Had a look for a thread on the schools etc but couldn't find it. If lads have any info or news on this they might post it here.
Portlaoise CBS are in the South Leinster SF B football semi-final today at 4pm against Tullamore in Tullamore
Heywood CS playing in Leinster SF C semi-final against Ballymahon VS
CBS game changed to CoE for 4:30 today
https://www.laoistoday.ie/2020/02/26/leinster-final-for-heywood-following-brilliant-ballymahon-win/ (https://www.laoistoday.ie/2020/02/26/leinster-final-for-heywood-following-brilliant-ballymahon-win/)
A final for Heywood to look forward to in the SF C competition.
Portlaoise CBS beaten by Tullamore in the B semi final on Tuesday
Is the combined colleges hurling team still in operation?
Quote from: Zooming around on February 28, 2020, 02:08:13 PM
Is the combined colleges hurling team still in operation?
No it's not
Quote from: clonadmad on February 28, 2020, 05:29:43 PM
Quote from: Zooming around on February 28, 2020, 02:08:13 PM
Is the combined colleges hurling team still in operation?
No it's not
Pity. It was a good idea, especially at the younger age group
Quote from: Zooming around on February 28, 2020, 05:55:49 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on February 28, 2020, 05:29:43 PM
Quote from: Zooming around on February 28, 2020, 02:08:13 PM
Is the combined colleges hurling team still in operation?
No it's not
Pity. It was a good idea, especially at the younger age group
Definitely had merit,in allowing lads to hurl in Leinster A
Quote from: clonadmad on February 28, 2020, 06:41:41 PM
Quote from: Zooming around on February 28, 2020, 05:55:49 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on February 28, 2020, 05:29:43 PM
Quote from: Zooming around on February 28, 2020, 02:08:13 PM
Is the combined colleges hurling team still in operation?
No it's not
Pity. It was a good idea, especially at the younger age group
Definitely had merit,in allowing lads to hurl in Leinster A
Particularly now that IC minor is gone to U17. Before it was basically the county minor team.
Definitely worthy of GDA time & County Board backing.
St. Fergals junior team won against Carnew on Wednesday in the Colleges "C" hurling and are due to play the Dublin champions in the Leinster final. (Covid 19 permitting)
Bumpthis for Schools football.
Knockbeg topped their group after a win against Ardscoil Athy yesterday. Good Laois players on both teams.
Any stand outs Redsetanta? A combined Laois team entering this year in hurling and football?
Wasn't at it Butch buy always a few from Arles, St Joes, Ballylinan etc
I see where a combined schools hurling team defeated a Dublin schools team.
Is that an A competition does anyone know?
Yes, that's the "A". I think they were to play the winners of Offaly Combined and Dublin North.
Heywood beat Mullingar by two points in the "B" today, and Mountrath are also in the "B".
Portlaoise C.B.S. lost to Rochfortbridge by six in the "C" today, although seemingly one or two of lads on the Combined team didn't tog out for some reason. Rochfortbridge would have most, if not all, of the team from Raharney, current Westmeath champions, so probably not altogether awful.
Fergal's also in the "C".
Clonaslee, Mountmellick, and Portarlington, I'm pretty sure, are in the "D".
why is their no football combination team
Good win for mountrath school yesterday in the junior A sfinal I think they play Castlecomer now in the final. Mrath are a good outfit. Big numbers from Ctown on it I think 7 started yesterday rest is made up of mrath Camross trumrea Cbolla. Hope they win it out now.
Leinster Schools Senior A Hurling Championship.
@Offaly_GAA combined schools
V
@CLGLaois combined schools
Saturday 25th November
Faithful Fields
Throw in 3.45pm
Big game for the lads today in Kilcormac .
Big game and a big defeat unfortunately.
Scoreline looks bad, but I think there was only two points in it going into the last five minutes.
