Laois GAA
Encyclopedia
The Laois County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association
(GAA) or Laois GAA is one of the 32 county boards
of the GAA in Ireland
, and is responsible for Gaelic games
in County Laois
and the Laois inter-county teams.
, enjoying comparative success at both Gaelic Football and Hurling. Laois are one of a select group of counties to have contested All Ireland finals in both football and hurling, and are six times Leinster Senior Football Champions, and three times Leinster Senior Hurling Champions.
In recent times Laois have been more successful footballers than hurlers. Laois minors have had considerable success over the past two decades, and the Laois senior footballers reached the Leinster final in 2003 (victorious), 2004, and 2005.
Laois hurlers currently compete in the Liam McCarthy Cup
, a competition reserved for the premiere hurling counties.
Laois beat Monaghan
by a point in the 1986 National Football League final. Liam Irwin
and Colm Browne
both won All Stars for their performances that year.
During the 1990's Laois had a number of successes at Minor and U-21 level, including All-Ireland Minor Football Championship
s in 1996 and 1997.
During the mid 2000's Laois Gaelic Football became a strong force at all age levels.
Under former Kerry
and Kildare
manager Mick O'Dwyer
Laois were National Football League
runner ups and Leinster Senior Football Championship
winners in 2003. Laois would go on to contest Leinster final again in 2004 (lost after a replay) and 2005 (lost by 1 point).
During the same period the Minor team were All-Ireland Minor Champions
in 2003, and Leinster Champions
in 2004, 2005 and 2007; while the U-21 panel were Leinster Champions
in 2006 and 2007.
In 2006, Mick O'Dwyer
's management of Laois ended and he was replaced by the former Limerick
manager, Liam Kearns
. After two years Liam Kearns was replaced by Sean Dempsey in 2008. Dempsey who had led the Laois minors to All Ireland success in 2003 commenced a major re-building exercise in 2009 but failed to achieve any success and was replaced by Justin McNulty
for the 2011 season.
In addition, all teams compete in the All-County Football League
from Division 1 down to Division 5.
Laois Senior Football Championship
Laois Intermediate Football Championship
Laois Junior Football Championship
Laois Junior "B" Football Championship
Laois Junior "C" Football Championship
Laois Under 21 Football Championship
Laois Minor Football Championship
title, in 1915, when the day was so wet the team reportedly played the second half in their overcoats.
Laois currently competes in the Liam McCarthy Cup
(Tier 1 of the Senior Hurling Championship), but has also won three All-Ireland Senior B Hurling Championship
s.
The hurlers reached National Hurling League
semi-finals in 1981 and 1983 before losing the Centenary Cup hurling final to Cork in 1984, and were back in the National Hurling League
semi-final in 1996.
Laois most recently contested the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship
final in 1985, in what was to be a disappointing final defeat against Offaly
.
In addition, all teams compete in the All-County Hurling League
from Division 1 down to Division 5.
Laois Senior Hurling Championship
Laois Intermediate Hurling Championship
Laois Junior Hurling Championship
Laois Under 21 Hurling Championship
Laois Minor Hurling Championship
Laois Junior "B" Hurling Championship
Laois Junior "C" Hurling Championship
won three All Ireland junior club titles in 2006-8. Laois won the Nancy Murray Cup in 2007. They won the third division of the National Camogie League
in 2010. They won the under-16 B title in 2000.
Notable players include soaring star award winners Louise Mahony
and Eimear Moynan
Under Camogie’s National Development Plan 2010-2015, “Our Game, Our Passion,” Carlow, Cavan, Laois, Louth and Roscommon are to get a total of 17 new clubs by 2015.
Gaelic Athletic Association
The Gaelic Athletic Association is an amateur Irish and international cultural and sporting organisation focused primarily on promoting Gaelic games, which include the traditional Irish sports of hurling, camogie, Gaelic football, handball and rounders...
