer: P. J. Campion; Delegates To County Board: John Conroy, Kevin Croke; Delegates To County Convention: Kevin Croke, John Conroy, Martin Delaney, Matthew Jacob; Senior Hurling Captain: Kevin Croke; Vice-Captain Tony Delaney; Intermediate Football Captain: Larry McDonald; Vice-Captain: James Conroy; Junior Hurling Captain: Tommy Keogh; Vice-Captain: John Conroy.

A sub-committee was established to “reinvigorate” the junior teams, P. J. Campion (Chairman), Michael Dunne, Kevin Croke, Jim Coss and the captains of the junior teams.

The Rovers AGM

Officers: President: Sean Barrett; Chairman: Patrick Bland; Vice-Chairman: James Keenan; Hon. Sec. Joe Byrne; Treasurer: James Maher; Co. Board Delegates: J. Byrne and J. Keenan; Delegates to Co. Convention: J. Byrne, J. Keenan, J. Tierney, J. Maher.

Mr. J. J. Maher was praised for providing players with a practice ground.

Starting Training

At the monthly meeting for March, the Portlaoise hurlers were asked to start training under Garda Tobin, “an old Laois hurler and inter-provincial” at the club's field on the Ridge Road.

A lengthy discussion took place concerning the transfers of some of the members to the newly-formed Irish Worsted Mills Club.

The Chairman, Fr. Kerrigan, who was congratulated on being elected an officer of the recently formed Football Board, said that it was difficult to run more than one club in the town and hoped that negotiations with the Worsted Mills would be successful.

It was agreed that a street league be started for “the now famous Perry Cup”.

Senior Hurling Championship

Newly crowned champions, Portlaoise, started off their campaign disappointingly with a surprise defeat to Clonad, 3-8 to 2-6.

Portlaoise were without Murphy, Gorry, J. Nolan and started without Vinny Scully.

The Portlaoise back line did well especially Martin Delaney but got little support.

Paddy Conroy did well in goals for Portlaoise and Tony Delaney and Eamon Collier also excelled.

The score at the interval was 2-5 to 2-0 in favour of Clonad.

The Portlaoise scorers were Tom McEvoy (1-1), Tony Delaney (1-0), D. Sullivan (0-1), Paddy Farrell (0-2), Jim Coss (0-1), M. Keenan (0-1).

The match between Portlaoise and Clonaslee came to an abrupt end with the opposition leading by 1-4 to 1-2.

There had been a number of altercations during the game and finally Portlaoise decided to leave the pitch as a mark of protest.

Portlaoise fielded a weakened side against Abbeyleix and paid the penalty with a heavy defeat.

This qualified Abbeyleix for the county final as group winners.

Similar to what happened after the club's first SHC win in 1928, the club was on its knees the following year after the hurlers' historic second title win in the 1943 championship.

This report in a local newspaper shows how strong feelings were as a result of the treatment dished out to the club hurlers and the lack of any action by the County Board.

Leinster Express, May 27, 1944, recorded a meeting of the club as follows:

"The usual monthly meeting of the Portlaoighise Hurling and Football Club was held in the Courthouse on Sunday last. In the absence of Rev. Fr. Kerrigan, Mr. P.J. Scully took the chair. Mr. Jas. Conroy, Secretary, was also present. There was a very large attendance of members.

All members were unanimous and voiced their opinions very strongly in protesting against the treatment meted out to the senior hurlers at Mountmellick when playing Clonaslee.

A very long discussion took place concerning the future activities of the club as regards the GAA and it was decided to leave the matter over to a special meeting to be held after the decision of Laoighis Hurling Board on the referee's report on the Clonaslee-Portlaoighise match was made known. As the Hurling Board meets on Sunday next, the special meeting will be held during the coming week.

Some of the members expressed the opinion that no useful purpose would be served by discontinuing the GAA in Portlaoighise, and others maintained that it was unfair to ask players take the field and be maltreated in every game they play."

Rovers Win Minor Double

Rovers retained their Minor Football Championship crown when beating Ballyadams (Milltown) by 1-3 to 0-1 in the final played in September in Stradbally.

Rovers: W. Bates, Andy Dunne, Teddy Wilson, Anthony Conroy, Jack Critchley, Patrick Conroy, Joseph Tierney (Capt.), Michael Maher, James Maher, James Byrne, Michael Ryan, Ted Fitzpatrick, Harry Jones, Thomas Conroy, Peter Maher, Joseph Conroy, Anthony Murphy, James Conroy (Rathleague), David Dunne, James Conroy (Glenfield), Martin Lanham, William Brown, Bernard Bland, Peter Lanham.

They completed the minor double when the hurlers beat Rathdowney by 3-3 to 2-3 in the final at Abbeyleix played on 11 March 1945.

Rovers: Kevin O’Brien (Goal), Cornelius O’Dea, Andy Dunne, James Maher, Michael Ryan, Joe Brooks, John Dunne, Liam Hogan, Mick Twomey, David Dunne, Thomas Keenan, Joseph Tierney (Capt.), Anthony Conroy, Teddy Wilson, Michael Maher, Patrick Conroy, Ted Fitzpatrick, Harry Jones, Thomas Conroy, Peter Maher, Joseph Conroy, Anthony Murphy, James Conroy (Rathleague), James Conroy (Glenfield), Martin Lanham, William Brown, Bernard Bland, Peter Lanham, Christy Conroy.

1944 honours

Men’s Football – Rovers Laois Minor ‘A’ Football Championship (Rovers) Rovers (Portlaoise) 1-3 v 0-1 Ballyadams Captain: Joseph Tierney
Hurling – Minor – Rovers Laois Minor Hurling Championship (Rovers) Rovers 3-3 v 2-3 Rathdowney Captain: Joseph Tierney

President: Patrick J. Campion

Chairperson: Father E. Kerrigan

Vice-Chairperson: P.J. Scully

Secretary: James Conroy

Treasurer: Patrick J. Campion

AGM details

President: Patrick J. Campion;
Chairperson: Father E. Kerrigan;
Vice-Chairperson: P. J. Scully;
Secretary: James Conroy;
Treasurer: P. J. Campion;
Delegates To County Board: John Conroy, Kevin Croke;
Delegates To County Convention: Kevin Croke, John Conroy, Martin Delaney, Matthew Jacob;
Senior Hurling Captain: Kevin Croke;
Vice-Captain: Tony Delaney;
Intermediate Football Captain: Larry McDonald;
Vice-Captain: James Conroy;
Junior Hurling Captain: Tommy Keogh;
Vice-Captain: John Conroy;

A sub-committee was established to “reinvigorate” the junior teams, P. J. Campion (Chairperson), Michael Dunne, Kevin Croke, Jim Coss and the Captains of the junior teams;

The Rovers

President: Sean Barrett;
Chairperson: Patrick Bland;
Vice-Chairperson: James Keenan;
Honorary Secretary: Joe Byrne;
County Board Delegates: J. Byrne and J. Keenan;
Delegates to Co. Convention: J. Byrne, J. Keenan, J. Tierney, J. Maher; Mr. J. J. Maher was praised for providing players with a practice ground;
Treasurer: James Maher;

1945

AGM

The treasurer report showed a satisfactory result with a surplus on the balance sheet despite heavy expenditure during the year.

Bro. Ennis presided at the meeting in the absence of P.J. Campion.

Officers: President: Fr. T. Browne; Chairman: Brother Ennis; Vice-Chairman: Fr. T. Brophy; Treasurer: P. J. Campion; Secretary: Thos. Conroy; Delegate to Hurling Board: Peter Ahearne; Delegate to Football Board: J. Conroy; Senior Hurling Captain: Paddy Farrell; Vice-Captain: Peter Ahearne.

It was decided to affiliate four teams for that year’s championship, Senior, Junior, Minor Hurling and Minor Football.

Bro Ennis was to take charge of the minor teams.

It was decided that the street league for the Perry Cup be restarted and only members of the club be eligible.

