Chairman: Vincent Dowling;
Vice-chairman: Jas. O’Reilly;
Sec.: Pat Leogue;
Treas.: John Hanniffy;
Asst Treas.: Paul O’Connell;
PRO: Brendan Fitzpatrick;
Football Sec.: Seamus Fitzgerald;
Hurling Sec.: Damien Lynch;
Co. Board Delegate: Ollie Byrne;
ASAP Officer; Jennifer Fitzpatrick;
Disability Officer: Catherine Doyle;
Coaching Officer: Adrian White;
Schools Officer: Mick Nerney;
Schools Officer Primary: Joe O’Callaghan.
Football Management: Senior: Mick Lillis and Mark Kavanagh; Selectors: J.P. Cahillane and Jim McManus;
Int. Football: Eddie McCormack, Noel Tynan, Joe Daly; Junior: David Maher, Pauric Phelan.
Hurling: Sen: Paul Bergin (manager), John Costello, Teddy Fennelly, Tom Conroy (trainer).
Committee: Catherine Fitzgerald, Antoinette Prendergast, Andy Molloy, Peadar Molloy, Phil O’Keeffe, Liam Phelan, Brendan Keogh, Liam Breen, Jim Gaynor, Mary Murphy, Richard Downey Jnr., Imelda Fitzpatrick, Brian Gaynor, Eamon Fennelly, Joe Daly, Brian Delaney, Denis Kavanagh, Teresa O’Reilly (Camogie); Broughan O’Reilly (Camogie); Rosaleen O’Neill (Ladies Football); Sean Dunne (Ladies Football); Olga Loughman (Ladies Football); David Maher (Juvenile); Malcolm Nealon (Juvenile).

2013 Roll of Honor

Laois Senior Football Championship,
Laois U-21 ‘A’ Football Championship,
Laois Junior ‘A’ Hurling Championship,
Laois Ladies U-12 ‘A’ Championship;

Senior Football

Portlaoise’s strength in depth was a major factor in Portlaoise sweeping to their seventh title on the trot. In the opening half, Arles/Killeen were in the ascendancy with Paul Kingston proving a constant threat at full-forward and Donie Brennan and Donie Kingston controlling the middle third of the pitch. They led by 0-3 to 0-2 at the end of the third quarter. But Killeen keeper, Michael Leigh, was forced to pull Brian Smith down in the parallelogram as he lined up a shot at goal. Paul Cahillane slotted the spot kick neatly inside the upright. But after a pointed free from Paul Kingston, the Killeen full- forward rounded a Portlaoise defender and neatly netted to give his side a 1-4 to 1-2 lead. They almost bagged another goal but were denied by an outstretched leg of Portlaoise keeper, Michael Nolan. They went into the break with a nice 1-6 to 1-3 lead.

This was extended to four points on the resumption. But now Portlaoise had a new full back in sub Paul Cotter, another sub Kevin Fitzpatrick brought size and experience into attack and Conor Boyle curbed Donie Kingston’s impact on the game. Craig Rogers steadied the Portlaoise ship with a brace of points and then Kevin Fitzpatrick latched onto a half blocked shot by Bruno McCormack and found the Arles/Killeen net. Portlaoise were given another fillip when Australian based Zach Tuohy was introduced. They eased into a four point lead and while the losers got one back it was too little too late and Portlaoise duly extended their own record to seven in a row.

Final score: Portlaoise 2-8; Arles/Killeen 1-8.

Portlaoise: Michael Nolan, Malachy McNulty, Brian Mulligan, David Seale, Eoghan Whelan, Cahir Healy, Tommy Fitzgerald, Conor Boyle, Kieran Lillis, Brian Glynn, Barry Fitzgerald, Craig Rogers, Paul Cahillane, Brian McCormack (Capt.), Brian Smith. Subs: Paul Cotter, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Zach Tuohy, Adrian Kelly. Rest of Panel: Shane McManus, Gareth Dillon, Dean Cullen, Graham Brody, Darragh Duggan, Eoghan Feane, Stuart Nerney, Mark Kavanagh, Dean Lynch, Murray Rogers, Chris Mulhall.

