Laois GAA great gets legend status

One of the great Laois Gaelic footballers is set to feature in the 2026 edition of the GAA Legends Tour Series in Croke Park.

Hosted by the GAA Museum in GAA HQ and Bord Gáis Energy, the popular series features some of the biggest names from the world of Gaelic Games.

Among them will be one of the most potent Laois forwards ever, Brian 'Beano' McDonald. He will feature on Saturday, June 27, which coincides with two of the 2026 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Quarter-Finals.

The GAA says the Legends Tours give fans a chance to meet their GAA, Camogie & LGFA heroes and listen as they delve into some of the biggest moments from their careers. Attendees will learn what it’s like inside the dressing room before the biggest matches and what really happens during the half-time speech.

Beano was lining out for Club and County at the age of 17. He won two All-Ireland Football Championship Minor titles, three minor Leinster Championship titles before making his senior championship debut while still playing minor football in 1998.

Also in 1998, the Laois sportsman lined out for Laois Under 21 team who contested the All-Ireland final against Kerry. He also played for the Laois Minors against Tyrone in the All-Ireland Minor championship final in 1998.

READ NEXT: Laois GAA legend Beano McDonald in PICTURES

In 2003, the past pupil of Knockbeg College, scored 1-02 to win the Leinster Senior Football Championship final against Kildare. Masterminded by Mick O'Dwyer, It was the first victory for Laois since 1946.

Since his days on the playing field, McDonald, who was inducted into the Leinster GAA Hall of Fame in 2025, has filled key selector roles with Laois Minors and Coaching selector role with Laois Senior football.

All Legends Tours include a trip to the GAA Museum. Featured exhibitions include the original Sam Maguire and Liam MacCarthy Cups, the official GAA Hall of Fame and the recently renovated Interactive Games Zone, where everyone can test
their Hurling and Football skills. 

This year’s tours begin in May and Legends lined up to lead a tour this summer also include John Small (Dublin), David Burke (Galway), Dickie Murphy (Wexford), Declan Hannon (Limerick), Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh (Kerry) and Grace Walsh (Kilkenny), with more to be announced in the coming weeks. MORE BELOW PHOTO

READ NEXT: Leinster GAA honours Laois legend on historic day for Louth in Croke Park

Bord Gáis Energy Director Customer & Commercial, Catherine Lonergan said: “The Bord Gáis Energy GAA Legends Tours are a great way to bring fans closer to the rich heritage of Gaelic games and to celebrate the stories that mean so
much to communities across Ireland”.

Uachtarán CLG, Jarlath Burns said: "he Bord Gáis Energy GAA Legends Tours features some of the most iconic men and women to have graced Gaelic games and offers the public an unrivalled opportunity to walk and talk with them as they relive their glory days.”

GAA Museum Director, Niamh McCoy said: “We have an outstanding selection of Gaelic games stars once again for this year’s Bord Gáis Energy GAA Legends Tour Series, and we hope that all those attending truly relish listening to these legends of
the game here in Croke Park. The annual Legends Tour series is always a highlight here at the GAA Museum, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Bord Gáis Energy for another year.”

The GAA says booking is essential as these tours sell out quickly. For bookings and more information about the Legends for this summer’s tours, visit www.crokepark.ie/legends