Huge scoop for Laois GAA champs as Anthony Cunningham takes over the reins

The biggest name to manage a Laois club in some time, Anthony Cunningham will take over as Portarlington senior manager for 2023.

With the departure of Martin Murphy to the Offaly seniors footballers, Port would be anxious to keep the momentum up off the back of three in a row in the Laois Championship. Replacing Murphy with a coach of Cunningham's experience and pedigree could set them up for further success.

In 2009 Cunningham took over as manager of the Galway under-21 hurling team. A successful tenure, culminating in winning the All-Ireland title, led to Cunningham being appointed manager of the Galway senior team on 27 October 2011. He went on to lead Galway to two All-Ireland final appearances and a Leinster title. He was the Galway senior hurling team manager from 2011 to 2015. 

After this, he had a brief spell involved with Laois Senior football squad under Mick Lillis and was also involved with midlands clubs St Brigid's in Roscommon and Garrycastle in Westmeath. He coached Garrycastle to an All-Ireland Club Final which they lost in a replay to Crossmaglen.

 In 2018, Cunningham was appointed manager of the Roscommon county football team on a two-year deal with an option of a third year. In June 2019, Cunningham created history by leading Roscommon to victory over Galway in the Connacht Senior Football Championship final. In doing so, Cunningham became the first manager in different provinces to win provincial titles in both football and hurling.

Portarlington confirmed the appointment via twitter this morning