County Laois’ sporting history is a compelling mix of Gaelic games, soccer, rugby, and more, with clubs, facilities, and personalities shaping a proud legacy. Known as the O’Moore County, Laois’ athletic achievements reflect its strong community spirit.
Gaelic Games: The Heart of Laois
Laois GAA oversees 47 clubs, with Gaelic Football and hurling central to the county’s identity. O’Moore Park in Portlaoise, opened in 1919, serves as the primary venue. The Laois senior football team won six Leinster Senior Football Championships (1889, 1936–1938, 1946, 2003) and two National Football League titles (1926, 1986).
The county reached All-Ireland Senior Football Championship finals in 1889 and 1936, and secured All-Ireland Minor Football Championships in 1996, 1997, and 2003. Portlaoise leads club football with 35 Laois Senior Football Championships and seven Leinster titles, alongside an All-Ireland club title in 1983. Stradbally has 16 county titles, while Graiguecullen won nine.
In hurling, Laois won the 1915 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship and three All-Ireland Senior B Championships (1977, 1979, 2002).
The county also claimed the 2019 Joe McDonagh Cup. Camross dominates club hurling with 26 Laois Senior Hurling Championships, followed by The Harps with 13 and a Leinster Intermediate title in 2011. Camogie thrives, with Laois winning the 2007 Nancy Murray Cup and the 2010 National Camogie League Division 3. Standout figures include Mick O’Dwyer, who managed Laois to the 2003 Leinster title, Pat Critchley, a dual-code All-Star, and Liam Irwin, a 1986 All-Star.
- Ross Munnelly: A long-serving, high-scoring forward who was a key part of the 2003 Leinster championship success.
- Colm Browne: Captained Laois to the 1986 National League title, recognized for his elite wing-back play.
- Tommy Murphy: Regarded as one of the best players of his era, with a prestigious GAA cup named in his honour.
- Bobby Miller: A standout talent from the 1980s, instrumental in the 1986 League win.
- Tom Kelly: An All-Star defender (2003) and a crucial player for Laois in the 2000s.
- Chris Conway: A reliable forward and key contributor to the 2003 Leinster championship-winning team.
- Padraig Clancy: A dominant midfielder during the successful 2000s era.
- Fergal Byron: An influential goalkeeper known for his shot-stopping during the 2003 campaign.
- Mick Lawlor: A stalwart forward known for his scoring ability across many seasons.
- Joe Higgins: A tough-tackling defender recognized for his performances in the early 2000s.
Soccer: Community Roots
Laois’ soccer scene is led by clubs like Portlaoise AFC, competing in the Leinster Senior League and Combined Counties Soccer League. The club won the 2018 CCFL Premier Division and reached the 2019 FAI Junior Cup semi-final. Mountmellick United, based at Conor Davis Park, claimed the 2017 CCFL Division 1 title. Rosenallis AFC and Emo Celtic foster grassroots talent in the Laois & District League. Venues like O’Moore Park and Stradbally’s Timahoe Park support local matches. Gary Rogers, a Mountmellick native and former Dundalk goalkeeper, is a key figure in the county’s soccer history.
Rugby: Growing Presence
Portlaoise RFC, founded in 1968 and based at Togher, won the 2013 Leinster League Division 2B and the 2019 Provincial Towns Cup. Portarlington RFC, at Lea Road, competes in the Leinster League. Leinster Rugby, representing Laois and beyond, plays at the RDS and Aviva Stadium in Dublin, winning four European Rugby Champions Cups (2009, 2011, 2012, 2018). Ian McKinley, a Portlaoise native who played for Leinster and Italy, is a prominent rugby figure.
Other Sports and Facilities
Golf thrives at courses like The Heath Golf Club, founded in 1930, and Portarlington Golf Club, established in 1909. Athletics is strong through clubs like St Michael’s AC, while boxing and cycling benefit from facilities like Portlaoise Leisure Centre. O’Moore Park and local grounds like Stradbally’s Bill Delaney Park ensure community access. The Laois Sports Partnership promotes grassroots participation across sports like basketball and swimming.
A Lasting Legacy
Laois’ sporting culture shines through clubs like Portlaoise GAA, Camross, and Portlaoise RFC, supported by venues like O’Moore Park. With personalities like O’Dwyer, Critchley, and McKinley, the county’s athletic tradition continues to inspire, uniting communities in pursuit of excellence.
Sports in the county
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
County Laois:
Ireland’s county Laois offers a serene blend of historic sites and natural landscapes, with the Rock of Dunamase providing panoramic views from its ancient castle ruins. Emo Court’s elegant Georgian mansion and gardens offer a peaceful retreat, while the Slieve Bloom Mountains provide hiking trails through rolling hills. Laois is Ireland’s ninth smallest county by size (1,719 square km) and tenth smallest by population (91,877). Population peaked at 153,930 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 44,595 in 1966. In terms of hospitality, Laois is Ireland’s 27th most visited tourist county with around 52,000 international visitors per year.
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