Arles-Killeen: Mick Leigh, James Mahon, Paul McDonald, Niall O’Rourke, Joe Mulhare, Shane Julian, Brendan O’Shea, Jason Enright, Donie Kingston, Sean O’Shea, Donie Brennan, Dermot Julian, Conor Keightley, Paul Kingston, Brian McDonald. Subs: Alan Ryan, Billy O’Loughlin, John Mahon.

Referee: Eddie Kinsella (Courtwood).

Results of earlier rounds: Portlaoise were lucky to survive the very first defence of the title they had held for six years. Neighbours, The Heath, cared little for reputations as they went within the width of the paintwork a few times of causing the upset of the championship. Yes a little good fortune, some wonderful saves by goalie, Michael Nolan and the accuracy of Bruno McCormack, saved the Town. The Heath were narrowly wide on a few occasions, Nolan made two spectacular saves in the final quarter and Bruno notched seven of his side’s eight point tally in this 1-8 to 0-9 win.

The writing was on the wall it seemed and the next round left all concerned in no doubt but that the title was on the line.

Graiguecullen dished out a stunning 2-10 to 3-6 defeat which certainly rocked the Town. Ballylinan bore the brunt of Portlaoise on a recovery mission and were hammered by 1-16 to 0-7. In the semi-final Portlaoise were even more convincing winning by 1-15 to 1-9 against Arles/Kilcruise. Paul Cahillane and Bruno McCormack were striking forces and much too hot for their opponents.

ACFL Div One: Portlaoise 4-8; Emo 0-12. Ballyroan Abbey 1-8; Portlaoise 1-3. (This was the first game lost in the league since 2010). Portlaoise 3-11; Arles/Kilcruise 0-8. Arles/Killeen 1-10; Portlaoise 1-8. Portlaoise 6-16; Crettyard 1-6. Portlaoise 3-12; Timahoe 1-10. Stradbally 1-8; Portlaoise 0-7. Portlaoise 3-11; The Heath 0-7. St. Josephs 1-12; Portlaoise 1-10. Portlaoise 4-8; O’Dempseys 1-7. Semi-final: Arles/Killeen 2-9; Portlaoise 1-10.

Leinster club championship

Played in dreadful wintry conditions at Pearse Park showed all their never-say-die qualities when salvaging a game that seemed well and truly slipping from their grasp. Three goals in a fifteen minute spell in the opening half left Longford Slashers with a commanding 3-3 to 0-6 lead at the break. Things got even worse when Longford stretched the lead to eight points on the restart. Then enter the captain. Brian McCormack who sent over two points and then crashed home a goal to leave only three points between the side.

Graham Brody was introduced for the injured goalie, Michael Nolan, and he was soon called upon to make a splendid save. He then sent over a point from a ‘45’. Paul Cahillane had the teams level in the 54th minute. Brian Glynn and Craig Rogers went close to supplying the winner, but the sides were level at full-time and the honour of shooting the winner fell to Adrian Kelly with a great point in extra time. Result: Portlaoise 1-15; Longford Slashers 3-7.

In the semi-final Portlaoise had a very impressive win over a strong and competent Kildare champion side, Moorefield by 1- 9 to 0-8. In a game played with great intensity, Moorefield had the upper hand in the opening half and led by 0-6 to 0-4 at the break. However, on the restart, the game turned Portlaoise’s way when Pul Cahillane intercepted and placed Brian McCormack for the game’s only goal. This was the vital score and Portlaoise just kept their noses in front against a formidable side who only managed two points in the second half and shot only one point from play during the hour.

In the final Portlaoise showed their high-quality worth by scoring 3-9 against the Dublin champions, St. Vincents. That would be sufficient to win nine out of ten finals – but unfortunately not this one. In a high calibre game the Town just failed but few could fault their performance. Absolutely out of the top drawer.

