New roles filled and long service recognised at 2025 Laois GAA Convention

The Laois GAA Convention took place in the Midlands Park Hotel on Monday, December 8, with a number of changes confirmed across the County Board and warm tributes paid to two long-serving officers.

A new treasurer was elected following the departure of Timahoe’s Paschal McEvoy, who stepped away from the position after three years and from the County Board as a whole. Colt’s Rosie Daly was voted in as treasurer.

Another key development saw the filling of the Central Council delegate position previously held by Arles-Killeen’s Martin Byrne. Byrne, who has served as Leinster GAA Vice-Chairman for the past three years, is set to become Chairman of Leinster GAA in the New Year. Current Laois GAA Chairperson PJ Kelly was elected to the role.

In the election for Leinster Council delegate positions, Timahoe’s Willie Ramsbottom secured a seat alongside Clough-Ballacolla’s Tom Clear.

The Vice-Chairperson position remains unfilled after Graiguecullen’s Paul Dargan didn't accept his nomination for the role; he was the only nominee.

Meanwhile, Kilcavan’s Noel Stapleton has stepped down from his position as Irish and Cultural Officer.

In his address to the convention, Chairperson PJ Kelly paid tribute to both McEvoy and Byrne for their extensive service to Laois GAA.

"Over the years, many people have served diligently in different roles and on various County committees. This work is vital to the running of our County schedule of activities and I want to thank each and every one of them for their
efforts. It’s very heartening to see (with exception of Irish & Cultural Officer) competition for some of the Management Committee roles here tonight, this is always healthy to see. And I want to take this opportunity to welcome any new member to the County Board Executive for 2026. I look forward to more people coming forward into leadership and committee roles. We will reap the rewards as a collective.

"However, tonight, we also say goodbye to two of our longer-serving County Board officers. Accordingly, on behalf of Laois GAA, I want to take this opportunity to thank both Martin Byrne and Paschal McEvoy for such long service offered to Laois.

"Your dedication, insight, and tireless work have been the backbone of Laois GAA for many years. Each of you has brought unique strengths to the table, and together, you’ve turned many challenges into realistic opportunities. Your selfless service sets an example for others to follow," Kelly said.

Kelly detailed McEvoy’s long association with Laois GAA and the many roles he filled over more than two decades.

"Paschal has acknowledged his service at 23 years, serving in many roles including County PRO, Irish & Cultural Officer, Leinster Council Delegate, and most recently as our County Treasurer, albeit with a little assistance from both Niall Handy and Martin Byrne. Paschal’s attendance in O'Moore Park over the years is up there with only a few, through his presence on match days over many weekends," he said.

He also highlighted Byrne’s major contributions, particularly in his role as treasurer and in the development of the county’s Centre of Excellence.

"Similarly, Martin has given close on 16 years’ service, mainly as County Treasurer and more recently as our Central Council Delegate. Martin’s achievements as Treasurer spanned over various different projects and tasks, and probably too many to mention. However, it would be remiss of me if I didn’t acknowledge the role he played while constructing our fabulous Centre of Excellence. Martin was instrumental in this, along with Niall Handy and the chairperson of the day, Gerry Kavanagh. Martin, through all his contacts and high standing within the GAA circles, including Croke Park, ensured we got the necessary support to bring this to fruition," Kelly added.

Kelly noted that Byrne’s involvement in the GAA would continue at provincial level.

"However, unlike Paschal, Martin is continuing in the GAA world of volunteering, moving on to provincial duties, no more prestigious than Cathoirleach of Comhairle Laighean, and by default, meaning Martin is only one step away from Uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, no doubt Martin this is awaiting for you," he said.

He concluded with a personal reflection on both men and a message of thanks.

"On a personal note, both Martin and Paschal have always been supportive of me since I first came on board some 11/12 years ago. Yes, supportive as an executive member but more importantly as a friend, a friendship I know I can rely on regardless of time or circumstances, thank you, Martin & Paschal.

"I wish both men every success and good health in their future endeavours, and can I ask you all to be upstanding please and show our appreciation to both Martin and Paschal," he concluded.

PJ Kelly also had this to say on the possibility of the age grades going back to even ages, which would include the minor age grade changing to U-18.

"I also want to highlight a change possibly facing us, that been a change reverting back to even ages for our underage competitions, especially minor back to under-18 and the different implications that may have for certain clubs, particularly the issue of decoupling, and no doubt fixture planning too.

There is concern in some quarters and that is understandable. Change always brings uncertainty but I also see opportunity. If we get this right, we can create a more coherent pathway for players, protect them during important educational years, and ensure that the step from underage to adult level is structured and supported, not chaotic and rushed. We will need flexibility, creativity and ongoing dialogue with clubs to make this work if / when it arises," he said.

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