Good win for mountrath CS today in the A1 junior final v Enniscorthy
Quote from: Laois man on November 27, 2023, 07:37:51 PMGood win for mountrath CS today in the A1 junior final v Enniscorthy
Well done to Mountrath CS. AN excellent hurling school.
Portlaoise CBS got a bit of a mauling off Cistercian Roscrea in the "C" hurling today. That's them out of it, I'd say.
Fergal's beaten by Gorey in the South Leinster 'C' final today. Two late goals did for them. Expected them to win that.
Not surprised by Portlaoise v Cistercians result Tommy Dunne tipp allireland winner and trainer was appointed Cistercians head coach last year we in Laois would never dream of doing such a thing wonder most of our schools teams play in the C division some hope for the future
The harps had 8 lads on colaiste mhuire Johnstown panel with 4 starters for their A qf final against Kilkenny CBS.
A fair standard of hurling to be exposed to albeit the result didn't go johnstowns way.
No doubt its a big help to their underage success over the last couple of years.
Knockbeg well beaten today by Naas CBS.
Hi.
Anyone know how laois combined second year hurling team got on at the weekend ?? . I believe they were playing Kilkenny ( Kilkenny teams are made of players from schools that don't play A grade with Kilkenny schools)
How did Heywood get on today?
Won - fairly well, by the looks of things. Good result for them. Who have they in the final?
Birr play Banagher in the other sfinal well done Heywood 👍
Yes, that game is on Saturday at 1pm.
Banagher beat Birr. The final is in Rosenallis Gaa grounds on Monday 5th at 1pm
Hard luck to Heywood, beaten 2-27 to 4-15 after extra time today. Should really have won it in normal time when they were awarded a late free, but it hit the post and went wide, unfortunately. In extra time there were three Heywood lads put off, and one from Banagher. Ref. seemed hard on Heywood, but you'd have to say Banagher were the slightly better team.
Eight lads from Abbeyleix, two from The Harps, two from Ballinakill, two from Ballyragget, and one from Clonad on the starting line-up for Heywood.
3 sendin offs in extrra time looks awful tho. great goin to get to it, but tuff not get it over the line. 5laois sendin offs in 24 hours
Agree with poster doesn't like great, still savage effort from Heywood.
On another note fine achievement for Colaiste Choilm Tullamore getting into Leinster A final vs all conquering Naas cbs. I love getting one over offaly-but I will be shouting for them today.
Quote from: burdizzo on February 05, 2024, 05:02:43 PMHard luck to Heywood, beaten 2-27 to 4-15 after extra time today. Should really have won it in normal time when they were awarded a late free, but it hit the post and went wide, unfortunately. In extra time there were three Heywood lads put off, and one from Banagher. Ref. seemed hard on Heywood, but you'd have to say Banagher were the slightly better team.
Eight lads from Abbeyleix, two from The Harps, two from Ballinakill, two from Ballyragget, and one from Clonad on the starting line-up for Heywood.
The Ref was far from hard on Heywood who had 2 lads getting reds for headbutts and an injured squad player who was acting as umpire getting sent off in the first 5/6 mins of the first half of extra time and another lad getting the line in the second half of extra time.
Couple that with the sendings off of the seniors the day before and it's a common theme of Laois hurling with indiscipline costing them hugely
Knockbeg Juniors in a South Leinster A final tomorrow against Naas CBS. Good seletion of Laois lads on it.
Quote from: redsetanta on February 28, 2024, 09:44:09 AMKnockbeg Juniors in a South Leinster A final tomorrow against Naas CBS. Good seletion of Laois lads on it.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GHasuLJXUAErFF-?format=jpg&name=small)
Looks like some talent coming through the schools system which is nice to See, Knockbeg, Portlaoise CBS and Mountmellick did well this year.
Knockbeg beaten unfortunately. Naas the better team.
Naas Gaa becoming one of the Leinster kingpins.
Quote from: Joeythelips on February 28, 2024, 04:59:25 PMLooks like some talent coming through the schools system which is nice to See, Knockbeg, Portlaoise CBS and Mountmellick did well this year.