It was agreed that the subscription be 2s. 6d per annum together with a small monthly contribution.

At the conclusion a vote of congratulations was passed with John Conroy, on his election as Vice-Chairman of the Hurling Board and also to Paddy Farrell on his forthcoming marriage.

Rovers AGM

At the 1945 AGM held in December 1944 the Secretary, Joe Byrne, congratulated the minor footballers on their third title in succession (although the first one in 1942 was awarded to Graiguecullen) and with the minor hurlers still in the running there was a hope that a double would be achieved.

“The intermediate hurlers might have done better had a little more attention been given to training,”

A satisfactory treasurer’s report was presented.

Following a discussion the necessity of players insurance against accidents was stressed.

Officers: President: Sean Barrett; Chairman: P. Bland; Vice-chairman: J. Keenan; Secretary: J. Byrne; Treasurer: J. Maher; Convention delegates: J. Keenan, J. Byrne; Board delegates: Keenan, Byrne, J. Tierney, J. Conroy, T. Tierney.

Committee: M. Maher, T. Wilson, P. Maher, T. Tierney, D. Kerry.

Captains: IH team: Joe Styles; Vice-Capt.: J. Tierney; JF Captain: P. Maher; JF Vice-Capt.: T. Tierney; MF Capt.: W. Bates; MF Vice-Capt.: A. Conroy.

New Training Ground

Portlaoise secured a “suitable venue for training” at the CBS Sports Grounds, off the Green Road and, as the Nationalist reported “are all out to procure first-class teams this season”.

Garda Sergt. Ned Tobin, of All-Ireland hurling fame was appointed trainer.

Feis Shield Defeat

Mountrath beat Portlaoise 4-7 to 3-5 in a Feis Shield (SH) game at O’Moore Park.

The “Town” side led by 3-5 to 1-1 at the break but ran badly out of steam in the second half.

County champions, Abbeyleix, beat Clonad by 3-10 to 2-4 to qualify to meet Mountrath in the final.

New Club Formed in Portlaoise

The O’Moores of Portlaoise were hoping to make a success of their medal hurling tournament and they had a good attendance at their first AGM.

It was decided to affiliate both hurling and football teams for the coming year.

Officers: Chairman: F. Kerry; Secretary: M. Scully; Treasurer: Joseph Browne; Delegates to Board Meetings: C. Conroy, P. Haslam, William Deegan.

The O’Moores beat Kilminchy 6-2 to 5-2 in a challenge game at O’Moore Park.

In a junior hurling tie at Raheen, the home side beat O’Moores by six points while Rovers beat Kilminchy 2-5 to 2-3 at O’Moore Park.

Rovers beat Mountmellick in a minor football tie at Ballybrittas.

Clonad beat O’Moores 3-0 to 2-1 and so qualified for the Group Final with Raheen.

Rovers Presentation Ceili

The second annual ceili took place on Sunday, April 29, in the Coliseum Ballroom at which county minor football medals were presented.

On the organising committee were: P. Bland, J. Byrne, J. Keenan, R. Barrett, C. Scully, P. Maher and J. Maher.

Rovers Really on the Roll

Durrow beat Rovers in the Minor Hurling Final by 3-6 to 4-1 after trailing their rivals by one point at the break.

Rovers were, however, awarded the title on objection and so completed a minor double for the year.

Rovers: Dominic Dunne, Jimmy Foynes, James Conroy, G. Dunne, Willie Kerry, Patrick Dowling, J. Keenan, Mick Twomey, John Fitzsimons, Patrick Larkin, J. Bland, J. Delaney, Ed Carroll, Nicholas Kerry, Maurice Kerry, Billy Dargan, Thomas Keenan, Joe Kerry, P. Tierney, Kevin O’Brien.

Rovers reach senior hurling ranks

In 1945, The Rovers achieved the greatest success in the club’s history to that point when they captured the Intermediate Hurling Championship and secured promotion to the senior ranks for the first time.

The breakthrough came in the county final against Raheen, where Rovers produced a superb display to win by 4-2 to 1-3. The victory represented the high point of a hugely successful era for the club following earlier minor football and hurling championship successes in the early 1940s.

Captained by James Maher, the side featured many of the outstanding players who had helped establish Rovers as a growing force in Laois hurling, including Joe Tierney, Teddy Wilson, David Dunne, James Byrne, Patrick Conroy and Anthony Conroy.

This is the match report from the Nationalist and Leinster times published October 6th 1945.

GRAND HURLING.

After one of the best Hurling games seen for a long time, Rovers achieved their ambition when they beat Raheen in the 1945 Intermediate Hurling Final to become Champions, the final score being 4-2 to 1-3 after the sides had been level at 6 points each at half time.

The winners won because they lasted the fast and hard pace the better. Raheen tired in the second half when the going was still hard. Rovers also had a grand defence, which settled down to magnificent hurling after a shaky opening quarter. T. McCarthy, T. Byrne, V. Browne and E. Wilson were a great quartet, the latter playing agrand second half game and clearing with length. Dave Maher and J. Tierney were a good midfield pair and beat their opponents on many occasions. C. Scully, C. O’Dea, B. Byrne and Conroy were prominent among a lively forward line who made the most of their chances.

UNLUCKY.

Raheen may be reckoned somewhat unlucky when they lost the services of their good full back, T. Whelan, but R. Whelan, J. Lalor and Joe Whelan did much to keep up their end and prevent scores, while Donovan kept a good goal. One of his saves was a treat to watch when he saved a bullet-like drive from A. Conroy in the second half. Jim Whelan was a tireless worker at centre-field and hit good balls in the air, while A. Ring, V. Dooley, W. Lalor and M. Galvin were the pick of the forwards.

TURN OF TIDE.

The “turn of the tide” for Rovers came in the second half when a switch brought Joe Tierney to midfield, for seldom has he played a better game. One solo run of his in the closing quarter brought down the House, while he also helped in the scoring.

PLAY.

Play ran like this: Rovers were defending the Town goal at the start, and after Tom Byrne had beaten back a Raheen offensive, Joe Tierney hit a long ball to goal and B. Byrne sent to the net. T. Whelan was hurt in stemming a Rovers offensive and retired. M. Flanagan came on with consequent positional changes, Dick Whelan going full back. Raheen took up the offensive, and McCarthy conceded a “70” in saving a fast shot. The free was well placed by Joe Whelan and A. Ring pointed and when Galvin and Lalor added one each the sides were level after 15 minutes play. Raheen were now on top, and Rovers were being outplayed as their backs missed on ground balls. Jim Whelan hit well to goal, and as players and hurleys clashed, Joe Delaney hit the net and D. Dunne (goalie) went down injured. He was compelled to retire and P. Conroy came on to “guard the gap.” He soon proved his worth when he saved from Ring and Joe Tierney hit goalwards for B. Byrne to cross to A. Conroy to score a goal and level up for the second time in the game. There was no further scoring in this half and honours were even at the interval: Rovers 2-0; Raheen 1-3.

CHANGES.

Rovers had positional changes on the resumption and were soon attacking, Donovan saving well from Conroy. Back swept Rovers and C. Scully put them in front when he pointed from far out. In a keen bit of play at midfield Jim Whelan went down injured but quickly resumed to see Joe Tierney put in a grand run and score a goal to make the lead 4 points. Rovers were now controlling the game at midfield where D. Maher and Joe Tierney had found their best form. M. Lalor conceded a “70” in clearing from O’Dea and T. Byrne hit well to goal where Donovan again saved for a further “70,” which travelled to C. O’Dea who hit a grand goal. The hurling was still good and keen, and Raheen failed close in and had 2 wides after McCarthy and Byrne had cleared. Ted Wilson was also playing a grand game in the Rovers defence. Rovers lost Joe Conroy injured, and A. Murphy came on to help in an offensive that was beaten back by M. Lalor. Again Raheen forwards were beaten by a good defence and Browne hit clear to see Joe Tierney snap a high ball and close scoring with a point, to leave his side winners and Champions on the score: Rovers 4-2 (14); Raheen 1-3 (6).

