Cathaoirleach: Vincent Dowling;
Leas Cathaoirleach: Jas O’Reilly;
Rúnaí: Pat Leogue;
Rúnaí Peil: Michael Nerney;
Rúnaí Iomaint: Mary Murphy;
Cisteor: John Hanniffy;
Leas Cisteor: Sean Cotter;
Registrar: Peter O’Neill;
PRO: Paul O’Connell; Assistant PRO: Murray Rogers;
Players Representative: Kieran Lillis;
County Board Delegate: Ollie Byrne;
ASAP Officer: Jennifer Fitzpatrick; Disability Officer: Catherine Doyle;
Coaching Officer: Adrian White:
Committee: Catherine Fitzgerald, Andy Molloy, Liam Phelan, Sonny Keogh, Liam Breen, Jim Gaynor, Mary Murphy, Imelda Fitzpatrick, Eamonn Fennelly, Joe Daly, Brian Delaney, Denis Kavanagh, Teresa O’Reilly (Camogie), Olga Loughman, (Ladies Football), David Maher (Juvenile), Malcolm Nealon (Juvenile).

2014 Roll of Honour

Laois Senior Football Championship,
Laois ACFL Div 1,
Laois ACFL Div 3,
TG4 Ladies All Star – Ciamh Dollard (Goalkeeper),
Laois Ladies Senior ‘B’ Championship,
Laois U-16 ‘A’ Hurling Championship,
Laois U-14 ‘A’ Hurling Championship,
Laois U-14 Féile Football,
Laois Ladies U-12 ‘A’ Championship,
Laois Camogie U-12 ‘A’ Championship;

An Eighth Senior Football Title in a Row

Secretary, Pat Leogue, in his annual report for 2014, echoed the delight of members on winning the SF championship for the eighth successive year. It was an unique occasion and undoubtedly the highlight of the year, he said. There was more good news in Paul Cahillane being selected Laois Player of the Year. This was tempered by the disappointment of relegation from the SH championship but there was compensation for the hurling fraternity in the progress of the Under 21s to the county final and the treble of under-age successes at Under 11, 14 and 16 grades. The Under 14 footballers won the league title and Feile and were just beaten in the national finals in Galway after some great displays along the way.

In Ladies football, the senior team won the Senior B championship and the Under 12 footballers won the championship for the second year in succession. In Camogie the club won its first ever championship with the Under 12 team highlighting all of the hard work that has been undertaken over the last five years by dedicated mentors. The secretary also noted that the club was honoured in 2014 when Ciamh Dollard was rewarded for her outstanding goalkeeping with a Ladies GAA All Star award and long standing and loyal club member, Michael Reynolds, was appointed as Runai of Comhairle Laighean.

Pat was loud in his praise of the voluntary workers. “The development of the facilities in Rathleague on an ongoing basis is testimony to the generosity and commitment of club members and benefactors as well as the hard work and dedication of the volunteers who give of their time each week to ensure that the pitches and facilities are presented so well.

Special thanks are due to Ollie Byrne, Brendan Keogh, Liam Breen, Philip Harrington, Jim Gaynor and the scheme participants. The development of the ball wall recently is an excellent example of the workmanship and the commitment that our volunteers provide,” he wrote in his report.

Michael Nerney, Football Secretary, said that the 8-in-a-row was a great achievement. “The players left nothing to chance and they trained exceptionally hard all year, they also won the Senior Football League in July and we were very unlucky to meet an excellent St Vincents team in our first game in the Leinster Club Championship”, he reported.

Mary Murphy, Hurling Secretary, wrote of the emergence of a young and talented squad at senior level, the heartbreak of being relegated and the injustice that led to it. With an almost completely new team they showed tremendous pride in the jersey against county champions, Camross, in the opening round. They were ahead at the end of the sixty minutes when the referee announced two minutes of injury time but incredibly allowed play to continue for Camross to draw level with the last puck. After another heart-warming display they were shaded by a few points in the relay. “Again some frustrating refereeing but Portlaoise have come to realise that comes with the territory for the Town hurlers for some reason or other over many years.”