I would say its a positive improvement but the reality is that Portlaoise CBS with the attachment area and numbers available to them should be able to do what Naas are now achieving. Obviously it would take a lot of time, dedication and effort and plenty of support from Laois GAA to get Portlaoise CBS to that standard as they have fallen back massively in the last decade. .
Knockbeg are a strong Leinster A standard side without ever getting making a final. They are always just that rung below the team that eventually wins it (Naas CBS for the last 5-6 years). I think it was 2007 and the team of Donie Kingston that they last appeared in a final.
In the last ten years, three different Westmeath schools, two Offaly schools and two Wexford schools have all managed to make finals. Laois GAA should really start putting more work into supporting our GAA schools-it is having a very positive impact in both Westmeath and Offaly at underage level and now at senior level as well (U20 All-Ireland success for Offaly and a very good Leinster championship run in 2023 and Westmeath making very good progress over the last couple of years with Tailteann Cup success, excellent league campaigns and were hugely competitive in last year's All-Ireland series). Players are filtering through the system with a confidence and a winning mentality and doing well at schools level all plays an important part in this.
Wexford is a different case in that many of those players who lead the schools team are hurling first and football second players. However, there is talent in Wexford if they can get the buy in. With a little more luck (Leitrim game) they would be well in the running to join Laois in promotion from division 4 this year.
Quote from: Laois Rising on February 29, 2024, 03:52:43 PMQuote from: Joeythelips on February 28, 2024, 04:59:25 PMLooks like some talent coming through the schools system which is nice to See, Knockbeg, Portlaoise CBS and Mountmellick did well this year.
I would say its a positive improvement but the reality is that Portlaoise CBS with the attachment area and numbers available to them should be able to do what Naas are now achieving. Obviously it would take a lot of time, dedication and effort and plenty of support from Laois GAA to get Portlaoise CBS to that standard as they have fallen back massively in the last decade. .
Knockbeg are a strong Leinster A standard side without ever getting making a final. They are always just that rung below the team that eventually wins it (Naas CBS for the last 5-6 years). I think it was 2007 and the team of Donie Kingston that they last appeared in a final.
In the last ten years, three different Westmeath schools, two Offaly schools and two Wexford schools have all managed to make finals. Laois GAA should really start putting more work into supporting our GAA schools-it is having a very positive impact in both Westmeath and Offaly at underage level and now at senior level as well (U20 All-Ireland success for Offaly and a very good Leinster championship run in 2023 and Westmeath making very good progress over the last couple of years with Tailteann Cup success, excellent league campaigns and were hugely competitive in last year's All-Ireland series). Players are filtering through the system with a confidence and a winning mentality and doing well at schools level all plays an important part in this.
Wexford is a different case in that many of those players who lead the schools team are hurling first and football second players. However, there is talent in Wexford if they can get the buy in. With a little more luck (Leitrim game) they would be well in the running to join Laois in promotion from division 4 this year.
Good post LR. I agree its an obvious place to out resources into as you can get a team for schools training and playing to a high standard which should in turn help raise standards of club championships when those players play. So instead of sending coaches to all the clubs, help all the schools.
I remember Laois minors winning their All Ireland's in the 90s and schools such as Portlaoise, Knockbeg and Ballyfin were all very competitive. Both feed each other.
I know it's only the league phases of the school hurling year but I see Heywood and Portlaoise CBS getting hammered by Banagher (B) and Carnew (C) respectively in the junior grade.
2 out of the 4 primary hurling schools in the county. Maybe I'm being a tad dramatic in the assessment but that's a worrying sign in my opinion.
Quote from: Spiritof1915 on October 16, 2024, 09:12:20 PMI know it's only the league phases of the school hurling year but I see Heywood and Portlaoise CBS getting hammered by Banagher (B) and Carnew (C) respectively in the junior grade.
2 out of the 4 primary hurling schools in the county. Maybe I'm being a tad dramatic in the assessment but that's a worrying sign in my opinion.
