End of an era as Laois GAA footballer calls time on his inter-county career

Laois and Portlaoise midfielder Kieran Lillis has announced that his days of wearing the blue and white jersey of his beloved county Laois are over.

Lillis has played for Laois in all the age grades since his was 14 with him playing a 20th season in 2024. He was part of the Laois team that captured the Division 4 title in March as well as coming off the bench against Down in Laois' defeat in the Tailteann Cup final in July. The Portlaoise player also captained his county from 2020 until 2022.

He announced his Laois retirement in a social media post. " Although it ended in a loss, ending an amazing 20-year journey in the blue and white—from starting at age 14 to finishing in HQ—isn’t a bad way to bow out.

I’m incredibly grateful to my family, my club, my teammates, mentors, and the supporters who have been there for me every step of the way. Laois, Laois, Laois," it said.

Lillis had a great campaign for Portlaoise in the Laois Senior Football Championship too which saw him play at full-forward for Aidan Fennelly's side. Unfortunately, they lost out to Portarlington in the County Final to mark a fifth year since Portlaoise last won a Senior Football title.

He's the third of a golden generation of Portlaoise players to hang up their boots in 2024. 

IN PICTURES: TAP HERE TO SEE PHOTOS OF KIERAN'S CAREER IN BLUE AND WHITE.

Cahir Healy called a halt to his intercounty career with London when they bowed out of the championship this year. Having previously played hurling and football for Laois, he is one of the standout dual players in the past two decades nationally.

Another Portlaoise man of the same vintage also bowed out in 2024. After a shining career as a minor footballer for Laois, Zach Tuohy travelled to Australia where he would become the most capped Irish Aussie Rules player in history. He also achieved the ultimate in Aussie sports by winning the AFL Grand Final in 2023 with Geelong.

Zach has promised to return and give Gaelic football another shot for Portlaoise and perhaps Laois so he could be seen in the blue and white of Laois in 2025.

Portlaoise GAA paid tribute to Kieran Lillis on the day of his retirement. 

"Just to say to Kieran. Well done on representing yourself, your family, and your club so honourably at all times over the years. You were a leader on and off the field, as you continue to be with Portlaoise, and you can be very proud of the service you gave to Laois.

"We wish you well following retirement from the intercounty scene and we look forward to seeing you play for your beloved club for many more years.

"Well done Kieran - take a bow," said the club on Facebook.