Death of Owen Deegan

It was a very sad occasion for Town fans with the news of the death of Owen Deegan in June. Owen gave a lifetime of commitment and service to the Town and was one of its greatest fans and admirers. In the early 1980s he was responsible for bringing the Tipperary hurling legend, Jimmy Doyle, his brother-in-law, on board to help the hurling effort in the club. It was not long until Jimmy, along with long-time team manager, Tom Lalor, brought Portlaoise to the top of the hurling tree in the county winning four titles in a row from 1981 to ’84. Owen was a warm and witty character who enlightened every company graced by his presence. Owen, always a man with a word of encouragement for Portlaoise players, will be sadly missed by his family and also by his legion of friends in the “Town he loved so well”. The unexpected death a mere twelve months later of Jimmy Doyle brought added grief to the Doyle and Deegan families and both are deeply mourned and fondly remembered by Portlaoise fans.

Senior Football

The Town side, bidding for their eighth title on the trot, got off to a jittery start with a second round meeting with Emo. The sides were locked at three points each when “Bruno” McCormack scored a typical opportunist goal when getting possession from the rebound of a great save by the Emo keeper, Paul Kirwan. Portlaoise led by 1-5 to 0-4 when they were struck a big blow when Paul Cahillane, who had scored two early points, was shown a red card on twenty minutes. Emo were doing most of the football but it was that man “Bruno” who again struck when outjumping Kirwan to flick to the net. This gave the Town a five point advantage at the break but it was all Emo in the second half. They forced back to level matters on two occasions but scores by Craig Rogers, Murray Rogers and Conor Boyle proved crucial to clinch the tie 2-11 to 0-15.

In the quarter-final against Portarlington it looked all over at half-time but not the way the Town fans wished for. Portarlington ran them a merry dance in the opening half and fully deserved their six point, 1-9 to 1-3, halftime lead. Zach Tuohy, who had come on just before half-time, was full forward on the restart and had the ball in the net within twenty seconds. “Bruno” tacked on a point before Gareth Dillon placed Liam McGovern on the edge of the square for another quick-fire goal. Within minutes Zach had the ball in the net again and the Town lads went on to complete a decisive 4-11 to 1-12 win. They had turned around a six point deficit into a four point lead within seven minutes of the restart thus making a bold statement for all and sundry that once again the Town footballers meant business.

The semi-final proved another battle. O’Dempseys successfully tied down the Portlaoise main threats in the opening half and a goal by Michael Finlay in the 30th minute sent them in at the break leading by 1-3 to 0-3. There was no sense of urgency by the Town lads as they tried to contain an enthusiastic opposition A long ball by Adrian Kelly bounced off the turf and struck the crossbar. “Bruno” followed up and his fisted effort again hit the cross-bar. Craig Rogers was on hand to finish neatly. This was part of a 1-4 run by Portlaoise and despite O’Dempseys best efforts the Town went on to win 1-12 to 1-6, without stretching themselves unduly.

The “Leinster Express” reported all year that the “Town” were there for the taking but statistics prove otherwise and they certainly were not for the taking in the final. Their opponents, Arles/Killeen, looked formidable opponents. The local paper put Arles-Killeen at the head of the SFC “Power-Rating” after their semi-final demolition of Graiguecullen with Portlaoise judged as second-raters. The opposition were in the game in the early stages but when Paul Cahillane put the Town ahead for the first time after twenty minutes it was the turning point. Quick points by Conor Boyle, Stuart Nerney and “Bruno” McCormack had the Town clear by four points at the break. They were never seriously threatened in the second half and a goal by Ricky Maher in injury time was merely the icing on the cake.

Portlaoise had too much firepower up front and the defence full of experience and a mix of youth with captain, Cahir Healy, leading by example proved rock solid throughout. Cahir admitted to being humbled when getting the “Man-of-the- Match” award before receiving the Delaney Cup, completing the eight-in-a-row for the Town.

Scorers: Portlaoise: Paul Cahillane (1-4, 0-3 frees), Craig Rogers (0-4 frees), Ricky Maher (1-0), Brian McCormack (0- 2), Gareth Dillon, Conor Boyle, David Seale and Stuart Nerney (0-1 each). Arles-Killeen: Paul Kingston (0-4 frees), Jason Enright (0-3 frees), Donie Kingston (0-2, 0-1 free).

Portlaoise: Michael Nolan, Brian Mulligan, Paul Cotter, David Seale, Eoghan Whelan, Cahir Healy (Capt.), Conor Boyle, Stuart Nerney, Kieran Lillis Adrian Kelly, Brian McCormack, Brian Glynn, Paul Cahillane, Gareth Dillon, Craig Rogers. Subs: Graham Brody, Eoghan Feane, Rickie Maher, and Liam McGovern.