Portlaoise led by a point at the end of the opening quarter and after what appeared to be a certain penalty for a foul on Craig Rogers was waved aside, Paul Cahillane sent over from the free. Incredibly Vincents hit back with a vengeance and shot two goals and two points in the next five minute spell to leave them two goals clear with six minutes of the half remaining. These were hammer blows and fans were rocked by their sudden impact on what had been a great opening period. But in the twinkle of an eye Portlaoise were back in business when Craig Rogers came off the end line with a ball and incredibly found an opening to finish to the net. Seconds later a great delivery from Brian McCormack was safely collected by Rogers who was unceremoniously bowled over. Cool cat Rogers picked himself up, gave himself a shake and sent the spot kick past a helpless goalie. This left the sides 2-5 each at the break.

After an exchange of points on the restart Brian Glynn linked up with McCormack for another Portlaoise goal and suddenly the Town fans were in seventh Heaven. Before the cheers had died down Vincents raced upfield giving Gavin Burke possession, and he brushed off attempted tackles before finding an unmarked Shane Carty for a goal. It was all happening in O’Connor Park, Tullamore. Portlaoise were not yet beat and edged ahead again but Vincents finished strongly and edged the verdict after a Leinster final classic. Vincents collected the cup, the second year in a row for Portlaoise to fall to Dublin representatives, but in truth there were no losers in such an exhibition of Gaelic Football at its best. Vincents did Portlaoise due justice by readily winning the All-Ireland title.

St. Vincents: Michael Savage, Michael Concarr, Jarlath Curley, Hugh Gill, Cameron Diamond, Ger Brennan, Brendan Egan, Eamon Fennell, Daithi Murphy, Gavin Burke (0-1), Diarmuid Connolly (0-1), Shane Carthy (1-0), Ruairi Trainor (1-1), Ciaran Dorney (1-1), Tomas Quinn (0-8). Subs: Tiernan Diamond, Kevin Bonnie, Kevin Golden, Nathan Mullins.

Portlaoise: Michael Nolan, David Seale, Cahir Healy, Tommy Fitzgerald, Brian Mulligan, Paul Cotter, Kieran Lillis, Conor Boyle, Stewart Nerney, Brian Glynn (1-1), Brian McCormack (0-1), Craig Rogers (2-3), Paul Cahillane (0-3), Barry Fitzgerald, Brian Smith (0-1). Subs: Eoghan Whelan, Adrian Kelly, Kevin Fitzpatrick.

Referee: Fergal Kelly (Longford)

Senior Hurling

With Cyril Duggan and Niall Rigney in charge of the team, hopes were high of a good campaign. The opening game gave them a satisfactory win over Ballinakill by 2-18 to 1-15.

Camross were rampant in the second game winning by 4-15 to 0-12. On the form shown in this game the Town’s prospects of regaining the title last won in 2004 were extremely slim. But the game proved a wake-up call. Portlaoise were a different team against Castletown/Slieve Bloom and their 2-15 to 1-6 win qualified them for the semi-final.

The semi-final draw pitted the Town against Camross again and the question on everyone’s lips was whether or not the fifteen point beating dished out by the men from the Slieve Blooms in an earlier round was indeed true form or just a freak result.

Happily for the Town it was a different game in every respect and they led their opponents a merry dance for much of the game. They were three points up after ten minutes and although missing many scores into the bargain they were leaving Camross looking ragged.

But then out of nothing Camross were level with a goal from young star Dwane Palmer and after that it was an uphill struggle. Camross led by 1-6 to 0-5 at the break but Portlaoise cut the lead to the minimum with points from Tommy and Barry Fitzgerald, Noel Costello and Darragh Duggan. Camross slipped ahead again when Barry set up his brother, Tommy, for a great goal. They had further chances but lack of finish cost them dearly in a gripping finale. Camross went into the final as underdogs against Borris/kilcotton but won it convincingly. Once again, another championship had slipped out of Portlaoise’s grasp.

Portlaoise: Colm Clear, Eoin Browne, Brian Mulligan, Brian Smith, Darragh Duggan, Joe Phelan, Derek Delaney, Cahir Healy, Ciaran McEvoy, Cian Taylor, Noel Costello, Eoin Costello, Barry Fitzgerald, Tommy Fitzgerald, Tony Byrne. Sub: Keith Murphy.

