Brochan O'Reilly

When or why did the O’Reilly’s come to Portlaoise?

We moved to Portlaoise in 1989. My father was in the army and from the Curragh, Co. Kildare but had been transferred to Longford, where we lived for a number of years. My mother was from Bracknagh in Offaly. They were away from and missing their families when we were in Longford, so my father transferred back to the Curragh. Portlaoise was a good halfway point between Offaly and Kildare. I had actually visited Portlaoise the year before we moved to play in the Feile with Longford Slashers. I stayed with Pajo Houlihan in Ballyfin and had a great weekend. Little did I know I’d be packing my bags the following summer to move there and have lived here since.

How did you first get involved Portlaoise GAA and what are your earliest memories?

When we arrived to Portlaoise in 89, we moved in St Brigid’s and next door to the Scullys, who were massive Townies and involved with the club. Peter, Rocky’s son, brought me up to Fr. Brown Avenue and introduced me to the club.

I felt at home and fitted in straight away, playing both football and hurling. Years later, I married Peter’s sister, Teresa, who is also a big fan and heavily involved with the camogie committee, so I have been part of the club since I day I moved.

Did you have any success on the field along the way?

God you’re taking me back now. Some of the dates and years are a bit hazy but I played U14 football and hurling the year I arrived, winning the U14 Football title. I played in midfield alongside Trevor Shore. I played both codes up to minor level and then put my focus on the small ball, which was my first love. I actually had more success underage with the footballers, winning at U14/15 U16 & U17. I was brought on in a minor final when I was 16 but we lost to Graiguecullen, but we got our revenge against them the following year but unfortunately, I was injured for the game. I lost a minor and U21 final with the hurlers in the same year, which was bitterly disappointing, but I had success in 93 with the juniors. At 18, I was playing in mid-field and we beat Ballypickas after a three-game thriller. I also played minor for Laois for three years. I made my senior debut in 95, in the county final against Castletown but unfortunately, we lost. I won my first senior county medal in 98 when we beat The Harps in the final.

Then five years later, I won my second title when we stopped Castletown doing 6 in a row. I also won a junior A title in 2014 and I was the goalie, would you believe.

I won a junior football title also, but I was dropped for the final for a young lad named Tommy Fitzgerald. I think he went on to play senior.

Who were the best players you played with, watched or had a big influence on you?

In football, I played with some great players, Trevor Shore, Martin Delaney, Mickey Fennelly, Wooly, Kevin Fitz, all good players. Brian Mulligan was a great dual player. Growing up, I loved watching the Brownes, Colm and Gerry, great players. Tough as nails. Curly Prendergast, a legend. In the last few years, Bruno is just exceptional.

In hurling, I had the privilege and honour to play with so many great names, too many to list. The Rigneys, Bohanes, Duggan’s, Bergins. Cheddar, Pat Critchley, Joe Phelan, Dessie Killeen. Dessie was hard man to get a score off. Stu Browne the same.

I had the pleasure of playing with John Taylor, a big influence on me and a good friend today. One of the best ever to play the game.

Jimmy Wrest and Bill Phelan were great club men who would bring you everywhere and anywhere for matches. Big influences on me.

You’re known as a bit of a character yourself but what characters have you met around the club?

One man comes to mind straight away, Stapo. Oh God, I could write a book with the stories I could tell you about that man. There’s too many to mention. Going to away matches in Leinster Club games with him and the lads, was some craic. Back to the pub for a few drinks and having the banter with the likes of Noel Hopper, Willie Campion and Willie Dunne. Great days, great characters.

Paddy Fitz was always a great man for a one liner. And not forgetting, the Doc and the Portlaoise Queen.

What do you enjoy most about being part of the club?

The people, it’s all one big happy family. I have made friends they’re for life. Theresa is heavily involved and so are my kids. Its just a great club, great atmosphere and has been a big part of my life for over 30 years.

How did you become a ref?

I started in 2008, the U14 Feile came to Portlaoise. There was an SOS sent out that they were struggling the find referees to cater for all the games.

I volunteered to do the camogie, but I went on course before hand for both camogie and hurling and ended up reffing both throughout the tournament. It went well and I haven’t looked back. I did my first senior county final in 2010 between Rathdowney and Camross and have done several since. I also had a stint at Inter County level. I owe a lot to Tony Maher, who was a big influence on me and someone I have huge respect for.

Advice for young refs?

That’s a tough one. The amount of abuse in the modern game, it’s tough at times. Communication is key. Give respect and communicate with the players so they understand your decision. If you do that and have a good attitude, then in general you get it in return. Ignore the comments coming in from the line and keep focus on the game.

You are now the face of club bingo; how did you get involved?

Mick Ryan gave me a call and told me there was a capital fundraising committee set up and they were going to launch a weekly online bingo. Mick knew I called the numbers in St. Brigid’s so asked would I come on board and I was happy to help.

Then I met the lads and I start hearing about going live and it was going to be on Zoom. I won’t lie I had a few concerns then. What if this all went wrong? I was the one people would be looking at on screen if it did but thankfully it all went well, as the weeks went on it just got better each week and it’s hard to believe we will soon be 1 year on the go.

The lads do huge work week in week out to make sure it all runs smoothly. The likes of Philo Scully, Shane Keane and Bosco are great and put in a lot of time and effort. John Dunne lets us use his office every Friday. I have to mention Mick Ryan in Studio 2 and PJ Kavanagh who were a great help at the start. We have good banter also along the way.

I have to say, I really enjoy it. I look forward to it every Friday night. Getting my hair and make up done before we go live. It's good craic and all for a great cause.

The club have just launched Town25. What’s your view on the future plans to develop the facilities?

The bingo is a big part of the fundraising for Town 25. Like most members I was very excited when I saw the plans. There is great work being done behind the scenes and I am honoured to play my part. I cannot wait for the day we cut the red ribbon on a new clubhouse. It’s a great committee and so much hard work and time is going into it. We kind of fell behind for a few years in terms of facilities and we just don’t have the facilities to cater for the huge numbers playing in Rathleague. I know some people were worried will Town25 fall through, but I don’t think it will. It’s a great team, Club Bingo has been a massive boost and I think we can look forward to a great facility in the future and I hope everyone gets behind it.

Any advice for young aspiring DJ’s?

I tend not to give tips to young DJS as they might take my gigs. Be friendly, be professional and play to your audience so everyone can have a dance. Ye can’t all be Jenny Greene.

I have had some great laughs over the years DJ’ing for 21st, 40th and weddings for different townies. Long may it continue.