Arles/Killeen: Michael Leigh, James Mahon, Paul McDonald, Niall O’Rourke, John Mahon, Joseph Mulhare, Shane Julian, Donal Brennan, Sean O’Shea, Billy O’Loughlin, Paul Kingston, Conor Keightley. Subs: Brendan O’Shea, Enda O’Rourke, Brian McDonald.

In the Leinster club championship Portlaoise received a walk over in round one as the Wexford champions were not available due to late completion of their championship. St Vincents, Dublin, Leinster and All-Ireland champions were the visitors to O Moore Park in a game that promised fireworks after their brilliant meeting in the previous year’s championship. Vincents made a fast start and led 1-2 to 0-0 after 8 mins. Despite the poor start Portlaoise were only behind by one point at half time. Vincents repeated their quick start to the second half and ran out deserving winners 3-11 to 0-10. It was a disappointing result for Town fans.

Portlaoise also won the ACFL Div 1 title beating Portarlington 2-13 to 0-14 in the final.

Senior Hurling

Portlaoise went into their first round game of the championship with a forlorn hope having lost all their league games and now facing the reigning champions, Camross. But they had prepared well and dominated proceedings with their young and inexperienced side showing great skill and pace. A number of missed chances, however, kept their scoring down and they led by a single point at the break. In a frenetic second half the town lads kept the pressure on and a point from his own ‘65’ against the breeze put them ahead at the end of the hour. The referee announced two minutes injury time but to the dismay of Portlaoise fans and neutrals alike he allowed play to continue for six minutes until Camross equalised from a free. The prize for first round winners was a place in the quarter-finals and the removal of the threat of relegation, which was a huge prize for this valiant if inexperienced town side. It was bare-faced robbery! Final score: Camross 0-17; Portlaoise 2-11.

Portlaoise: Craig Haslam, Keith Murphy, Chris Lynch, Eoin Phelan, Patrick Ryan, Ciaran McEvoy, Darragh Duggan, Conor Dunne, Joe Phelan, Tony Byrne, Tommy Fitzgerald, Cian Taylor, Dean Lynch, Darragh Rigney, Shane Smith. Subs: Robbie McGuinness, Gary Bergin, Caolan Murphy, Seanie Culleton.

If the Laois hurling world felt it was a flash in the pan from Portlaoise, this theory was exploded in the replay. In an end to end thriller Portlaoise were just shaded by two points, 3-10 to 1-14. For long stretches in the thriller it looked like the town lads but a few missed chances cost them dearly. This time, however, there was no time extension and Camross survived while Portlaoise were devastated.

Portlaoise never raised their game to the earlier heights and were rather disappointing against the Harps losing by 2-12 to 0- 11 in the second series. They now faced relegation having to face Borris/Kilcotton in the play-off. The game was fixed for the weekend of the Electric Picnic in Stradbally and Portlaoise sought a postponement because some of the young players had bought tickets for the big local event. Appeals went unheeded and once again the town hurlers were punished when a below- par performance left them trailing 1-17 to 0-8 at the end and relegation to Senior One ‘B’ for 1915.

Portlaoise: Craig Haslam, Eoin Phelan, Joe Phelan, Keith Murphy, Darragh Duggan, Ciaran McEvoy, Conor Dunne, Cian Taylor, Dean Lynch, Tony Byrne, Darragh Rigney, Patrick Ryan, Cahir Healy, Tommy Fitzgerald, Gary Bergin. Subs: Shane Smith, Seanie Culleton, Robbie McGuinness.

Intermediate Football

Portlaoise bowed out at the quarter-final stage to Annanough by 0-17 to1-10 after a hard-fought game. The winners led by 0-8 to 0-6 at the break and Danny Carroll extended the lead to three points on the restart. A goal by Shane McManus had the scores level after 37 minutes and it looked as if the town could go on to win the game. But it was Annanough that finished the stronger despite Portlaoise’s brave efforts.

Portlaoise: Richard Downey, David Brown, John Delaney, J.P Seale, Darragh McAuley, Brian McCormack, Dean Lynch, Chris Lynch, James Nerney, Colin Finn, Dean Cullen, Ciaran McEvoy, Aaron Rafter, Martin Staunton, Donnacha O’Reilly. Subs: Donal Fitzgibbon, Shane McManus, Brian Seale, Scott Lawless.