ACHL: Div One: Portlaoise3-8; Clough/Ballacolla 1-8. Portlaoise 1-5; Rathdowney/Errill 0-6. Ballinakill 1-15; Portlaoise 0-15. The Harps 1-12; Portlaoise 0-15. (Draw) Portlaoise 3-23; Camross 1-11. Castletown/Slieve Bloom 1-18; Portlaoise 1-15.

Intermediate Football

Portlaoise and Clonaslee/St.Manmans finished level at 1-8 to 2- 5 in the opening game Clonaslee won the replay by 2-8 to 0-10. Annanough put themselves forward as championship contenders when beating the Town 2-13 to 0-11 in the next round.

Portlaoise: Graham Brody, Fintan Walsh, John Delaney, Donal Fitzgibbon, Brian McCormack, Eoin Bland, Dean Lynch, James Nerney, Jack Fennell, Murray Rogers, Dean Cullen, Ronan Molloy, Mark Kavanagh, Ricky Maher, Joe Delaney. Subs: Martin Stapleton, Scott Lawless, J.P. Seale, Keith Lawlor.

In the relegation play-off, Portlaoise lost by 3-9 to 0-9 to Park/Ratheniska.

Junior Hurling

Portlaoise beat Clough/Ballacolla by 1-14 to 0-8 to record a rare JH title win in fine style. The ‘Town’ side kept the best wine until last by turning on the style in the final after battling hard in the earlier rounds.

Portlaoise: Brochan Reilly, Pauric O’Neill, Chris Lynch, Denis Kavanagh, Paul Scanlon, Roch Scully (Capt.), Philip O’Connell, Dermot Costelloe, Dean Lynch, Niall Fitzpatrick, Patrick Ryan, Colm Gleeson, Joe Thompson, Alan Kingsley, Sean Culliton Subs: Daniel Delaney, Brian Fitzpatrick, Diarmuid Lawless, Bertie Walsh, Jeff Phelan. Rest of panel: Mark Kavanagh, Eoin Rochford, Cathal O’Connor, Darren Murphy, Eoin Rigney, Alan Murphy, Craig Scully, Gary Bergin, Mick Bowe, Mick O’Connell.

Clough-Ballacolla: Brian O’Flaherty, Eoin Meade, Pat McEvoy, Brian Costigan, Brendan Doherty, John Keane, Damien Hogan, James Maher, Sean Corby, Conor Broderick, Ciaran Finnane, Luke Maher, Shane Hyland, Alan O’Flaherty, Mick Dunphy. Subs: Davy Campion, Mark Gorman.

Junior Football

Kilcavan 2-7; Portlaoise 0-9.

Under 21 Football

In the final played on 30th November in O’Moore Park, Portlaoise regained this title after a lapse of six years by beating Crettyard/Killeshin comprehensively 2-13 to 0-13. The Nationalist report told the story: “Sensational Martin Staunton rattled the Killehsin/Crettyard net on two occasions in the second half as Portlaoise came from five points down to win the title by a six point margin”. Killeshin led by 0-9 to 0-6 at the break and went five points up with twenty minutes remaining. Staunton’s goals turned the game on its head.

Portlaoise: Graham Brody, Darragh McCauley, David Seale, Dean Lynch, Donal Fitzgibbon, Eoghan Feane, John Hearn, James Nerney, Ciaran McEvoy, Donnacha O’Reilly, Dean Cullen, David Holland, Martin Staunton, Liam McGovern, Conor Dunphy. Subs: Kean Kavanagh, Chris Lynch.

Crettyard/Killeshin: Adam Brennan, Brian Lowry, Kevin Ryan, James Davis, Eoin Farrell, David McDermott, Jeff McDermott, Eoin Brennan, Ruairi Mannion, Cormac Murphy, Stephen Attride, Mark Lyons, Eoin O’Shea, Evan O’Carroll, Eoin Lowry. Subs: Aaron McGrath, Ronan Phelan.

Referee: Maurice Deegan (Stradbally).

