Groundbreaking Laois GAA All-Ireland win features in upcoming event

The only Laois win in a senior men's All-Ireland final in Gaelic games is to be the subject of a special talk during Heritage week in Rathdowney by a well-known historian who specialises in sports history.

Dr Paul Rouse, a professor at University College Dublin, has extensively researched and authored texts on the history of Irish and global sport. His main research interest lies in the history of sport in particular the GAA.

The Laois 1915 All-Ireland hurling win has been explored previously by the historian, who credited the Laois win to groundbreaking training and preparation ahead of the final against Cork in Croke Park. Laois lost the 1914 decider.

Ballygeehan represented Laois and defeated Redmonds from Cork in the final to record what would be the first and only All-Ireland title in either hurling or Gaelic football. Laois had to wait until the 21st century for its next senior All-Ireland, when in 2001, the Laois Ladies Gaelic Football team won the LGFA senior All-Ireland over Mayo. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Portlaoise-based Garda Ronan Maher lifts the Liam McCarthy after leading Tipperary to the 2025 All-Ireland title. Pic: Sporstsfile

Records show that Cork led by 3-0 to 2-2 at half-time but four second-half goals from Laois, which included three goals by Jack Hiney, secured the historic win.

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Dr Rouse, an Offaly native, will deliver the talk on Monday, August 18, from 7 pm - 8 pm in Rathdowney Library on the Mill Road in Rathdowney. Eircode R32 DXP5.

Booking not essential. Further information from Laois Libraries, Laois County Council at 0874154769 wlawler@laoiscoco.ie