Laois GAA club launches 2026 academy season with open day

Park-Ratheniska GAA Club will welcome a new generation of young players this weekend as it officially launches its 2026 Nursery and Academy season with a community Open Day.

Central to the morning is the return of the popular “Ratheniska Rascals” programme, which caters for boys and girls aged between four and six. The initiative aims to introduce children to Gaelic games in a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment.

The Open Day is expected to attract both new families and returning members, with a range of activities planned, including fun games, opportunities to meet players, and refreshments for parents. Club organisers say the event is designed to provide a relaxed and welcoming introduction to the club for all involved.

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The Rascals programme follows the GAA’s TURAS initiative, which places enjoyment and participation at the heart of early player development, while also helping children to build key movement and social skills. Sessions will continue every Sunday morning throughout the summer.

From there, young players can progress through Park-Ratheniska’s Academy structure, which continues to expand. Hurling sessions for under-7 to under-11 players take place on Sundays, while boys’ football is held on Monday evenings and girls’ football on Tuesday evenings.

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The club fields teams across all age grades up to adult level and will have three adult football teams and two adult hurling teams competing in 2026, in addition to a senior ladies football side that remains competitive at county level.

A strong coaching network underpins the club’s development, with close to 100 accredited and vetted coaches involved across all codes.

Formed in its current structure in 1981 following the amalgamation of Park and Ratheniska clubs, both of which date back to the 1890s, the club continues to play a central role in local community life. Its facilities include a refurbished clubhouse, astro training area, ball wall, floodlit pitches and a fully lit walking track, all of which are used regularly by the local school and wider community.

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Off the field, the club has also built a reputation for its work in health and sustainability. It holds GAA Healthy Club Gold Status, is recognised as an Official Green Club, and was the first club in Laois to introduce fully smoke- and vape-free grounds.

A number of community initiatives over the past year, including Couch to 5K programmes, walking groups, gear swaps and youth wellbeing events, have further strengthened its role within the parish.

New members are encouraged to attend the Open Day and get involved, with organisers promising a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. For further information, contact Bryan Lynch (087 965 7218) or Sara O’Hara (086 845 7673).

The event takes place on Sunday, April 12, at 11am at the club’s grounds just outside Portlaoise, with a strong focus on youth development, participation and community wellbeing.