Graham Brody, the Portlaoise keeper, saved his side in an earlier round against Portarlington, when in injury time and his side trailing by a point he gathered the ball on his own 20 metre line and soloed upfield. He forced a free forty metres out from goal and kept his cool to send over the free and force a replay. Portlaoise 2-12; Portarlington 3-9. There were no such repeat dramatics needed in the replay when the Town ran out 6-11 to 0-4 winners. It went to prove the point you don’t give Portlaoise footballers a second chance if you can avoid it. In the quarter- final the Town had an easy win over Stradbally Parish Gaels by 2-12 to 1-4. In a hard-fought semi-final, a converted penalty from full-forward, Liam McGovern, proved crucial in the Town’s 1-8 to 0-7 win over St. Josephs/Barrowhouse.

Under 21 Hurling

Portlaoise put up a tremendous performance in the semi-final before bowing out to hot-shots, Borris/Kilcotton. With Philip O’Connell and Darragh Duggan ensuring a good supply from midfield, Ciaran McEvoy and Dean Lynch outstanding in the half back line and Cian Taylor, a busy and skilful leader of an attack in which Sean Culliton was the most productive, Portlaoise eased into an early lead. But instead of a four point advantage it should have been double that had they taken half their chances. A goal by P.J. Scully against the run off play, however, had Borris back on terms and they went into the break all square. The Town side continued to carry the game to their opponents but the wides persisted and Borris clawed themselves back into the game and in the final minutes pulled away with a points flourish.

Portlaoise: Eoin Carroll, Robbie McGuinness, Chris Lynch, Eoin Phelan, Conor Dunne, Ciaran McEvoy, Dean Lynch, Philip O’Connell, Darragh Duggan, David Holland, Cian Taylor, Kevin Whelan, Sean Culliton, Niall Gleeson, J.J. Thompson. Subs: John Hearn, Dan Delaney, James Nerney.

Quarter-final: Portlaoise 6-9; Clonaslee/St. Manmans 2-6.

Minor Hurling

Portlaoise can thank Gary Bergin for a super first round win over Clough/Ballacolla. He scored a hat-trick of goals and his younger brother Aaron scored eight points in a 3-18 to 2-17 win. The sides were level at 2-7 apiece at the break and it was Gary’s third goal seven minutes from time that swung matter’s in the Town’s direction. Chris Lynch had a superb game at centre half back and featured in many of his side’s scores.

The quarter-final against Castletown/Slieve Bloom was a cracking affair and this time it was Aaron Bergin who laid the foundations of victory with his unerring accuracy helping him to nine points in the 1-16 to 1-12 win.

The good run, however, came to a shuddering halt against the hot favourites Borris/Kilcotton in the semi-final. Although they trailed by 2-6 to 0-4 they were still in contention at the break but three further goals from the Borris led team left the Town lads with too big a mountain to climb in a 5-10 to 1-7 win.

Portlaoise: Craig Haslam Darragh McCauley, Ciaran McEvoy, Alan Murphy, Dylan Feane, Chris Lynch, Eoin Phelan, Raymond Nerney, Caolan Murphy, Ciaran Flynn, Cathal O’Connor, Dan Delaney, Niall Gleeson, Gary Bergin, Aaron Bergin. Subs: Pauric O’Neill, Niall Keenan, Conor Ryan, Jack Dooley.

Minor Football

Portlaoise, the titleholders, were dethroned by St.Josephs/Barrowhouse on a 4-11 to 2-12 scoreline in the semi-final in Stradbally. Michael Keogh’s long range effort dropped short of the Portlaoise goal and James Baldwin got there before the Portlaoise keeper, Eoin Keenan, and fisted the ball to the net to put his side ahead.

The winners raced into a nine point lead in the opening half but by half-time the Town side were back in contention at 3-5 to 1-6. The game was still in the balance into injury time when substitutes Noel Leech and Eanna Burke combined to set Keogh clear on goal for the clincher. Portlaoise cannot fault Dean Cullen who shot 0-6 and Gary Bergin, who scored both of their team’s goals, for the defeat.

Portlaoise: Eoin Keenan, Eoin Phelan, James Dunne, Ray Nerney, Kieran Flynn, Padraig O’Neill, Darragh McCauley, Ciaran McEvoy, Chris Lynch, Brendan Carroll, Gary Bergin, Daniel Delaney, Niall Gavin, Mark Dunne, Dean Cullen. Sub: Niall Keenan.