Mr. Paddy Drennan, Errill, proved a capable referee in the absence of Mr. Sean Carroll.

The Rovers were trained by Tommy Bergin, the former Abbeyleix player who is congratulated on the form into which he moulded the players.

Rovers: James Maher (Capt.), Patrick Maher, James Maher Jnr., Patrick Conroy, Edward Conroy, Peter Keegan, James Byrne, Thomas Byrne, John Byrne, Patrick Kearns, David Dunne, Joseph Conroy, Anthony Conroy, Cornelius O’Dea, Teddy Wilson, Joe Tierney, William Brown, Thomas McCarthy, Christopher Scully, Michael Hartfort, Anthony Murphy, John Troy.

Intermediate Football Championship

Portarlington beat the 10th Cyclists (no joke!) by 3-5 to 1-2 in a well contested final.

1945 honours

Hurling – Intermediate – Rovers Laois Intermediate Hurling Championship (Rovers) Rovers 4-2 v 1-3 Raheen Captain: James Maher
Hurling – Minor – Rovers Laois Minor Hurling Championship (Rovers) Rovers 4-1 v 3-6 Durrow Captain: James Maher

President: Father T. Browne

Chairperson: Brother Ennis

Vice-Chairperson: Father T. Brophy

Secretary: Thomas Conroy

Treasurer: P. J. Campion

AGM details

President: Father T. Browne;
Chairperson: Brother Ennis;
Vice-Chairperson: Father T. Brophy;
Secretary: Thos. Conroy;
Delegate to Hurling Board:Peter Ahearne;
Delegate to Football Board: J. Conroy;
Treasurer: P. J. Campion;
Senior Hurling Captain: Paddy Farrell;
Vice-Captain: Peter Ahearne;

Rovers

President: Sean Barrett;
Chairperson: P. Bland;
Vice-Chairperson: J. Keenan;
Secretary: J. Byrne;
Treasurer: J. Maher;
Convention Delegates: J. Keenan, J. Byrne;
Board Delegates: Keenan, Byrne, J. Tierney, J. Conroy, T. Tierney;
Vice-Captain: J. Tierney;
Junior Football Captain: P. Maher;
Junior Football Vice-Captain: T. Tierney;
Minor Football Captain: W. Bates;
Minor Football Vice-Captain: A. Conroy;
Committee: M. Maher, T. Wilson, P. Maher, T. Tierney, D. Kerry;
Captain Intermediate Hurling team: Joe Styles;

1946

Portlaoise Club Dormant

Despite the best intentions by club officers at the 1945 AGM, the club became dormant as the Rovers, based at Rathleague, assumed the role of representing the town on the GAA fields of Laois.

There were moves to merge both clubs under the Rovers banner.

Portlaoise would not reappear under its own entity again until 1949.

Rovers AGM

The election of officers was deferred pending the attendance of representatives of the Portlaoise Club, which had become inactive.

The Leinster Express reported that it was rumoured that the Portlaoise Club would cease to exist in 1946 “but that the prominent players will be seen in new club jerseys and already there has been keen competition for their services”.

The minor and intermediate players were congratulated on winning titles in 1945.

Thomas Bergin believed that senior honours could be won in 1946 if the spirit of loyalty and goodwill which had actuated members since the formation of the club could be maintained.

The club presented the trainer, T. Bergin, with a wallet of notes.

Mr. T. Tierney was M.C. and music was provided by Billie Cummins and his Radio Band.

Senior Hurling Championship

In the championship, Rovers had a walk-over against Kilminchy but then lost to Mountrath by 4-3 to 3-1 in the Senior Hurling group final.

Teddy Wilson and Peter Ahearne starred in the Rovers defence, and Byrne, Conroy and Tierney were the pick of the others.

Minor Hurling – Five in a Row for the Rovers

In minor hurling, Rovers beat De Montforts 3-1 to 0-1. It was a much closer game than the final score would indicate.

Louis Byrne “covered himself with glory” at full-back for De Montforts. Joe O’Brien was equally good in goal while Gannon, Hendry, Fitzgibbon, Joe Keenan, Wrafter, Lar Dargan, Territt and Lynch were others to shine.

For Rovers best players included Milo Dundon, Mick Grace, Paudge Larkin, Billy Donovan, Paddy Brennan, Mick Harney and Frank Sydes.

Rovers won the final beating Durrow by 6-8 to 1-3 to clinch their fifth title on the trot.

The medals were presented at a Ceili function in the Coliseum Ballroom in October. Club secretary, Joe Byrne, was presented with “a token of esteem”, from club members. Peter Conroy won a caman in the raffle.

Rovers: John Fitzgibbon, Michael Grace, James Delaney, James Conroy, Gerald Dunne, William Kerry, Nicholas Kerry, John Keenan, Milo Dundon, William Dargan, William Donovan, Patrick Larkin, Thomas Keenan, Kevin O’Brien, John Fitzsimons, Michael Harney, Dominic Dunne, Richard Byrne, Donal Gilbourne, Gerald Ludden, Francis Sydes, Christopher Doyle, Joseph Kerry, Patrick Bates.

The minor side hammered Mountmellick 4-1 to 0-0 to reach the Minor Hurling Final.

J. Keenan, J. Conroy, G. Dunne, W. Dargan and N. Kerry were the pick of the winners.

In the final they easily disposed of Durrow by twelve points, played on 1st July 1947.

Rovers: Thomas Keenan (Capt.), Peter Conroy, John Fitzgibbon, Michael Grace, Patrick Brennan, Nicholas Kerry, Sean Conroy, Sean Fitzgibbon, Milo Dundon, Donal Gilbourne, William Donovan, Gerard Ludden, Michael Harney, Joseph Kerry, Dominic Dunne.
Subs: Patrick Larkin, William Dargan, J. Conroy, J. Keenan, G. Dunne, Frank Sydes, Ger Dowling, Joseph Lawless, Thomas Dunne, Edward Campion, Patrick Foyle, James Grace, Richard Byrne, Bernard Farrell.

First AGM of De Montforts

The first AGM of the De Montforts Club was held in January. It had been formed under the patronage of the local Conference of the Legion of Mary.

Officers: Fr. P. Harris; Vice-Chairman: Brother Ennis; Chairman: Paddy Ruschitsko; Secretary: Andy Scully; Assistant Secretary: J. Keenan; Treasurer: Michael Keenan; Captain: L. Byrne.

The meeting was presided over by P.J. Bennett who said that it was the desire of the Legion of Mary, who started the club, that it would cater for all boys in the town.

Fr. Harris, Bro. Ennis and P.J. Campion also spoke.

De Montforts were routed by 7-1 to 3-2 by Mountmellick in the Minor Hurling Championship.

The club organised a street league for boys between 15 and 18.

Street League Committee: President: Bro. Ennis; Chairman: P. Rushchitzko; Vice-Chairman: Sean Conroy; Secretary: Sean Fennell; Asst. Sec. and Treasurer: Michael Keenan; Committee: P.J. Campion, P. Bennett, A. Scully, J. Byrne, J. O’Connell, J. Keenan, C. Ahearne.

Some thirty-nine boys and others participated in a One Day Retreat at the Salesian College, Ballinakill, organised by De Montforts.

Kilminchy Hurling Club AGM

In the absence of the Portlaoise club, yet another new club, Kilminchy, mushroomed in the town and flourished for a while.

Officers: Chairman: James O’Reilly; Vice-Chairman and Secretary: Thomas Dowling; Treasurer: Peter Dunne.

Committee: D. Cooke, J. O’Brien, D. O’Leary, R. Phelan, J. Conroy, A. Phelan, P. Hennessy.

Mr. O’Leary presided and thanked Edward Whelan and Joseph Walsh for providing practice grounds.