(GAA) or Laois GAA is one of the 32 county boards
GAA county
A Gaelic Athletic Association county is a geographic region within the Gaelic Athletic Association , controlled by a county board and originally based on the counties of Ireland as they were in 1884. While the counties of Ireland have changed since the foundation of that date, the GAA counties have...
of the GAA in Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
, and is responsible for Gaelic games
Gaelic games
Gaelic games are sports played in Ireland under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The two main games are Gaelic football and hurling...
in County Laois
County Laois
County Laois is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Midlands Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It was formerly known as Queen's County until the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922. The county's name was formerly spelt as Laoighis and Leix. Laois County Council...
and the Laois inter-county teams.
History
Laois are a Dual CountyDual County
Dual county is a term used in Gaelic games to describe a GAA county that competes at a similar level in both hurling and gaelic football. For example, Cork and Dublin play in Division 1 in both the NHL and NFL.Generally recognised dual counties include:...
, enjoying comparative success at both Gaelic Football and Hurling. Laois are one of a select group of counties to have contested All Ireland finals in both football and hurling, and are six times Leinster Senior Football Champions, and three times Leinster Senior Hurling Champions.
In recent times Laois have been more successful footballers than hurlers. Laois minors have had considerable success over the past two decades, and the Laois senior footballers reached the Leinster final in 2003 (victorious), 2004, and 2005.
Laois hurlers currently compete in the Liam McCarthy Cup
Liam McCarthy Cup
The MacCarthy Perpetual Challenge Cup is a trophy awarded annually by the Gaelic Athletic Association to the hurling team that wins the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.-The trophy:...
, a competition reserved for the premiere hurling counties.
Gaelic football
Laois contested the second ever All-Ireland final in 1889 and also won the first ever National Football League final beating Dublin in the 1926 final. 1936 saw the only other appearance by Laois in an All-Ireland senior decider.Laois beat Monaghan
Monaghan GAA
The Monaghan County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Monaghan GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Monaghan and the Monaghan inter-county football and hurling teams. Separate county boards are responsible for the...
by a point in the 1986 National Football League final. Liam Irwin
Liam Irwin
Liam Irwin is a former gaelic football player with Laois in Ireland.Nicknamed "George", he played at midfield and in 1986 was part of the Laois team that won the county's second National Football League title.Liam also picked up an All-Star award that year....
and Colm Browne
Colm Browne
Colm Browne was a Gaelic football player and manager with Laois. He also managed the Tipperary football team.Colm won numerous honours in the game including an All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship with his club Portlaoise in 1983, a National Football League title with Laois in 1986 and an...
both won All Stars for their performances that year.
During the 1990's Laois had a number of successes at Minor and U-21 level, including All-Ireland Minor Football Championship
All-Ireland Minor Football Championship
The All-Ireland Minor Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for under-18 competitors of the game of Gaelic football played in Ireland...
s in 1996 and 1997.
During the mid 2000's Laois Gaelic Football became a strong force at all age levels.
Under former Kerry
Kerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
and Kildare
Kildare GAA
For more information see Kildare Senior Club Football Championship or Kildare Senior Club Hurling Championship.The Kildare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Kildare GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kildare...
manager Mick O'Dwyer
Mick O'Dwyer
Mick O'Dwyer , is an Irish Gaelic football manager and former player. He played Gaelic football with his local club Waterville and was a member of the Kerry senior team from 1956 until 1974...
Laois were National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
runner ups and Leinster Senior Football Championship
Leinster Senior Football Championship
The GAA Leinster Senior Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition in the game of football played in the province of Leinster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Leinster Council and are played during the summer months. The competition involves the counties of...
winners in 2003. Laois would go on to contest Leinster final again in 2004 (lost after a replay) and 2005 (lost by 1 point).
During the same period the Minor team were All-Ireland Minor Champions
All-Ireland Minor Football Championship
The All-Ireland Minor Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for under-18 competitors of the game of Gaelic football played in Ireland...
in 2003, and Leinster Champions
Leinster Minor Football Championship
The Leinster Minor Football Championship is a Gaelic football "knockout" competition played in the province of Leinster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Leinster Council. Each county in the province fields a team in the competition. The term "minor" is given to players who are...
in 2004, 2005 and 2007; while the U-21 panel were Leinster Champions
Leinster Under-21 Football Championship
For information on the latest U-21 championship see: Leinster U21 Football Championship 2007The Leinster Under-21 Football Championship is the Under 21 "knockout" competition in the game of Gaelic football played in the province of Leinster in Ireland...
in 2006 and 2007.