Juvenile scene

In the Under 16 hurling final, Rathdowney/Errill defeated Portlaoise 2-20 to 2-11. But there was compensation for the side because they won the league final beating The Harps Gaels 4-8 to 1-9. The headline said it all: “Captain Aaron inspires the Town to another crown”. This was Aaron Bergin who scored 2- 6 of his side’s total. As team captain he led his side to victory by example.
Portlaoise: Craig Haslam, Pat Critchley, Frank Flanagan, Joe Geaney, Brian Naughton, Caolan Murphy, Eoghan Nealon, Craig Martley, Shane Smyth, Ethan O’Reilly, Dylan Feane, Ciaran Martley, Tristan Brennan, Niall Gleeson, Aaron Bergin. Subs: Darragh Phelan, Lee Davis, Tiernan Brennan, Conor Finnegan, Rhys Murphy.

The Under 16 footballers also lost in the championship final. St. Josephs/Barrowhouse beat them 1-9 to 0-7. Portlaoise: Craig Haslam, Patrick Critchley, Frank Flanagan, Darragh Phelan, Joe Geaney, Dylan Feane, Ciaran Martley, Theo Kavanagh, Shane Whelan, Tristan Tobin, Lee Davis, John Kavanagh, Eoin Dunne, Jack Brown, Niall Gavin Subs: Ethan O’Reilly, Shane Smyth, Bryan Naughton.

Portlaoise were too good for Naomh Eamon winning by 4-16 to 0-5 in the Under 14 “B” football league final. Portlaoise panel: Cormac Rigney, Evan Looby, Trevor Swayne, Ben Conroy, Rian O’Connell, Shane Buggy, Gary Saunders, Liam Keenan, Luke Rigney, Pauric Cahill, Cathal Duggan, Andrew Swayne, Evin O’Connor, Michael Nerney, Conor Delaney, Liam Kinsella, Cian Holohan, Aodhan Doheny, Evin Browne, Michael Dowling, Adam Mullin, Tyler Dempsey, Cian Dowling Byrne, Adam Quigley, Diarmuid Brosnan.

In the U13 football final, Portlaoise won easily by 3-9 to 1-3 over St.Pauls/The Rock. 

Portlaoise: Cormac Rigney, Aidan Doheny, Cian Dowling-Byrne, Tyler Dempsey, Gary Saunders, Padraig Maher, Mikey Dowling, Evan Brown, Eoin O’Connor, Adam Mullen, Diarmuid Brosnan, Cathal Duggan, Mikey Nerney, Conor Delaney, Cian Holohan. Sub: Damon Larkin.

Ladies Football

The seniors qualified for the league final by virtue of a 6-2 to 3-13 win over Crettyard. In the final Sarsfields proved too good and after leading by 1-5 to 0-2 at the break finished up easy winners by 2-11 to 0-6. 

Portlaoise: Amy Dunne, Kate Dunne, Clodagh Brennan, Helen Murphy, Emma Sinnott, Aisling Saunders, Aisling O’Gorman, Ellen Healy, Fiona Dooley, Alison Taylor, Aisling Keogh, Ciamh Dollard, Claire Dunne, Ciara Delaney,Michelle Lynch. Subs: Aoife Conroy, Gillian Hannigan, Tara Buggy, Rebecca Kelly, Anna Fitzgibbon.

In the first round of the championship Portlaoise beat Park/Ratheniska 6-4 to 2-7. In the semi-final, however, they came out on the wrong side of a 1-16 to 1-6 score line against Sarsfields. Fiona O’Connor, Nikki Kelly, Aisling O’Connor, Anna Fitzgibbon and sub, Orla Phelan were among the changes from the league final winning side.

In the Féile (U14) competition Portlaoise were unlucky to lose 3-5 to 3-4 to St. Pauls who scored a last minute goal. Noted for Portlaoise were Sarah Power, Karen O’Reilly, Maeve Phelan, Emma Dunne, Jennifer O’Neill and Colleen Rickard.

The Under 12s had a great win in the final by 1-5 to 0-5 against Graiguecullen. This was the first win in the grade since 2005.