Death of Prominent Gael

The death took place in May of R.P. Fennell, age 82, Church Street, who was a prominent Gael with club and county from the foundation of the GAA.

He was closely associated with the Maryborough team that reached the All-Ireland final of 1889 and remained a revered figure in Portlaoise and Laois GAA circles during his lifetime.

Apart from his commitment to the GAA, Mr. Fennell was a prominent athlete in his younger days until an injury put an end to his career.

He was also very active in community and parish matters. He was a member of the Town Commission for many years and was a past president of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

Laois Footballers Win Leinster Final

Laois beat Kildare by 0-11 to 1-6 in the Leinster Senior Football Final.

Tommy Murphy scored 0-8 of the Laois total and was the star of the win.

1946 honours

Hurling – Minor – Rovers Laois Minor Hurling Championship (Rovers) Rovers 6-8 v 1-3 Durrow Captain: Thomas Keenan

Chairperson: James O’Reilly

Vice-Chairperson: Thomas Dowling

Secretary: Thomas Dowling

Treasurer: Peter Dunne

AGM details

Kilminchy Hurling Club In the absence of the Portlaoise club, yet another new club, Kilminchy, mushroomed in the town and flourished for a while;
Chairperson: James O’Reilly; Vice-Chairperson and
Secretary: Thomas Dowling;
Treasurer: Peter Dunne;
Committee: D. Cooke, J. O’Brien, D. O’Leary, R. Phelan, J. Conroy, A. Phelan, P. Hennessy;

Mr. O’Leary presided and thanked Edward Whelan and Joseph Walsh for P.R.Oviding practice grounds.

1947

Rovers AGM

Officers: President: S. Barrett; Chairman: P. Bland; Vice-Chairman: Michael Maher; Secretary: Joe Byrne.

Committee: Bro. Ennis, P.J. Campion, J. Conroy, P. Ahearne, J. Maher, R. Barrett, P. Maher, P. Byrne, T. Bergin.

Delegates to Co. Convention: J. Keenan, D. Kerry, P. Byrne and J. Byrne.

Delegates to Hurling Board: J. Keenan, J. Byrne.

Delegates to Football Board: R. Barrett and P. Byrne.

Rovers Ceili Draws Huge Attendance

On Sunday, 27 April, Rovers staged a major Ceili in the Coliseum Ballroom with upwards of 220 couples in attendance.

The organising committee consisted of J. Byrne, P. Byrne, J. Maher, D. Kerry, T. Byrne, J. Keenan, W. Kerry, M. Maher and J. Collins.

Thanks were extended to Mrs. J. Byrne, Mrs. Keenan, Misses Byrne, Wilkinson and McDonald, and Messrs. P. Fitzpatrick, T. Dargan and K. Brennan for their assistance.

Tenor John Leydon performed The Old House, while Munster Step-Dance champion Mr. Slattery gave an exhibition of Irish dancing.

Rovers Win Minor Football Final

In a local derby, Rovers defeated Kilminchy by 2-4 to 0-1 in the county Minor Football Final on 21 December.

Players of note for the victors were Dunne, Harney, Ludden, Dundon and Gilbourne. The vanquished were best served by Cooke, Bunyan, Cahill and Carey.

Rovers had reached the final by defeating Mountrath by 2-5 to 0-0, with Mansworth, Bergin, Foynes, Gilbourne and Larkin all prominent.

Kilminchy had beaten De Montforts by 1-7 to 0-0 in the other semi-final. Scorers for the winners were McCormack (1-2), Bunyan (0-2), B. Cahill, M. O'Reilly and Gavin (0-1 each).

Five Minor Football Titles in a Row

Rovers objected to Graiguecullen being awarded the 1946 Minor Football semi-final, but the objection was ruled out of order.

Rovers beat Mountmellick by 8-4 to 1-1 in the 1947 semi-final and went on to capture their fifth successive county title by defeating Cappamore by 4-1 to 2-1 in the final.

J. Fitzgibbon, M. Grace, T. Keenan, W. Donovan, R. Gilbourne and M. Dundon caught the eye for the winners, while T. Maher, D. Maher, Dooley, Phelan and Tyrrell impressed for Cappamore.

Rovers: Thomas Keenan (Capt.), Peter Conroy (Goal), John Fitzgibbon, Mick Grace, Paddy Brennan, Nicholas Kerry, Sean Conroy, Sean Fitzgibbon, Milo Dundon, Donal Gilbourne, Willie Donovan, Ger Ludden, Mick Harney, Joseph Kerry, Dominic Dunne.
Sub: Patrick Larkin.

Senior and Junior Championship Action

The senior team suffered defeat to Mountrath by 5-4 to 2-7.

An understrength side was next beaten by Abbeyleix by 6-3 to 3-3.

The juniors enjoyed better fortunes, defeating Blandsfort by 5-2 to 3-2.

De Montforts AGM

The De Montforts AGM was held in the Legion of Mary Rooms in February with Paddy Ruschitzko presiding.

President Rev. P. Harris and Bro. Ennis were among the large attendance.

Fr. Harris spoke of "the great social evils in the world today" and urged members to foster devotion to Our Lady in their lives.

He reminded members that the club's patron, Blessed Grignion de Montfort, was due to be canonised in July 1947.

Mr. Ruschitzko reported that club activities included a one-day retreat at Salesian College, Ballinakill, and the organisation of a street league with a set of silver medals.

Officers: President: Rev. P. Harris; Vice-President: Bro. Ennis; Chairman: M. Keenan; Secretary: J. Keenan; Treasurer: T. Keenan.

Committee: C. Ahern, S. Kelly, P.J. Bennett, A. Scully, J. Lynch, L. Byrne, J. Moran.

Captains: Minor Hurling Captain: John Lynch; Vice-Captain: Joseph Keenan; Minor Football Captain: Louis Byrne; Vice-Captain: John Moran.

Minor Street League Opens in O'Moore Park

The Minor Street League commenced in O'Moore Park with teams paraded by the local Brass and Reed Band, which provided its services free of charge.

The parade formed in the Lower Square and marched to the grounds, led by Jack Conroy, Chairman of the Laois Hurling Board, and J. Keenan, Honorary Secretary.

St. Fintan's lost to St. Brendan's by 4-1 to 1-1 in the opening game, while St. Joseph's defeated St. Vincent's by 4-1 to 0-1.

In the second round, St. Vincent's beat St. Brendan's by 4-1 to 3-1, while St. Joseph's (O'Moore Place and Green Road) defeated St. Mary's (Dublin and Stradbally Roads) by 8-4 to 1-0 to head the league table.

De Montforts Championship Campaign

In the Intermediate Hurling Championship, Mountmellick beat De Montforts by 2-7 to 4-0 in a thriller.

Clonaslee defeated De Montforts by 3-2 to 1-2 in the club's first appearance in the football championship.

Dave McEvoy scored the goal, while Jack Lawless and J. Timmins added a point each.

Eddie Carroll had a great game at full-back, while M. Keenan in goal, J. Keenan, J. Carroll, J. Manning, J. Farrelly and J. Brennan were also prominent.

De Montforts had something truly significant to celebrate in 1947 with the canonisation of their patron, Blessed Louis Grignion de Montfort.

Canonisation Brings Joy to Portlaoise De Montfort Club Members

The canonisation of Blessed Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort in Rome was welcomed with great joy by members of the De Montfort Club in Portlaoise, which had been founded just over a year earlier under the patronage of the newly declared saint.

CBS Street League Final

Borris Road beat Mountrath Road by 5-2 to 5-1 in a thrilling CBS Street League Final.

About 300 boys marched from the school to O'Moore Park with their flags waving and cheering “Suas le Bothar Buirgheasa” and “Suas leis na Rockies”.

Team captains, S. Ó hAodha, along with Ó Scolaidhe and Ó Duinn for the winners, and Aodh Campion along with Ó hOráin for Mountrath Road, were among the standout performers.

