Downtown Portlaoise jersey is a big hit around the world and in Ballyroan 

An Aussie Rules legend, a star actor and even a Ballyroan man are among those who have donned a new Portlaoise jersey which is proving to be quite a hit as Christmas arrives. To read more about the Portlaoise Downtown garment, continue below this photo - to see more pictures of people wearing the jersey tap next or arrow.

Downtown Portlaoise claim to have "created a sensation" with their jersey which is produced in association with the Town Team and the Business Support Unit at Laois County Council.

The traders' group explained more in a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"When people travel or live abroad, their local jersey becomes part of their identity and opens many doors and conversations. Portlaoise town has a lot of their locals living abroad who love little parts of home sent to them.

"This year, Downtown Portlaoise decided to design and print a local jersey," it said.

The idea is that when someone receives their jersey, they're invited too send a picture sent back to portlaoiseretail@gmail.com or tag them on Facebook @DowntownPortlaoise.

"Ideally, the picture should include a well-known landmark visible in the background. This way our diaspora know we are still thinking of them and they are still part of the community back home," said Downtown.

Leading the way in sending photos were the Aussie rules Grand Final winner and Portlaoise GAA man Zach Tuohy and the Portlaoise actor and now Cork resident Robert Sheehan. Pat Boran, famous Portlaoise poet, wore his with great style.

Event, Cllr Barry Walsh, a Ballyroan man, who is the Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, got in on the act. The Portlaoise Municipal District representative cast aside his beloved Ballyroan Abbey GAA colours to wear the new Portlaoise jersey under the council chain of office.

James Mulhall sent a picture all the way from his factory in Tanzania. Kevin Keenan, Florida, Gerard McEvoy, Annapolis, Jess McCabe, Cork Jazz Festival, Adam Yates, London, are among those to embraced the whole fun idea.  Simon Walton, Director of Services, Laois County Council and his wife Margaret, could not resist the opportunity to wear the town colours.

The jerseys are on sale in Shaws, Portlaoise for €50 and are available in sizes from Small, to XL2.

"This is a fun campaign, it helps to promote Portlaoise as fun and beautiful place to work and live," concluded the business group.