Intermediate Hurling

Portlaoise led by two points at the break against Park/Ratheniska but a deceptive long ball into the square from Jimmy Langton caught the Portlaoise defence napping at the three quarter stage and the Park/Ratheniska squad held out for victory by 2-11 to 1-10. The Harps had earlier beaten them 0-13 to 1-4 in an earlier game.

Junior Football

The Harps 2-10; Portlaoise 1-8. Portlaoise 5-9; The Rock 0-9. Courtwood 2-13; Portlaoise 0-9.

Junior “B” Football

Lost to Graiguecullen 3-10 to 4-2.

Junior Hurling

Won first round beating Clough/Ballacolla 3-16 to 0-4 but were knocked out in round two by The Harps 4-13 to 0-10.

Under 21 Hurling

Portlaoise powered their way to the final for the first time in many years in the grade and came within a whisker of ousting the kingpins, Borris/Kilcotton, in a gripping finish. It was star forward, P.J. Scully, who left the biggest mark on the game finishing with a tally of 1-12; and it was he who struck the lethal blow when he scored the vital goal with two minutes remaining. Portlaoise set the early pace with a blistering display and thanks to a goal by Colm Gleeson led by three points approaching the break. But the winners hit back with five unanswered points and led by one point 0-10 to 1-6 at half- time. Portlaoise fought back to level the game in the third quarter and it was touch and go until Scully finally settled matters with that late goal. It was a whole-hearted and encouraging showing from the town hurlers – certainly lots of talented hurlers and new promise for the coming years.

Portlaoise: Craig Haslam, Eoin Phelan, Chris Lynch, John Hearn, Conor Dunne, Ciaran McEvoy, Darragh Duggan, Dean Lynch, Shane Smith, Caolan Murphy, Cian Taylor, Colm Gleeson, Robbie McGuinness, Gary Bergin, Seanie Culleton. Subs: Daniel Delaney, David Holland, Eoin Nealon, James Nerney, Dermot Lawless.

Portlaoise had to pull out all the stops to beat Castletown/Slieve Bloom in the semi-final. The game was in the melting pot with minutes remaining when a goal by Seamie Culleton and points from Cian Taylor and Daniel Delaney put them 2-11 to 0-11 clear at the end. The Town had beaten St. Fintans 3-12 to 3-6 in the opening round.

Under 21 Football

Beat Stradbally Parish Gaels 2-12 to 2-11 but lost to Graiguecullen 1-10 to 0-8

Minor Football

Beat Sarsfields 6-12 to 1-15 and O Dempseys 3-8 to 0-8. Beaten by Portarlington 2-13 to 0-8.

Minor Hurling

Lost first round to eventual county champions Na Fianna on a 1-16 to 0-12 scoreline.

Under 14 Hurling

A superb performance from Cathal Duggan helped Portlaoise capture the title against Abbeyleix on a 6-9 to 2-3 scoreline. The Town side led by 4-5 to 2-2 at half-time. Cathal ended with the impressive personal tally of 5-7, with 3-4 coming from play. Portlaoise: Jack Coss, Ben Conroy, Rian O’Connell, Niall Carey, Aodhan Doheny, Eoin O’Connor, Cian Dowling Byrne, Cian Houlihan, Pauric Cahill, Michael Nerney, Luke Rigney, Andrew Swayne, Damien Larkin, Cathal Duggan, Cormac Rigney. Subs: Jamie Hickey, Shane Buggy, Eddie Critchley, Adam Quigley, Ben Brennan.

Under 16 Hurling

After leading by 4-6 to 1-6 at the break, Portlaoise went on to score a runaway 6-14 to 1-12 win over Borris-in-Ossory in the final. With just two minutes on the clock, Aidan Nealon shot to the net to put his team on the right road. Aaron Bergin scored 1- 7 and Ronan O’Sullivan 2-1 as top marksmen while Lee Davis (1-2), Lorcan Duff (1-1), Niall Gleeson (0-2) and Ruari Lewis (0-1) completed the scoring on a great day for town hurling.

Portlaoise: Eoin Dunne, Jack Reddin, Tiernan Brennan, Brian Sheehy, Brian Naughton, Joe Geaney, Aaron Feane, Dylan Feane, Aaron Bergin, John Kavanagh, Lee Davis, Aidan Nealon, Ronan O’Sullivan, Niall Gleeson, Lorcan Duff. Subs: Ruari Lewis, Eoin O’Connor, Patrick Critchley, Jamie Hearns, Conor Doheny.