In 2006, Mick O'Dwyer
Mick O'Dwyer
Mick O'Dwyer , is an Irish Gaelic football manager and former player. He played Gaelic football with his local club Waterville and was a member of the Kerry senior team from 1956 until 1974...
's management of Laois ended and he was replaced by the former Limerick
Limerick GAA
The Limerick County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Limerick GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Limerick...
manager, Liam Kearns
Liam Kearns
Liam Kearns is the former manager of the Limerick and Laois gaelic football teams.Tralee man Kearns, whose mother is from Laois, was appointed as Mick O'Dwyer’s successor in September 2006. He previously managed Limerick for six years and helped to raise the county’s profile in that time...
. After two years Liam Kearns was replaced by Sean Dempsey in 2008. Dempsey who had led the Laois minors to All Ireland success in 2003 commenced a major re-building exercise in 2009 but failed to achieve any success and was replaced by Justin McNulty
Justin McNulty
Justin McNulty is an Irish Gaelic football manager and former player for Armagh. He played football with his local club Mullaghbawn in Armagh and was a member of the Armagh senior football team from 1995 to 2005...
for the 2011 season.
Honours
- All-Ireland Senior Football ChampionshipAll-Ireland Senior Football ChampionshipThe All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the premier competition in Gaelic football, is a series of games organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and played during the summer and early autumn...
Finalists: 2- 1889, 1936
- All-Ireland Minor Football ChampionshipAll-Ireland Minor Football ChampionshipThe All-Ireland Minor Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for under-18 competitors of the game of Gaelic football played in Ireland...
s: 3- 1996, 1997, 2003
- All-Ireland Junior Football ChampionshipAll-Ireland Junior Football ChampionshipThe All-Ireland Junior Football Championship is a Gaelic Athletic Association competition for junior gaelic football inter-county teams in Ireland. The definition of what constitutes a junior player differs from county to county. In some, the junior team is the second team after the senior team...
s: 1- 1973
- All-Ireland ‘B’: 1
- 1993
- National Football LeagueNational Football League (Ireland)The National Football League is a Gaelic football tournament held annually between the county teams of Ireland, under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The prize for the winning team is the New Ireland Cup, presented by the New Ireland Assurance Company...
: 2- 1926, 1986
- Runners Up: 2003
- Semi-finalists: 1952, 1978, 1994, 1995, 1997
- Leinster Senior Football ChampionshipLeinster Senior Football ChampionshipThe GAA Leinster Senior Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition in the game of football played in the province of Leinster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Leinster Council and are played during the summer months. The competition involves the counties of...
s: 6- 1889, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1946, 2003
- Leinster U21 Football Championships: 8
- 1964, 1969, 1982, 1987, 1994, 1998, 2006, 2007
- Leinster Minor Football ChampionshipLeinster Minor Football ChampionshipThe Leinster Minor Football Championship is a Gaelic football "knockout" competition played in the province of Leinster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Leinster Council. Each county in the province fields a team in the competition. The term "minor" is given to players who are...
s: 9- 1932, 1966, 1967, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2004, 2005, 2007
- Leinster Junior Football ChampionshipLeinster Junior Football ChampionshipThe Leinster Junior Football Championship is a junior "knockout" competition in the game of Gaelic football played in the province of Leinster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Leinster Council. The competition began in 1906, with Wicklow winning during the inaugural year. The...
s: 5- 1907, 1941, 1968, 1973, 1993
- O'Byrne CupO'Byrne CupThe O'Byrne Cup is a Gaelic football competition organised by the Leinster GAA. The competition is named after Matt O'Byrne, a former Wicklow GAA club officer. Participants include the twelve county teams and four colleges. The O'Byrne Cup 2011 champions are Kildare, who beat Louth in the final by...