You're not being one bit dramatic. This is essentially the county minor grade.
Quote from: Zooming around on October 18, 2024, 10:29:07 AMQuote from: Spiritof1915 on October 16, 2024, 09:12:20 PMI know it's only the league phases of the school hurling year but I see Heywood and Portlaoise CBS getting hammered by Banagher (B) and Carnew (C) respectively in the junior grade.
2 out of the 4 primary hurling schools in the county. Maybe I'm being a tad dramatic in the assessment but that's a worrying sign in my opinion.
You're not being one bit dramatic. This is essentially the county minor grade.
Would it not be more last year's minors? I know a lot of lads did the Leaving last June that were playing adult hurling (and football).
The results are very worrying though.
Quote from: SCFC on October 25, 2024, 09:40:09 AMQuote from: Zooming around on October 18, 2024, 10:29:07 AMQuote from: Spiritof1915 on October 16, 2024, 09:12:20 PMI know it's only the league phases of the school hurling year but I see Heywood and Portlaoise CBS getting hammered by Banagher (B) and Carnew (C) respectively in the junior grade.
2 out of the 4 primary hurling schools in the county. Maybe I'm being a tad dramatic in the assessment but that's a worrying sign in my opinion.
You're not being one bit dramatic. This is essentially the county minor grade.
Would it not be more last year's minors? I know a lot of lads did the Leaving last June that were playing adult hurling (and football).
The results are very worrying though.
Is Junior not the middle grade, U16 and a half???
Junior is u16 and 1/2 as far as I know.
Schools competitions are now graded
1st year only - mainly blitzes
Juvenile - u14 and a half
Junior - u16 and a half
Senior - u18 and a half
To be eligible a player has to be born before June of the relevant year.
I'm open to correction though
That's what I was thinking alright. Junior is very important
Mountrath Cs hurling Enniscorthy tomorrow in leinster Qfinal tough draw heading down to wexford. Mountrath are a good side if the perform.
Sorry game his Thursday
Laois Combined Schools Junior team beat a Tipp team heavily yesterday,
Same result for Laois Second year team, they beat a Kilkenny team well also yesterday, both games played in Borris
Good win for both Laois School hurling teams today over Offaly in both games
Junior team ( U16 1/2) won by 7 points
Second year team won their game by 5 points
That sounds promising as all the talk is about the great work they're doing in Offaly.
Good to see the schools team back competing it's the only way to go for us.
Maybe we'll see a schools team in the senior grade next year.
Two nice wins against Offaly at the weekend. Looks like there's a few promising players coming through. There needs to be a real concentrated effort now to progress these teams into a really competitive combined Laois schools team (at senior level) for the next 3 or 4 years. Its an area that badly needs to be targeted for progress by both the county board and Shane Keegan.
Would Offaly have schools that can't play with this team or did they have the same access as Laois to players?
Knockbeg had a good win away to Good Counsel and are in to the 1/4 finals.
I see Mountrath CS had a good win recently as well.
Any other results of note.
See Portlaoise CBS gor some hammering from Ferrybank CC shocking stuff from a school with over 850 pupils will Shane Keegan have a podcast about this
Quote from: Blueforever on January 09, 2026, 11:12:49 AMSee Portlaoise CBS gor some hammering from Ferrybank CC shocking stuff from a school with over 850 pupils will Shane Keegan have a podcast about this
In fairness, getting to a C semi-final represents progress from where they were a couple of years ago. And there may be 850 pupils, but the pool of potential players would be way, way smaller than that.
Jasus if getting hammered in a C south leinster semi final by over 30 points is progress god help hurling in. The County no wonder our first round of the League in hurling is against the powerhouse that is Mayo
Quote from: Genocide Organ on January 09, 2026, 11:26:25 AMQuote from: Blueforever on January 09, 2026, 11:12:49 AMSee Portlaoise CBS gor some hammering from Ferrybank CC shocking stuff from a school with over 850 pupils will Shane Keegan have a podcast about this
In fairness, getting to a C semi-final represents progress from where they were a couple of years ago. And there may be 850 pupils, but the pool of potential players would be way, way smaller than that.
