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Profile: R.P. Fennell

Folklore, History, Portlaoise People, Profile

Portlaoise has been blessed with having some really good administrators over the years. In the early years there was R.P. Fennell, a man whose family and connections were deeply rooted in the town and in the nationalist tradition.

He was at the heart of the GAA and Portlaoise GAA in particular from the very start, holding various key positions within the club and being an able spokesman for the club at higher board levels. He was a solicitor’s clerk before becoming Postmaster in Portlaoise, the first Catholic or Nationalist to hold the position.

All through his life his influence was ever present in the background if not always in the forefront in all things that concerned the town and the GAA. When the Laois footballers returned to a big celebratory homecoming after (losing) the All-Ireland Football Final of 1936, he was there to congratulate the team’s achievement at reaching the final and consolatory in their defeat by Mayo. He was present with the few remaining members of the last Laois side who had contested an All-Ireland Football Final – the Maryborough team of 1889. He had helped steer that famous team to the final even if injury had kept him out of the side.

He was an able administrator, a far-seeing individual, a fine all-round athlete, a formidable protagonist in the board room and a man universally respected for his wisdom and loyalty. His kin remained closely associated with the club and even today there are strong family connections with the club.

More Club History To Explore

Profile: Mick Mulhall

Mick Mulhall was one of the greatest goalkeepers ever produced by Laois, with whom he played for over a decade.

Profile: Cahir Healy

Cahir Healy is one of the finest dual players the club and county has ever produced. Known for his skill, dedication and strength Cahir was a phenomenal servant to the Town even commuting back from London weekly to line out for the club.

Here he answers a few questions in the 2016 book “C’mon The Town Portlaoise G.A.A. 1887 -2016”

Profile: Paddy Hasper Farrell

Paddy was a member of the Laois minor hurling team of 1934 that won Leinster honours and was pipped by a point by Tipperary in a farcical finish to the All-Ireland final which was kept going for over ten minutes of extra time until the Munster men got the winning score.

Profile: R.P. Fennell

More Club History To Explore

Profile: Mick Mulhall

Profile: Cahir Healy

Profile: Paddy Hasper Farrell

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