: 5- 1978, 1987, 1991, 1994 and 2005
- All Stars: 5
- 1986 (Colm BrowneColm BrowneColm Browne was a Gaelic football player and manager with Laois. He also managed the Tipperary football team.Colm won numerous honours in the game including an All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship with his club Portlaoise in 1983, a National Football League title with Laois in 1986 and an...
, Liam IrwinLiam IrwinLiam Irwin is a former gaelic football player with Laois in Ireland.Nicknamed "George", he played at midfield and in 1986 was part of the Laois team that won the county's second National Football League title.Liam also picked up an All-Star award that year....
), 2003 (Fergal ByronFergal ByronFergal Byron is a former Gaelic football player for Laois.A goalkeeper, he won a Leinster Senior Football Championship medal with Laois in 2003 and picked up an All-Star award in the same year...
, Joe Higgins, Tom KellyTom Kelly (gaelic football)Tom Kelly is a former Gaelic football player from Laois in Ireland.His club is St Josephs GAA. He usually plays at centre back for Laois and in 2003 won an All-Star award and was part of the Laois team that won the Leinster Senior Football Championship title for the first time since 1946.Kelly...
)
- 1986 (Colm Browne
- Women's MF in 1992
- PortlaoisePortlaoise GAA% !!!5 TIMES COUNTY CHAMPIONS!!!Portlaoise GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association hurling and gaelic football club in Portlaoise, County Laois, Ireland....
won All-Ireland Senior Club Football ChampionshipAll-Ireland Senior Club Football ChampionshipThe All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship is an annual Gaelic football tournament run since 1971, played between the thousands of senior football clubs in Ireland. The current champions are Crossmaglen Rangers of Armagh, who defeated St. Brigid's of Roscommon on March 17, 2011 to win their...
in 1983
Famous Former Players
- Bill DelaneyBill DelaneyBill Delaney was a famous Gaelic football player for Laois GAA. His sudden death in July 2000 brought great sadness to the entire county but rekindled memories of a glorious career in the Gaelic Athletic Association as a player, referee and administrator.- Career :From a famous footballing family...
- Tommy MurphyTommy Murphy (Gaelic Footballer)Tommy Murphy was a famous Gaelic footballer for County Laois, Ireland.Tommy Murphy was born in Graiguecullen, County Laois in 1921. He was educated in the nearby Knockbeg College in Carlow. Murphy played for the Laois Minors when he was just 15 and came to prominence in 1937 when he played his...
- Mick HaughneyMick HaughneyMick Haughney was a famous football player from County Laois in Ireland.Nicknamed "Cutchie", Mick was a native of the Carlow border town of Graiguecullen....
- Des ConnollyDes ConnollyDes Connolly was a famous football player from County Laois in Ireland.Des was a native of Ballyfoyle in the Ballylinan parish but played all his club football with the Carlow border club, Graiguecullen....
- Paddy DunnePaddy Dunne (Gaelic footballer)Paddy Dunne was a Gaelic football player from Park, County Laois in Ireland.He played for many years on the Laois senior football team in the centre half back position and was widely regarded as one of the outstanding players in Ireland of the 1950s....
- Fintan WalshFintan WalshFintan Walsh is a former gaelic football player from County Laois in Ireland.He played for many years on the Laois senior football team in the forwards and was widely regarded as one of the outstanding players in Ireland of the 1950s and early 1960s...
- Jack KennaJack KennaJack Kenna was a gaelic football player from County Laois in Ireland. He was born in Kilmullen.He played for many years on the Laois GAA senior football team in the forwards and was widely regarded as one of the outstanding players in Ireland of the 1950s...
- Bobby Miller
- Karl LenihanKarl Lenihan-Playing career:He played on the Laois senior football during the 1970s and 1980s, primarily in midfield. During that period he was widely regarded as one of the top players in the county in his position....
- Tom PrendergastTom PrendergastTom "Curley" Prendergast is a former gaelic football player with Laois in Ireland.His inter county career spanned 11 years , although he missed out in 1985 when he signed off the panel. In 1986 Prendergast was a member of the National Football League title winning squad...