Quote from: Genocide Organ on January 09, 2026, 11:26:25 AMQuote from: Blueforever on January 09, 2026, 11:12:49 AMSee Portlaoise CBS gor some hammering from Ferrybank CC shocking stuff from a school with over 850 pupils will Shane Keegan have a podcast about this
In fairness, getting to a C semi-final represents progress from where they were a couple of years ago. And there may be 850 pupils, but the pool of potential players would be way, way smaller than that.
You must be the biggest glass half full person around. Losing 5-26 to 1-5 in a C competition would not be categorised as progress in too many people's books. We have just got to accept that Portlaoise is a basketball town now. If you look at underage hurling in Portlaoise GAA at present it really is sad to see. When you think back to the late 90s, Portlaoise had some fantastic minor teams and there was a proper buzz about hurling in the club. Back then, you would never have envisaged where things would get to 20/30 years on. If anything, you would have thought it would have gone the other way with Portlaoise hoovering up titles with their growing population.
Portlaoise used to be getting similar trimmings in the groups stages of the C, so yes - at least getting to a semi indicates they'd have actually WON a couple of games!
Most of the growing population has no interest in hurling.
See 2 Westmeath schools contesting the Senior A Schools final at least they have identified where progress can be made god forbid our county would have such foresight
There is no hurling in the CBS. They may have a team but there is no culture or want for hurling within the school. From the management to the students. Apparently students can't even puck around at lunch time.
I know of a few teachers in there who are good hurling coaches or were formerly good players and they've all just given up trying.
It would be a very multicultural school to be fair but it's heavily basketball/football orientated. Teachers are leaning into that too.
Until Laois start targeting Schools hurling we will always be a lower tier hurling county. In fact the progress made by the likes of westmeath, kildare and Offaly especially mean that we will be struggling against them at senior level for years to come.
We need to target primary schools hurling with serious intent with high end coaching and other game iniatives outside of cumann na mbunscoil. Its only barely ticking a box atm.
Laois need a post primary school team at every level of A Hurling to continue that pathway of development. U14, u16s u18s laos teams need properorganisation and structure at A schools hurling, not the mickey mouse attempts over the last few sporadic years, and that was at senior level only I think.
I know of current and recently retired county seniors players who are all secondary school teachers in Laois. We even have a few from outside the county. Playing A Hurling against the top school teams in the province every year is where we need to be at. It has to he done asap
Ferrybank trained 7 times over Christmas and played one challenge game also
Which is more than that CBS squad trained all year and one more challenge game than what they played
No offence to the players themselves who played but there was another 10/15 who didn't bother playing all year as it was pointless
There is no interest in hurling and for that matter football either in the school
Portlaoise CBS is one of the biggest boys schools in the country and its ambivalent towards the GAA at best
I won't say what it is at worst
Up till recently the school has resisted any attempts from the county board to put coaches in
It was the one second level school in the county who even refused the GAA programs for TY students
It has also refused club men from coming in helping out and coaching teams
As many have said here before if you want success in any shape or form the schools are key
Quote from: Podge72 on January 23, 2026, 08:18:14 PMThere is no interest in hurling and for that matter football either in the school
Portlaoise CBS is one of the biggest boys schools in the country and its ambivalent towards the GAA at best
I won't say what it is at worst
It is not helped by the fact that the school management have basically zero in what is happening regarding sport in the school beyond organising cover for classes. I have got it first hand that they wouldn't even know what games are on.
I fully believe it needs to be driven from the top. It's night and day in comparison to KK schools.