Bothar Buirgheasa: S. Ó hAodha, P. Scolaidh, S. Ó Duinn, P. Ó Costagáin, S. Ó Dulainn, T. Ó Breacháin, D. Ó Murchadha, P. Ó Brathnach, S. Ó Prestiún, S. Ó Fhoghlú, C. Ó Neill, T. Ó Siordáin, C. de Blaca.

The victorious team afterwards marched triumphantly through the town and celebrated their success by lighting a bonfire on the Borris Road.

Death of Great Old Gael

The death took place in May of one of the most revered figures in Portlaoise GAA history, Patrick Walsh of 54 Main Street.

He built up the long-established family bakery and business founded by his father, John Walsh.

“By his death, the Laoighis sporting world has lost one of its most enthusiastic and keenest supporters … In his younger days the late ‘Paddy’ Walsh, as he was affectionately known, was a footballer of no mean ability and a prominent player of the Maryborough Club.”

“In those days football was no kid-glove affair and hard knocks were the order of the day but Paddy was well able to take his place with the best and his prowess against Raheenabrogue, Moyanna, O’Moore’s Forest and other teams is still spoken of.”

“When his activities on the field came to an end, he maintained his interest in the game he loved to play and he was to be seen at all venues where a big match was in progress but especially where his native Laoighis were playing.”

“Thus it was that many an ‘old-timer’ was present at the removal to the Parish Church and at the funeral … to pay a last tribute to one who had won respect and admiration in the early days of the GAA.”

His sons were Fr. Matt, Patrick, Eamon and Jack.

Fr. Matt Walsh, who spent most of his life with the African Missions, gave sterling service to Portlaoise GAA during his younger years and later served as Life President of the club until his death in 1995. He remained an inspirational figure who maintained a lifelong interest in the fortunes of his beloved club.

Kilminchy claim Junior A football honours

In 1947, Kilminchy captured the Laois Junior A Football Championship after Rathdowney failed to field for the final. The title represented an important success for the club during a period when several teams from around Portlaoise were helping sustain and strengthen Gaelic games within the town and surrounding areas.

Eoghan Ruadha Reach County Final

Eoghan Ruadha, made up of eight players from Park and seven from Kilminchy, defeated Ballylinan by 4-6 to 2-4 in the Senior Football Championship.

The side was short of players from Rovers and Jamestown.

Critchley and Murphy scored two goals each in the victory.

Graiguecullen later defeated Eoghan Ruadha by 1-9 to 1-3 in the county final.

1947 honours

Kilminchy Laois Junior ‘A’ Football Championship (Kilminchy)
Hurling – Minor – Rovers Laois Minor Hurling Championship (Rovers) Rovers 4-1 v 2-1 Cappamore Captain: Thomas Keenan

President: S. Barrett

Chairperson: P. Bland

Vice-Chairperson: Michael Maher

Secretary: Joe Byrne

AGM details

RoversPresident: S. Barrett;
Chairperson: P. Bland;
Vice-Chairperson: Michael Maher;
Secretary: Joe Byrne;
Committee: Brother Ennis, P. J. Campion, J. Conroy, P. Ahearne, J. Maher, R. Barrett, P. Maher, P. Byrne, T. Bergin;
Delegates to Co. Convention: J. Keenan, D. Kerry, P. Byrne and J. Byrne;

1948

Rovers Capture Second Intermediate Hurling Title

The delayed Intermediate Hurling Final for 1948 was finally played in June 1949.

Rovers entered the game as favourites against Camross having established an impressive reputation during the previous decade. The club had won five Minor Hurling Championships in succession from 1942 to 1946, two Minor Football titles, a Junior Hurling title in 1942 and an Intermediate Hurling title in 1945.

Their task was made more difficult by the absence of injured stars Din Cooke and Jim Brien. Playing with the aid of a strong first-half breeze at O'Moore Park, Rovers led by only four points at the interval after restricting Camross to no score.

Camross responded strongly after the restart with 1-2 to take the lead. Tony Conroy restored parity with a goal before Tim Cordial struck for Camross to edge his side back in front.

Inspired by Tom Byrne, Rovers surged forward once more and Anthony "Donegan" Conroy scored a decisive goal to secure a hard-earned 2-5 to 2-2 victory and a second Intermediate Hurling title.

Thomas Keenan excelled in goal while Jim Maher, Edward Conroy and Patrick Conroy were also central to the victory. Tom Byrne, Anthony "Donegan" Conroy and Tony Conroy were among the attacking stars, although Tony Conroy suffered a serious head injury shortly before the final whistle.

Sean Collier impressed in the Camross goal, while Joe and Paddy Bergin were among the best performers for the runners-up.

Rovers: Thomas Keenan (Goal), Jim Maher (Capt.), Patrick Maher, Patrick Conroy, Tom Byrne, Joseph Conroy, Anthony "Donegan" Conroy, Joe Smith, McKenna, Dinny Cooke, Mick Jones, Edward Conroy, Tony Conroy, Jim Brien, Peter Keegan, Paddy Kearns, David Dunne, Joe Tierney, Thomas McCarthy, Michael Hartford, Anthony Murphy, John Troy, Joe Byrne, Cornelius O'Dea, Joseph Byrne, Teddy Wilson, William Brown.

Camross: Sean Collier (Goal), Jack Holohan, Joe Delaney, Paddy Bergin, Scully, J. Larkin, Paudge Collier, Joe Bergin, Tom Cordial, M. Delaney, C. Delaney, Willie Delaney, S. Bergin, Michael Collier, M. Moore.

Referee: Peter Fitzpatrick (Kilcotton).

Rovers AGM

The Rovers AGM, held in February 1948, attracted one of the club's largest attendances.

Secretary Joe Byrne reported that membership had increased by 50% on the previous year.

James Keenan, Tom Byrne and Jimmy Maher appealed to members to make a special effort during the coming season and reflected on the club's remarkable achievements, including six Minor Hurling titles in succession, two Minor Football Championships and both Junior and Intermediate honours.

A deficit of nearly twenty pounds was reported, largely due to transport costs and low attendances.

Officers: President: Sean Barrett; Chairman: Patrick Bland; Vice-Chairman: James Keenan; Secretary: Joe Byrne; Treasurer: Michael Maher.

Committee: J. Conroy, T. Byrne, P. Maher, J. Conroy, W. Kerry, James Maher, P. Byrne.

Captains: Intermediate Hurling Captain: Tom Byrne; Vice-Captain: James Maher Snr.; Junior Football Captain: P. Maher; Vice-Captain: J. Conroy; Minor Hurling Captain: Paddy Brennan; Vice-Captain: John Fitzgibbon; Minor Football Captain: P. Conroy; Vice-Captain: G. Ludden.

Kilminchy AGM

The secretary's report announced a balance of over five pounds.

Officers Elected: Chairman: James O'Reilly; Vice-Chairman: Thomas Dowling; Secretary and Treasurer: Sean Fennell.

Committee: Peter Dunne, Arthur Whelan, J. White, George Broomfield, Denis Cooke, Ned Harkin, J. Doran, M. Carey, M. O'Reilly, A. Nolan.

Delegates to County Board: George Broomfield, G. Doody.

Hurling Captains: Intermediate Captain: Denis Cooke; Vice-Captain: A. Murphy; Junior Captain: Ed Cooke; Vice-Captain: Dan Cooke; Minor Captain: A. Cahill; Vice-Captain: Richard Donoghue.

Football Captains: Intermediate Captain: Jim Brien; Vice-Captain: Paddy Critchley; Junior Captain: P. Bergin; Vice-Captain: Mick Carey; Minor Captain: Martin O'Reilly; Vice-Captain: Larry Carey.

De Montfort AGM

Officers Elected: President: Fr. P. Harris; Vice-Presidents: Fr. T. Donohue, Fr. W. Hughes and Brother Ennis; Chairman: Michael P. Keenan; Vice-Chairman: C. Ahearne; Secretary: Andy Scully; Treasurer: T. Keenan.