- Liam IrwinLiam IrwinLiam Irwin is a former gaelic football player with Laois in Ireland.Nicknamed "George", he played at midfield and in 1986 was part of the Laois team that won the county's second National Football League title.Liam also picked up an All-Star award that year....
- Colm BrowneColm BrowneColm Browne was a Gaelic football player and manager with Laois. He also managed the Tipperary football team.Colm won numerous honours in the game including an All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship with his club Portlaoise in 1983, a National Football League title with Laois in 1986 and an...
- Mick AherneMick AherneMick Aherne was a gaelic football and hurling player from County Laois in Ireland.He played for many years on the Laois senior football and hurling teams in the defence....
- Mick DempseyMick DempseyMichael "Mick" Dempsey is a former gaelic football player and manager from County Laois in Ireland.-Playing career:He captained his club St Josephs to the Laois Senior Football Championship title in 1983....
- Pat RoePat Roe-Playing career:Roe played for Laois senior football team from the mid-1980s until the 1990s primarily as a defender but also in midfield. During that period he was widely regarded as one of the top players in the country in his position....
- Leo TurleyLeo TurleyLeo Turley is a former gaelic football player from County Laois in Ireland.-Playing career:Leo played for the Laois senior football team from the late 1980s until the 1990s primarily as a forward...
- Mick LawlorMick LawlorMick Lawlor is a gaelic football player from County Laois in Ireland.He played for Laois senior football team, primarily in attack, throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s...
- Tony MaherTony Maher (Gaelic football)Tony Maher is a former gaelic football player from County Laois in Ireland.He played for Laois senior football team, primarily in midfield, throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s...
- Denis LalorDenis LalorDenis Lalor is a former hurling and gaelic football player from County Laois in Ireland.He played for Laois senior football and hurling teams throughout the 1990s....
- George DoyleGeorge DoyleGeorge Doyle is a gaelic football player from County Laois in Ireland.He played on the Laois senior football team throughout the 1990s, primarily as a defender but also in midfield...
- Hugh EmersonHugh EmersonHugh Emerson is a former Gaelic football player for Laois.He made his debut for Laois in 1992 as an 18 year old against Meath and starred in a memorable victory that day...
- Damien DelaneyDamien Delaney (Gaelic football)Damien Delaney is a former Gaelic football player for Laois.He won a Leinster Senior Football Championship medal with Laois in 2003 and he also helped Laois to a Leinster Under 21 Football title in 1994....
- Ian FitzgeraldIan FitzgeraldIan Fitzgerald is a former gaelic football player from County Laois in Ireland.He played his club football for Portlaoise and was also a member of the Laois senior team....
- Fergal ByronFergal ByronFergal Byron is a former Gaelic football player for Laois.A goalkeeper, he won a Leinster Senior Football Championship medal with Laois in 2003 and picked up an All-Star award in the same year...
- Chris ConwayChris ConwayChris Conway is a Gaelic football player from Laois in Ireland.He plays for the Arles-Kilcruise club. He formerly played at centre forward for Laois and in 2003 was part of the Laois team that won the Leinster Senior Football Championship title for the first time since 1946, before departing the...
- Kevin FitzpatrickKevin FitzpatrickKevin Fitzpatrick is a Gaelic football player from County Laois in Ireland.He plays his club football for Portlaoise and was also a member of the Laois senior team....
- Joe Higgins
- Tom KellyTom Kelly (gaelic football)Tom Kelly is a former Gaelic football player from Laois in Ireland.His club is St Josephs GAA. He usually plays at centre back for Laois and in 2003 won an All-Star award and was part of the Laois team that won the Leinster Senior Football Championship title for the first time since 1946.Kelly...
- Brian McDonald
- Darren RooneyDarren RooneyDarren Rooney is a gaelic football and hurling player from Laois in Ireland. His dual status makes him most unusual in the modern GAA.He currently plays for the Parnells club in Dublin...
