Vaping ban comes into play at Laois GAA club

Vaping is being banned at the biggest GAA club in Laois to create a smoke-free environment.

Portlaoise GAA club announced in September that its grounds at Rathleague would be a smoke and vape free space and now the signs are in place to let people know what the new rules are.

"Our hardworking ground staff along with our Healthy Club Officer Karen Monaghan have now installed signage around Rathleague to highlight this to all members and visitors. As a club we appreciate your cooperation in the management of this vital rule," they say. 

The aims are as follows:

• To create a smoke and e-cigarette free club environment 
• To protect the health of all individuals involved with the club as well as visitors to the grounds by keeping them safe from all smoke/e-cigarette related harm. 
• To positively impact upon smoking behaviour
• Break the cycle of children learning the habit through adults/role models
• Create a safer GAA grounds atmosphere for everyone involved, especially children
• Minimise tobacco &  electronic cigarette related litter.

Meanwhile, the club congratulated all who took part in the Walk for the Town 2023 in aid of Town All Stars in September. Hundreds took part in the town and around the world.

Club chairman Teddy Fennelly handed the baton to club hurler Cormac Rigney to begin 5k loop of the town.

The club says Town All Stars is an inclusive GAA team set up to give children with additional needs/disabilities an opportunity to be a part of a team and a community. 

"We teach the kids many skills and drills and we help them with their balance, coordination and sensory areas where necessary.

"All Stars has given many kids opportunities that they may not have had beforehand and some have even gone on to play in a more competitive area as a result of their time with us.

"The kids love it, the coaches love it and together we learn new ways to help each other and most importantly we work as a team both kids and coaches. The Walk For The Town will help us to continue to do the work we do and give us a wide variety of opportunities to build going forward," said the club.

Best of luck to Portlaoise GAA Senior Footballers when they take on St Joseph's in the Laois GAA County Football on Sunday, October 15 throw-in 3.30pm.