Delegates: Hurling Board: T. Keenan, Andy Scully; Football Board: E. Carroll, C. Ahearne.

A well-attended social was organised in the CBS Hall by the local Legion of Mary.

Fr. O'Donohoe reminded members that the club was under the patronage of the Legion and urged them to "make a close study of the aims and objects of the Legion".

Proceedings concluded with the singing of Faith of our Fathers and the National Anthem.

CBS Street League

The Borris Road met the Mountrath Road in the CBS Street League Final at O'Moore Park in June.

Borris Road: T. Ó Suirdáin, D. Ó Murchú, P. Breathnach, M. Ó Raghallaigh, H. Breathnach, C. Raighne, S. Ó hAodha (Capt.), D. Ó Duinn, R. Scolai, C. DeBlacha, T. Ó Breacháin, P. Ó Costigan, S. Ó Fhoghlú, P. Ó Breacháin, L. Ó Donnchu, S. Ó Costigan, S. Ó Dulaing, S. Ó Braoin, S. Mac an Rí.

Mountrath Road: S. Ó Fionnghaile, A. Campion (Capt.), P. A. Ó Domhnaill, E. Ó Brói, L. Ó Galbhain, L. Ó hOráin, A. Ó Faoláin, B. Ó Donnchu, R. Ó Nualláin, S. Ó Nualláin, M. Ó Duinn, E. Ó Riain, Ó Fionnghaile, Ó Greachain, S. Ó Duinn, S. Ó Puirséil, E. Ó Riain.

Other participating teams included Abbeyleix Road and Green Road.

Players noted for Abbeyleix Road included Donovan, Grace, Fitzgibbon, Fitzsimons, Cassidy, Brennan, McCabe, Conroy, Dunne and Larkin.

Among those mentioned for Green Road were Dargan, Keenan, Dunne, Lynch, Lawless and Farrelly.

1948 honours

Hurling – Intermediate – Rovers Laois Intermediate Hurling Championship (Rovers) Rovers 2-5 v 2-2 Camross Captain: James Maher

President: Rev. T. Donoghue

Chairperson: Sergt. Ned Tobin

Vice-Chairperson: J. Connell

Treasurer: P.J. Scully

AGM details

President: Rev. T. Donoghue;
Vice-President: Rev. Brother Ennis, Superior, CBS;
Chairperson: Sergt. Ned Tobin;
Vice-Chairperson: J. Connell;
Treasurer: P. J. Scully;
Trustees:Garda Martin Ludden and Mick Dunne;
Committee: Jim Loughlin, Lar Dunne, P. J. Campion, J. Delaney, Jim Coss, Joe Fennelly, Garda Joe Kennedy, Jack Cleary, Jimmy Sexton, Tom Lalor, (Borris Road), W. Preston, M. Conroy, Paddy Farrell, Al Delaney;

Kilminchy

Vice-Chairperson: Arthur Whelan;
Secretary: Sean Fennell;
Treasurer: T. Critchley snr;
Vice-Captain: A. Nolan;
Vice-Captain: D. Cooke;
Minor football:
Captain:M. O’Reilly;
Vice-Captain: L. Carey;
Junior hurling:
Captain:J. White;
Vice-Captain: O. Daly;
Minor hurling:Captain D. Cooke;
Vice-Captain: B. Bunyan;
Committee: P. Dunne, M. O’Reilly, T. Fitzpatrick, P. Critchley, W. Hennessy snr;
Intermediate football Captain: P. Critchley;
Junior Football Captain: M. Fitzpatrick;

1949

Portlaoise Club Reformed

Although the main town club, Portlaoise GAA, was out of existence for almost four years, the urban area was pretty well catered for, GAA wise, around this period, with a very active Rovers Club winning county titles galore, mainly in hurling, and Kilminchy, De Montfort, O’Moores, Worsted Mills and St. Fintan’s Hospital Clubs also briefly leaving their mark on the town GAA scene during the War and/or Post-War period. The other parish clubs nearby, The Heath and Park, catered mainly for football interests while Clonad, also based just outside Portlaoise and drawing freely from the town pool of players, was the top hurling club at the time. With such a variety of clubs to choose from, it sometimes made it difficult for the emerging players to decide which club was best for them. Each had its own attraction but the scene was rather disjointed and many townspeople believed that what was needed was a well organised club to represent the town as a whole.

“That an effort is being made to place Gaelic Games on a proper level in Portlaoise is evident from the wave of enthusiasm to be found among the youth of the town at present. Some years ago Portlaoise could boast of one of the best clubs in the county and one took pleasure in visiting the local O’Moore Park to see the town in action. Honours came to the club as players and officials gave of their best for the good of the club. Then came a ‘rot’ and the club went out of existence”.

A meeting was held on Thursday, 5th February, 1949, with Lar Dunne presiding, at which it was decided to affiliate Junior and Minor hurling and football teams and intermediate hurling in the name of Portlaoise.

On Sunday, 20 February, about sixty members attended the first AGM of the newly reformed Portlaoise GAA Club. Sergt. Ned Tobin, presiding, expressed the hope that, by encouraging the games among the young, the hurling team in time might become one of the outstanding senior teams in Laois.

Officers elected: President: Rev. T. Donoghue, C.C.; Vice-President: Rev. Bro. Ennis, Superior, CBS; Chairman: Sergt. Ned Tobin; Vice-chairman: J. Connell; Treasurer: P.J. Scully.

Trustees: Garda Martin Ludden and Mick Dunne.

Committee: Jim Loughlin, Lar Dunne, P.J. Campion, J. Delaney, Jim Coss, Joe Fennelly, Garda Joe Kennedy, Jack Cleary, Jimmy Sexton, Tom Lalor (Borris Road), W. Preston, M. Conroy, Paddy Farrell, Al Delaney.

Laois Reach the All-Ireland Final

While 1949 was the year that Portlaoise GAA Club re-emerged from the shadows, it was a special year too in Laois GAA annals as it was the last year the county won the Leinster senior hurling title and contested the All-Ireland final. It was a team backboned by Clonad players, some with strong Portlaoise connections.

In the first round of the Leinster Championship Laois beat Offaly by 7-5 to 4-2, then they were victorious over Dublin, 6-6 to 3-7. In the Leinster Final, Laois scored a sensational win over Kilkenny by 3-8 to 3-6 in Nowlan Park.

Victory celebrations were somewhat subdued when news broke just after the game of the death in his adopted home of Borris-in-Ossory of Bob O’Keeffe, the legendary hurler from Laois’ only All-Ireland success in 1915 and the only Laoisman to become President of the GAA until Liam O’Neill assumed office in 2012.

Laois went on to score a brilliant win over Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final by 4-6 to 3-5. They never really got out of the traps in the final, however, and were defeated by Tipperary by 3-11 to 0-3 in a one-sided game.

But when the sides met a little later in the prestigious Oireachtas Cup competition final, Laois showed their true worth and, although beaten again, there was precious little in it at the finish of a thrilling game. The O’Moore men had disposed of a formidable Cork outfit in the semi-final of the competition.

The Magpies Make Their Debut

The first competitive game for the resurgent Portlaoise GAA Club (for many years known as Portlaoise Hurling and Football Club) was on May Day (May 1st) 1949, and as was to be the model for the Portlaoise Club of the future, its main emphasis was on giving youth its fling and on skill and sportsmanship.

Pride of place in leading the way for glittering successes into the future was the minor hurling squad who, in their Black and White strip and known as the “Magpies”, faced Durrow in the first round of the championship at Abbeyleix.

It was scintillating debut winning by 5-6 to 0-2.

The club “created a very favourable impression … the majority of the side are still mere youths and are attached to the local CBS … judging by their display on Sunday, the future of Gaelic games in the town is very promising … a special word of praise is due to Rev. Bro. Ennis, Superior, Portlaoise CBS, and Sergt. Tobin, who spared no effort to get the boys into form”.