- Noel GarvanNoel GarvanNoel Garvan is a retired inter county Gaelic football player from Laois in Ireland.His club is St Josephs GAA club. He usually played at midfield for Laois and played a huge part in 2003 when Laois ended the 57 year wait for the Leinster Senior Football Championship title.Noel emerged on to the...
Laois Gaelic football Squad
(2011 panel as of 21/6/2011)Laois Club Football
The major local club competitions in Laois are the championships which are listed below.In addition, all teams compete in the All-County Football League
Laois All-County Football League
The Laois All-County Football League is a Gaelic football competition run annually by Laois GAA as a secondary competition to the local championships....
from Division 1 down to Division 5.
Laois Senior Football Championship
Laois Intermediate Football Championship
Laois Intermediate Football Championship
The Laois Intermediate Football Championship is an annual Gaelic Athletic Association club competition between the second grade Laois Clubs. The winners of the Laois Championship winners qualify to represent their county in the Leinster Intermediate Club Football Championship and in turn, go on to...
Laois Junior Football Championship
Laois Junior "B" Football Championship
Laois Junior "C" Football Championship
Laois Under 21 Football Championship
Laois Under 21 Football Championship
The Laois Under 21 Football Championship is an annual Gaelic Athletic Association club competition between the under 21 players of Laois Clubs. The 2011 Under 21 football champions are St Josephs/Barrowhouse who defeated Mountmellick/Ballyfin in the final to secure their second title in the grade.A...
Laois Minor Football Championship
Laois Minor Football Championship
The Laois Minor Football Championship is an annual Gaelic Athletic Association club competition between the under 18 players of Laois clubs. The 2011 minor football champions are Portlaoise who defeated St Josephs/Barrowhouse in the final by a scoreline of 2-12 to 0-6.A subsidiary competition the...
Hurling
Laois won one All-Ireland Senior Hurling ChampionshipAll-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in Ireland....
title, in 1915, when the day was so wet the team reportedly played the second half in their overcoats.
Laois currently competes in the Liam McCarthy Cup
Liam McCarthy Cup
The MacCarthy Perpetual Challenge Cup is a trophy awarded annually by the Gaelic Athletic Association to the hurling team that wins the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.-The trophy:...
(Tier 1 of the Senior Hurling Championship), but has also won three All-Ireland Senior B Hurling Championship
All-Ireland Senior B Hurling Championship
The All-Ireland Senior B Hurling Championship was an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association between 1974 and 2004 for the so-called 'weaker' hurling teams in Ireland....
s.
The hurlers reached National Hurling League
National Hurling League
The National Hurling League is an annual hurling competition between the county teams of Ireland. Contested by 35 teams , it operates on a system of promotion and relegation between four different divisions, with Division One...
semi-finals in 1981 and 1983 before losing the Centenary Cup hurling final to Cork in 1984, and were back in the National Hurling League
National Hurling League
The National Hurling League is an annual hurling competition between the county teams of Ireland. Contested by 35 teams , it operates on a system of promotion and relegation between four different divisions, with Division One...
semi-final in 1996.
Laois most recently contested the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship
Leinster Senior Hurling Championship
The Leinster GAA Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1888 for the top hurling teams in the province of Leinster in Ireland....
final in 1985, in what was to be a disappointing final defeat against Offaly
Offaly GAA
The Offaly County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Offaly GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Offaly...
.
Honours
- All-Ireland Senior Hurling ChampionshipAll-Ireland Senior Hurling ChampionshipThe GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in Ireland....
: 1- 1915
- National Hurling LeagueNational Hurling LeagueThe National Hurling League is an annual hurling competition between the county teams of Ireland. Contested by 35 teams , it operates on a system of promotion and relegation between four different divisions, with Division One...
: 0- semi-finalists 1981, 1983, 1996.