Quote from: Podge72 on January 23, 2026, 08:18:14 PMFerrybank trained 7 times over Christmas and played one challenge game also
Which is more than that CBS squad trained all year and one more challenge game than what they played
No offence to the players themselves who played but there was another 10/15 who didn't bother playing all year as it was pointless
There is no interest in hurling and for that matter football either in the school
Portlaoise CBS is one of the biggest boys schools in the country and its ambivalent towards the GAA at best
I won't say what it is at worst
Up till recently the school has resisted any attempts from the county board to put coaches in
It was the one second level school in the county who even refused the GAA programs for TY students
It has also refused club men from coming in helping out and coaching teams
As many have said here before if you want success in any shape or form the schools are key
Did Shane Keegan not give a big speech at Laois GAA convention that he has Portlaoise CBS sorted?
Quote from: Leixman on January 23, 2026, 09:41:52 PMQuote from: Podge72 on January 23, 2026, 08:18:14 PMFerrybank trained 7 times over Christmas and played one challenge game also
Which is more than that CBS squad trained all year and one more challenge game than what they played
No offence to the players themselves who played but there was another 10/15 who didn't bother playing all year as it was pointless
There is no interest in hurling and for that matter football either in the school
Portlaoise CBS is one of the biggest boys schools in the country and its ambivalent towards the GAA at best
I won't say what it is at worst
Up till recently the school has resisted any attempts from the county board to put coaches in
It was the one second level school in the county who even refused the GAA programs for TY students
It has also refused club men from coming in helping out and coaching teams
As many have said here before if you want success in any shape or form the schools are key
Did Shane Keegan not give a big speech at Laois GAA convention that he has Portlaoise CBS sorted?
Did he ?
Quote from: Laois345 on January 23, 2026, 09:29:19 PMQuote from: Podge72 on January 23, 2026, 08:18:14 PMThere is no interest in hurling and for that matter football either in the school
Portlaoise CBS is one of the biggest boys schools in the country and its ambivalent towards the GAA at best
I won't say what it is at worst
It is not helped by the fact that the school management have basically zero in what is happening regarding sport in the school beyond organising cover for classes. I have got it first hand that they wouldn't even know what games are on.
I fully believe it needs to be driven from the top. It's night and day in comparison to KK schools.
Compare and Contrast with the approach of the girls school that they share a campus with
If you passed the place during the summer holidays you'd see the likes of Pat Critchley and John Scully amongst others out training the girls
I wouldn't be much of an expert on kilkenny schools but I do know the Trojan work that's gone on in tipp at second level the past decade and the fruit it's borne all the way down to E grade Munster competitions and not just hurling with the likes of the High School in clonmel in a Munster A football semifinal as well as being a harty school this year
Schools are vital as Westmeath Offaly and Kildare have proven this year and recently
Quote from: Laois345 on January 23, 2026, 04:18:40 PMThere is no hurling in the CBS. They may have a team but there is no culture or want for hurling within the school. From the management to the students. Apparently students can't even puck around at lunch time.
I know of a few teachers in there who are good hurling coaches or were formerly good players and they've all just given up trying.
It would be a very multicultural school to be fair but it's heavily basketball/football orientated. Teachers are leaning into that too.
Given up...as in no support from school principal and management?
Quote from: marty34 on January 23, 2026, 11:26:58 PMQuote from: Laois345 on January 23, 2026, 04:18:40 PMThere is no hurling in the CBS. They may have a team but there is no culture or want for hurling within the school. From the management to the students. Apparently students can't even puck around at lunch time.
I know of a few teachers in there who are good hurling coaches or were formerly good players and they've all just given up trying.
It would be a very multicultural school to be fair but it's heavily basketball/football orientated. Teachers are leaning into that too.
Given up...as in no support from school principal and management?
I am told there is very little in hurling interest from students. Training attendances are poor, particularly when students get older.
Management are oblivious, I hear they've no idea about what competitions/grades etc teams play at and apparently they seem to hire teachers who cannot and/or will not train teams, leaving a very small cohort of frustrated coaches.
Would it not be in the interest of portlaoise Gaa club to be involved and doing work within the schools like most country clubs do.??