For the record that first team and subs used consisted of:

Portlaoise: George Stack, Ned Campion, John Muldowney, Larry Fennelly, John Hughes, Andy Doogue, Joe Hogan, Tim Maher (Capt), Martin O’Sullivan, Roc Scully, Tommy Dunne, Liam Flanagan, Hugh Campion, Tom Sheridan, Ned Fitzpatrick.
Subs: Peter Reddin, John Blake.

Kilminchy AGM

Kilminchy held their AGM in January with Arthur Whelan presiding. The attendance was one of the largest ever for the club and the balance sheet showed a sum of £7 5s. 8d. on hands.

Congratulations were extended to the junior football team on winning the 1948 championship title.

Thanks were voted to J. Walsh, Derrygarron, and Mr. Jenkins, Shaen, for allowing the use of their lands for practice, and to Mr. E. Whelan, Kilminchy, for the use of his premises for club meetings.

It was agreed to affiliate five teams in the 1948 championships.

Officers: Chairman: James O'Reilly; Vice-Chairman: Arthur Whelan; Treasurer: T. Critchley Snr.; Secretary: Sean Fennell.

Committee: P. Dunne, M. O'Reilly, T. Fitzpatrick, P. Critchley, W. Hennessy Snr.

Intermediate Football: Captain: P. Critchley; Vice-Captain: A. Nolan.

Junior Football: Captain: M. Fitzpatrick; Vice-Captain: D. Cooke.

Minor Football: Captain: M. O'Reilly; Vice-Captain: L. Carey.

Junior Hurling: Captain: J. White; Vice-Captain: O. Daly.

Minor Hurling: Captain: D. Cooke; Vice-Captain: B. Bunyan.

Kilminchy Celebrate Junior Football Success

The victory celebrations for Kilminchy's successful junior football team took place in the Coliseum Ballroom on Sunday, 20 April. A huge crowd of 600 attended the Ceili with Billy Cummins and his Band providing the music.

Rev. W. Hughes, in presenting the medals, referred to the popularity of the club after such a short time in existence, which he said was quite obvious from the attendance.

Jack Conroy, Chairman of the Hurling Board, also spoke highly of the team on its championship success.

Medal Recipients: Jim Brien (Capt.), Paddy Critchley, Tom Critchley, Jack Critchley, M. Brophy, J. Hennessy, Har Bryan, J. White, George Broomfield, T. Fitzpatrick, J. Keenan, J.H. Redican, H. Morris, A. Nolan, Ned Harkin, Larry McEvoy, J. Doran, Anthony Murphy, Martin O'Reilly.

Championship Delays Cause Confusion

There is confusion surrounding the Junior Football Championship winners during the late 1940s.

Reports of Kilminchy's victory celebrations in April 1949, published in the Leinster Express, referred to them as champions of 1947.

In the years immediately following World War II, championship competitions often ran very late, leading to uncertainty over the correct year of titles. For example, the 1946 final between Barrowhouse and Jamestown was not played until 25 April 1948.

In the official roll of honour, Kilminchy are credited with the 1948 Junior Football Championship, while Annanough are listed as the 1946 winners and Barrowhouse as champions for 1947.

The delays were a cause for concern for the County Board and its subsidiary committees, but the fixture backlog continued into the 1950s before schedules were finally brought under control.

De Montfort AGM

Organised by the club in 1946 had been recently decided at O’Moore Park, he added when St. Brendan’s (Abbeyleix and Mountrath Roads) defeated St. Vincent’s (New Road). Appreciation was expressed of the cooperation of the Rovers and Kilminchy clubs in helping to make the competition successful.

Officers: President: Rev. P. Harris, C.C.; Chairman: M.P. Keenan; Vice-Chairman: C.A. Ahearne; Secretary: W. Meredith; Treasurer: T. Keenan.

Committee: T. Moran, T. Coleman, S. Carroll, J. Smith, A. Doody, D. McEvoy, W. Deegan, W. Dunne.

Junior Hurling: Captain: D. McEvoy; Vice-Captain: J. Carroll.

Junior Football: Captain: S. Carroll; Vice-Captain: J. Smith.

Minor Hurling: Captain: M.J. Whelan; Vice-Captain: B. Delaney.

Minor Football: Captain: T. Maher; Vice-Captain: C. Foley.

Delegates to Football Board: T. Keenan and C. Ahearne.

Delegates to Hurling Board: T. Flynn and W. Deegan.

Club Meeting July 1949

There was a large attendance at the monthly meeting of the Portlaoise Club held on Sunday, July 10. Sergt. Ned Tobin presided. Also present were joint secretaries, Eugene Conroy and Jimmy Sexton and joint treasurers, P.J. Scully and Jimmy Conroy.

Mr. Sexton was presented with an electric fire and an electric clock on the occasion of his recent wedding. Sergt. Tobin paid tribute to Mr. Sexton’s work on behalf of the club.

Members of the minor hurling team were asked to attend each evening at the Barrack Field for training.

Arrangements were made for the intermediate hurling tie against Cappamore at Mountrath and the junior football tie against Wolfhill at Timahoe.

Sympathy was extended to Mr. John Maher, Grattan Street, on his recent bereavement.

A Win and a Loss

Portlaoise gave a spirited performance against Cappamore, winning by 4-4 to 4-2. They achieved victory with a late goal by Territt.

The Portlaoise players to get a special mention were Tom Croke, A. Murphy, P. Connell, Jim Loughlin, T. Conroy, M. Coady and T. McEvoy.

Portlaoise put up a decent effort against Slieve Bloom but were defeated by 1-5 to 1-1.

The experience though was a good learning curve and the “Town” team were actually leading at half-time by 1-1 to 0-1 with a point from Tierney and a goal from Brown.

Others to shine were T. Delaney, A. Murphy, Coady, Dunne and Dowling.

Plenty of Local Interest in SH Semi-Final

While Portlaoise GAA Club was still in the early stages of reorganisation having being reformed recently after some years of absence from the scene, two local clubs fought out an exciting SHC semi-final clash at O’Moore Park on September 25th.

Clonad had won a delayed 1948 final on the previous Sunday and completed three-titles-on-the-trot and were then asked to return a week later to defend their title against the Rovers.

Clonad proved up to the task and having led by 2-3 to nil at the interval ran out winners on a 2-8 to 1-5 scoreline.

Sean Barrett was referee in the absence of the appointed official.

Clonad lost to Abbeyleix in the final.

Clonad: A. Styles, P. Beere, A. Dunne, C. Bergin, P. Ruschitzko, J. Donovan, J. Styles, W. Bohane, P. Norton, W. Dargan, J. Keenan, L. McCabe, J. McCabe, J. Cassidy, Tim Maher.

Rovers: T. Keenan, J. Maher, P. Conroy, M. Twomey, T. Byrne, J. Conroy, E. Conroy, P. Conroy, P. Maher, P. Conroy, A. Conroy, J. Conroy, Jim Maher, J. Smith, Jim Byrne.

Portlaoise Prove Too Good for Kilminchy in Minor Hurling Final

Portlaoise 5-2
Kilminchy 1-0

“At the start of the season few held hopes of the title coming to the capital town as practically all the players were as yet rather young for a hard championship campaign, but their all-round display stamps them as a really good side and should give a much-needed fillip to the Gaelic Games in the area.”

The game attracted a huge interest because of the local rivalry.

The big win was a significant one because it brought a coveted title to the “Town” club only reformed at the beginning of the year.

Portlaoise: George Stack, Tommy Dunne, Ned Campion (Capt.), John Muldowney, John Hughes, Sean Bergin, T. Dunne, Jim Grace, Tim Maher (0-1), John Hogan (1-0), Billy Donovan, Donal Deegan (1-1), Tom Sheridan, Michael Tierney (1-0), Ned Fitzpatrick.
Sub: Martin O’Sullivan.

