Merger of neighbouring Laois GAA clubs collapses

Plans for a permanent partial or full merger of two Laois GAA clubs appear to have fallen through after six years of unity at underage levels.

The development emerged when Ballinakill GAA club announced in a statement that the process of merging completely with Ballypickas GAA has, from their perspective, concluded.

"Over the past six years, our club has partnered with Ballypickas GAA to field underage teams under the name Ballinakill-Ballypickas. Throughout that time, young players, coaches, and parents from both clubs have shown great commitment to this arrangement.

"Unfortunately, we have been unable to reach an agreement with Ballypickas GAA on the long-term future of this partnership. Despite putting forward three proposals over the past six years for a full and permanent amalgamation, building on the existing juvenile structure, it is evident that no agreement can be reached with Ballypickas GAA.  MORE BELOW PHOTO.

A victorious Ballinakill-Ballypickas Féile Gaelic football team in the LOETB Centre of Excellence in Portlaoise in 2024. Pic: Denis Byrne

"As a result, Ballinakill GAA will return to operating our own juvenile teams from the 2026 season onwards. Our priority is to provide a stable, positive environment for our players and to ensure the long-term development of hurling in the parish of Ballinakill.

"We want to thank all children, parents, and coaches from both clubs who have been part of the combined setup over the past number of years. We look forward to building the next chapter of Ballinakill hurling," said the statement issued on the club's Facebook page.

The Leinster Express / Laois Live asked Ballypickas GAA Chairperson Pat Dooley for a response. He said he did not wish to comment in detail without first consulting with fellow committee members.

However, he said his club only wished to continue with the merger at the juvenile level rather than a full merger of unerage and senior sections. 

Elaine Concannon, Club Secretary, issued a further statement.

"In response to the statement from Ballinakill GAA, Ballypickas GAA intend to hold a public meeting to ensure the facts of the situation are shared with our club members.

"We are very disappointed that the juvenile amalgamation has ceased. At the outset, our club worked with Laois County Board to engage with Ballinakill GAA to prevent this split, however, despite all our efforts, no solution could be found.

"Most importantly, Ballypickas GAA wish to convey that we are fully committed to providing hurling for our juveniles for the 2026 and following seasons, and look forward to welcoming new and returning members," it concluded.

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The merged juvenile club has achieved success in recent years at the underage level. 

Ballypickas were crowned Laois Junior A hurling county champions in 2024. Ballinakill Senior hurlers made the Laois GAA senior hurling semi-final in 2025.