Portlaoise proposal for Tailteann Cup homecoming for Laois GAA footballers

A proposal to hold a homecoming event in Portlaoise for the Laois GAA senior footballers is to be put to Laois County Council's CEO after getting the backing of county councillors for the county town. 

Newly elected councillor Tommy Mulligan made the suggestion at the first meeting of the Portlaoise Municipal District since the local elections.

Cllr Mulligan, who is heavily involved in Portlaoise GAA, asked for the local authority's support for an event on Saturday, July 13 after Laois play Down in the Tailteann Cup final.

He said: "It's a huge day for the county and a great opportunity to celebrate what should be a fantastic occasion. Should we consider a homecoming?"

The independent councillor suggested the new roofed outdoor entertainment space at the Portlaoise Music Centre as a possible location. He believes there should be music and free entry.

"It would also be a great opportunity to showcase the new structure," said Cllr Mulligan.

Replying as the new Municipal District Cathaoirleach, Cllr Willie Aird said hosting such an event would be a matter for Laois County Council as the District does not have the budget to provide the funding needed.

Paul McLoughlin, Acting Director of Services responsible for Portlaoise, said he would bring the suggestion to the Acting CEO Simon Walton.

The Tailteann Cup will be the second national trophy the Laois senior footballers have qualified to contest for in 2024. The team won the Allianz National Football League Division Four final in March.

Laois lost last year's Tailteann Cup semi-final to Down. The winner qualifies to play in the All-Ireland Senior Championship in 2025.

Laois GAA HQ Laois Hire O'Moore Park was the venue for a homecoming for the Laois Ladies Gaelic Footballers when they won the All-Ireland Intermediate LGFA final in 2022. There was no official homecoming for the Laois Senior Hurlers when they won the Joe McDonagh Cup Final in 2019.