Kilminchy: Joe O’Brien, Jimmy Finnerty, Tim O’Neill, T. Conroy, Martin O’Reilly, Mick Rigney, Billy Bunyan, Dan Cooke, Oisín Liddy, Larry Carey, Mick Fitzpatrick, Dinny Roe, Joe Bracken, Paddy Saunders, Mick Larkin.

In the first round of the campaign Portlaoise had defeated Durrow easily, 5-6 to 0-2. The midfield pair of Maher and O’Sullivan proved the dominant feature of the game.

In the second round Portlaoise were victorious over Errill by 4-8 to 3-3. They started with probably the youngest team ever to play at this level. Portlaoise were the lighter team but this did not deter them and they improved as the game progressed, having been behind at the interval by 1-1 to 1-2. As usual Tim Maher had a starring role, scoring 1-4.

In the semi-final Portlaoise defeated Mountrath by 3-6 to 1-1. A goal by Maher in the first half ensured a lead at the break for Portlaoise, 1-3 to 1-1. They kept the opposition scoreless in the second period then added a further two goals from Scully and Hogan to record a comfortable victory.

Kilminchy hammered the Rovers by 25 points en route to the final.

After the final, Kilminchy lodged an objection to the Portlaoise victory. Their reasons were:

Donal P. Deegan was a resident of Durrow, a club that also competed in the competition.
The Kilminchy captain did not receive the Portlaoise team sheet from the referee, contrary to Rule 94, page 91, of the Official Guide.
Michael Tierney was overage on the day of the final and thus ineligible to play.

But the objection was not upheld and the resurgent Portlaoise town club were back in the business of winning titles.

Minor Football

Kilminchy also contested the football final but there was little compensation for them as Graiguecullen won by 0-11 to 0-4.

Graiguecullen: Mickey Keating (Goalie), Jim Scully, John ‘Badger’ Callinan (Capt.), Willie ‘Breezer’ Hogan, Tom Moran, Dick Byrne, J. Byrne, Pascal Byrne, M. Byrne, Hugh Byrne, Willie ‘Wolf’ Hogan, Joe Walsh, Ned Hayden, Frank Hayden, Tommy Proctor.
Subs: Mick Bolger, Tommy ‘Robins’ Byrne, Ned Comerford, Noel Hogan, Paddy Haughney, Eamon Redmond, Mick O’Neill.

Kilminchy: Peter Gavin (Goal), Jimmy Finnerty, Anthony Murphy, Tim O’Neill, D. Leonard, Mick Rigney, Tom McVeigh, Dan Cooke, Martin O’Reilly, Oisin Liddy, Liam Carey, Billy Bunyan, M. Cahill, Cecil Cawley, Mick McCormack.
Subs: J. Kearns and Kelleher.

Kilminchy were to get their revenge, however, the following year.

Senior Football Championship

While Portlaoise was still many years away from fielding a team in the senior football championship, some players from the newly reformed club were selected on an area team, named Eoghan Ruaghs, in May for the 1949 championship first round against Ballyroan.

The team was comprised of Portlaoise, Kilminchy, De Montfort, Derrylamogue, Clonaslee and Mountmellick players.

The lineout selected was:

Eoghan Ruaghs: D. Cooke (Kilminchy) (Goal); J. White (Kilminchy), L. Feeley (Clonaslee) and P. Connell (Portlaoise) (Full-Backs); E. Conroy (Mountmellick), L. McDonald (Portlaoise) or T. Fitzpatrick (Kilminchy) and B. McDermott (Kilminchy) (Half-Backs); H. Morris (Kilminchy) and C. Kiely (Mountmellick) (Midfield); J. Conroy (Portlaoise), E. Laffey (Mountmellick, Capt.) and P. Critchley (Kilminchy) (Half-Forwards); L. McEvoy (Portlaoise), W. Hennessy (Kilminchy) and A. Murphy (Kilminchy) (Full-Forwards).
Subs: S. Keenan (Mountmellick), P. Gorman (Derrylamogue), P. Dempsey (Mountmellick), S. Carroll (De Montfort), J. Smith (De Montfort), J. Hennessy (Kilminchy), A. Nolan (Kilminchy), J. Strahan (Kilminchy), J. Keenan (Kilminchy).

A Graiguecullen team led by Tommy Murphy beat Stradbally 3-7 to 0-3 in the county final in September.

These two clubs had dominated the Laois football world for a quarter of a century but neither contested a final again for many years.

Camogie Team Victory

In the final of the New Church Camogie Cup, Portlaoise defeated Mountrath by 1-5 to 0-2 at O’Moore Park on Wednesday, June 29th.

Intermediate Footballers Well Beaten

Portlaoise had a baptism of fire against Annanough, losing by 4-5 to 1-0.

The town players to get a mention included J. Farrell, A. Murphy, J. Conroy and T. McEvoy.

Portlaoise CBS Win Midland League Football Final

The local CBS has always been a nursery for rising talent on the local GAA scene, and particularly for the Portlaoise GAA club.

This was certainly the case with the CBS team that won the Midland Football League title in 1949.

The CBS panel had many players who would also play a major role in winning the county minor hurling championship of the same year.

They defeated Carlow CBS by 4-8 to 0-3 in the final.

They led at the interval by 1-3 to 0-2 but ran away with it in the second half, allowing the opposition to only score a solitary point.

This was due to a positional change by Portlaoise, moving Hughes back into defence to mark Kane, Carlow’s most dangerous forward and keeping him scoreless.

Portlaoise CBS: John Muldowney, Mick Hennessy, Jimmy Finnerty (Capt.), Joe O’Neill, Joe Hogan, Sean Bergin, Tony Bergin, Cecil Cawley (1-0), Frank O’Donnell (0-1), John Hughes (1-1), Tom Bracken (0-2), Ned Campion (0-2), Seamus O’Rourke, Ted Fitzpatrick (1-1), George Stack (1-1).

In the semi-final earlier in the year Portlaoise had defeated Tullamore by 4-4 to 3-2.

Irish Worsted Mills Win Inter-Firms Title

Inter-firms and inter-factory leagues were highly competitive competitions in the 1940s and ‘50s. These teams invariably included county stars, many of whom had won All-Irelands, and these always gave their best in these tests, which whipped up great interest in the competitions.

In Portlaoise in the 1940s and 1950s, the Irish Worsted Mills was huge employer and it was here, in a period of low employment and high emigration, that many of the GAA stars in the town and county made their living.

The Worsted Mills could field a formidable team and brought many honours back to the Town.

One such success was achieved at Dr. Cullen Park, on Sunday, 4 December 1949.

In opposition for the Leinster league final was a team from Moccasin, the shoe manufacturers from Kilkenny.

If the Worsted team could boast of names like Billy Bohane, Joe Styles and Paddy Ruschitzko, who had played in the All-Ireland final against Tipperary earlier in the year, Kilkenny too had their stars with such all-time hurling greats as Jimmy Langton and Jack Mulcahy in their lineout.

In the “Nationalist” report, it revealed that the Worsted team led by 4-3 to 0-1 in the first half having played with a strong wind in their favour.

Despite failing to score after the break they held on to win by 4-3 to 3-2.

It is worth noting the team as reported:

Irish Worsted Mills: “A.N. Other”, J. Keenan, P. Collins, L. McDonald, D. Tierney, P. Ruschitzko, E. Conroy, A. Murphy, W. Bohane, J. Styles, “A. Player”, M. Moran, T. McEvoy, M. Gilligan, M. Keenan.
Subs: P. Rafter and J. Dunne.

I am sure there must have been some speculation about the identities of “A.N. Other” and “A. Player”.

But whatever about these mystery players there is no mystery about the identity of the others, many who had strong connections with the GAA, the Portlaoise club and the Town community.

1949 honours

Hurling – Minor Laois Minor ‘A’ Hurling Championship Portlaoise 5-2 v 1-0 Kilminchy Captain: Ned Campion

Chairperson: Sgt. Ned Tobin

President: Father T. Donoghue

Vice-President: Brother Ennis