- Div 2 Hurling in 1960 and 1965
- All-Ireland Senior B Hurling ChampionshipAll-Ireland Senior B Hurling ChampionshipThe All-Ireland Senior B Hurling Championship was an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association between 1974 and 2004 for the so-called 'weaker' hurling teams in Ireland....
s: 3- 1977, 1979, 2002
- All Ireland U21 B:
- 2004
- Leinster Senior Hurling ChampionshipLeinster Senior Hurling ChampionshipThe Leinster GAA Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1888 for the top hurling teams in the province of Leinster in Ireland....
s: 3- 1914, 1915, 1949
- Leinster Under-21 Hurling ChampionshipLeinster Under-21 Hurling ChampionshipFor the Senior equivalent see: Leinster Senior Hurling ChampionshipThe Leinster U-21 Hurling Championship or for sponsorship reasons the Erin Leinster Under-21 Hurling Championship is an U-21 hurling tournament. The first tournament took place in 1964 when Wexford were crowned champions. Wexford...
s: 1- 1983
- Leinster Minor Hurling ChampionshipLeinster Minor Hurling ChampionshipThe ESB Leinster Minor Hurling Championship is the Minor "knockout" competition in the game of Hurling played in the province of Leinster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Leinster Council...
s: 4- 1934, 1940, 1941, 1964
- Leinster Junior Hurling ChampionshipLeinster Junior Hurling ChampionshipThe Leinster Junior Hurling Championship is a junior "knockout" competition in the game of Hurling played in the province of Leinster in Ireland...
s: 3- 1910, 1914, 1933
- Walsh CupWalsh Cup (hurling)The Walsh Cup is an annual hurling competition organised by the Leinster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1954 for the top inter-county and third-level hurling teams in the province of Leinster in Ireland. The cup was named after Tom Walsh , Chairman of the Leinster Council...
: 2- 1980, 1991
- Walsh ShieldWalsh Cup (hurling)The Walsh Cup is an annual hurling competition organised by the Leinster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1954 for the top inter-county and third-level hurling teams in the province of Leinster in Ireland. The cup was named after Tom Walsh , Chairman of the Leinster Council...
: 1- 2008, 2010
- Kehoe CupKehoe CupThe Kehoe Cup is an annual hurling competition organised by the Leinster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1977 for inter-county and third-level hurling teams in the province of Leinster in Ireland. The Kehoe Cup is named after Michael Kehoe , former GAA President and Chairman of...
: 1- 1982
- All Stars: 1
- 1985 (Pat CritchleyPat CritchleyPat Critchley is a well known sportsman from County Laois, Ireland. He has played at National League level in hurling, football and basketball. He is a member of Portlaoise GAA club, with whom he won 14 Laois senior county championships - seven each in hurling and football. He went on to win three...
)
- 1985 (Pat Critchley
Notable Former Players
- Mick AherneMick AherneMick Aherne was a gaelic football and hurling player from County Laois in Ireland.He played for many years on the Laois senior football and hurling teams in the defence....
- Jack FinlayJack FinlayJohn Finlay was a famous Irish sports person who played hurling for Laois in the 1910s and in later life was a politician....
- Pat CritchleyPat CritchleyPat Critchley is a well known sportsman from County Laois, Ireland. He has played at National League level in hurling, football and basketball. He is a member of Portlaoise GAA club, with whom he won 14 Laois senior county championships - seven each in hurling and football. He went on to win three...
- PJ CuddyPJ CuddyPJ Cuddy was a hurling player with Laois and Camross. He was voted on the "Laois Team of the Millennium", and has been called "the best full forward of his generation" by the Leinster Express.-Biography:...
- Pat RoePat Roe-Playing career:Roe played for Laois senior football team from the mid-1980s until the 1990s primarily as a defender but also in midfield. During that period he was widely regarded as one of the top players in the country in his position....
- Sean DelaneySean DelaneySean "Rab" Delaney was a famous sportsman from County Laois, Ireland.Aged 55, Sean died suddenly in 2004 and the news stunned the county....
- Timmy FitzpatrickTimmy FitzpatrickTimmy Fitzpatrick was a famous hurling player with Laois and Kilcotton. He was Laois's first choice goalkeeper in the 1940s and he gave some heroic displays. In the 1949 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final against Tipperary, Fitzpatrick was lauded as a Laois hero - despite the...
- Frank KeenanFrank Keenan (hurler)Frank Keenan is an Irish retired hurling manager and former player.An effective full-forward, Keenan enjoyed a successful playing career at club level with Camross and at inter-county level with Laois. He was a key member of the latter team throughout the 1970s and collected two All-Ireland 'B'...
- Paddy Lalor
- Christy O'BrienChristy O'BrienChristy O’Brien is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Borris-in-Ossory and with the Laois senior inter-county team from 1952 until 1969...
- Paddy RuschitzkoPaddy RuschitzkoPaddy 'Rusty' Ruschitzko was an American-born Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Clonad and was a member of the Laois senior inter-county team from the 1930s until the 1950s. Ruschitzko captained Laois in their last All-Ireland final appearance in 1949.-Biography:Patrick...
- John TaylorJohn Taylor (hurler)John Taylor is a retired hurling and gaelic football player from County Laois, in Ireland.John normally played at left half back in his preferred game hurling and won 8 Laois Senior Hurling Championship medals with his club, Portlaoise....
- Denis LalorDenis LalorDenis Lalor is a former hurling and gaelic football player from County Laois in Ireland.He played for Laois senior football and hurling teams throughout the 1990s....
Laois Hurling Squad
Laois Club Hurling
The major local club hurling competitions in Laois are the championships which are listed below.In addition, all teams compete in the All-County Hurling League
Laois All-County Hurling League
The Laois All-County Hurling League is a hurling competition run annually by Laois GAA as a secondary competition to the local championships.There are five divisions and teams are promoted and relegated according to their league standing each year....
from Division 1 down to Division 5.
Laois Senior Hurling Championship
Laois Intermediate Hurling Championship
Laois Intermediate Hurling Championship
The Laois Intermediate Hurling Championship is an annual Gaelic Athletic Association club competition between the second grade Laois hurling clubs. The winners of the championship qualify to represent their county in the Leinster Junior Club Hurling Championship and in turn, go on to the...
Laois Junior Hurling Championship
Laois Under 21 Hurling Championship
Laois Under 21 Hurling Championship
The Laois Under 21 Hurling Championship is an annual Gaelic Athletic Association club competition between the under 21 hurling players of Laois clubs. The 2011 champions are Rathdowney/Errill who defeated Castletown/Slieve Bloom/Ballyfin in the final by a scoreline of 2-21 to 1-10.-Roll of...
Laois Minor Hurling Championship
Laois Minor Hurling Championship
The Laois Minor Hurling Championship is an annual Gaelic Athletic Association club competition between the under 18 players of Laois clubs. The 2011 minor hurling champions are Borris-in-Ossory/Kilcotton who defeated Rathdowney-Errill in the final....
Laois Junior "B" Hurling Championship
Laois Junior "C" Hurling Championship
Camogie
HarpsHarps GAA
The Harps GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association hurling, gaelic football and camogie club in County Laois, Ireland. It is a combination of players from the villages of Cullohill and Durrow.-Details:...
won three All Ireland junior club titles in 2006-8. Laois won the Nancy Murray Cup in 2007. They won the third division of the National Camogie League
National Camogie League
The National Camogie League is the second most important competition in the Irish team sport of Camogie, played exclusively by women. The competition is held in four divisions graded by ability....
in 2010. They won the under-16 B title in 2000.
Notable players include soaring star award winners Louise Mahony
Louise Mahony
Louise Mahoney is a camogie player, winner of a Soaring Star award in 2009.-Awards:She was player of the match when Harps won their third successive All Ireland junior club championship in 2008. She was UCD camogie player of the year for 2004...
and Eimear Moynan
Eimear Moynan
Eimear Moynan is a camogie player, winner of a Soaring Star award in 2009.-External links:* Official Camogie Association Website* On The Ball Official Camogie Magazine and * County and provincial websites:...
Under Camogie’s National Development Plan 2010-2015, “Our Game, Our Passion,” Carlow, Cavan, Laois, Louth and Roscommon are to get a total of 17 new clubs by 2015.