Quote from: Laois345 on January 24, 2026, 07:31:14 AMQuote from: marty34 on January 23, 2026, 11:26:58 PMQuote from: Laois345 on January 23, 2026, 04:18:40 PMThere is no hurling in the CBS. They may have a team but there is no culture or want for hurling within the school. From the management to the students. Apparently students can't even puck around at lunch time.
I know of a few teachers in there who are good hurling coaches or were formerly good players and they've all just given up trying.
It would be a very multicultural school to be fair but it's heavily basketball/football orientated. Teachers are leaning into that too.
Given up...as in no support from school principal and management?
I am told there is very little in hurling interest from students. Training attendances are poor, particularly when students get older.
Management are oblivious, I hear they've no idea about what competitions/grades etc teams play at and apparently they seem to hire teachers who cannot and/or will not train teams, leaving a very small cohort of frustrated coaches.
There's no shortage of lads in there that are playing hurling with their clubs who would have no issue turning up for training 2/3 times a week if it wasn't the shambles that it is currently and has been for the past few decades
A few years ago they interviewed a hurler with all ireland medals for a teaching position
The person in question was well qualified for the role
And they turned him down for the position and they didn't even know who he was ;D
He was snapped up by another school,not in Laois and is now heavily involved with all their schools teams
Shane Keegan said he was more than happy with the buy in from the schools I can see he can talk the talk still waiting to see can he walk the walk jury is still out
Although I'm not living in Ireland anymore,It's quite sad to hear that secondary school Gaa has not improved since the time that I lived in the County. But I remember in the early 2000s, I believe that it was 2004 when I referred a first round game between Laois school's junior team and C.B.S Kilkenny, Zane Keenan hurled that day, and although he scored about 2.6, Laois School's were beat to death. If I remember correctly the C.B.S scored 7 goals.
I felt for them because it was disheartening for 14 year old. But at the time the County was football mad.
It sounds like nothing has changed, But in reality, other than Portlaoise, School's hurling has improved, especially in Mountrath and Haywood.
I think that St Fergals have gone back a bit, but our Minor hurling team's are improving as last year they hammered Offaly and could have beaten Wexford, if it wasnt for that half forward they had, who was special.
I don't know much about Paul Keegan, but I assume that all he can do is liaise with secondary schools as you won't force them.
My guess is that they are telling him that they will work with him, then spin him a line afterwards.
Who would have ever thought that Portarlington wouldn't be a million miles off the Town in hurling. Strange times. Let's hope that this year's minors are as strong, although I was slightly surprised that last year's County finalists didn't have a great look in on the panel, 2 from Ballypickas, and one from Castletown. Delighted for the picks lad's but surely The current Champions had more than one player with the required standard. Just a humble opinion
For what it's worth Knockbeg second years beat Coloiste Eoin in the Leinster final today.
Knockbeg also won the Sth Leinster Junior A final yesterday and the first years are also in a Leinster A final.
Decent Laois representation from the South East of the county on all teams.
Thats great redsanta, some great work going on at Knockbeg. What we need is Portlaoise, Mountmellick and Port to be playing at higher levels and competing in the later stages of competitions. This then feeds into county panels.
We really need to up the representation on the Sigerson panels too, I thought (might be mistaken) that LOETB was working with the minor panels which would have helped in this regard
Watching college from Mullingar win hogan cup in a thriller there is no reason that a college from Laois can do the same with proper structures in place
Quote from: Blueforever on March 17, 2026, 07:57:04 PMWatching college from Mullingar win hogan cup in a thriller there is no reason that a college from Laois can do the same with proper structures in place
Lads are delusional if they think a team from Laois can do that
There's been a tonne of work done in Westmeath schools for the past 20 odd years culminating in today's win
There was also an all Westmeath Leinster senior schools final this year
I'd give you some odds on you witnessing that in your lifetime
Quote from: Podge72 on March 17, 2026, 09:48:28 PMQuote from: Blueforever on March 17, 2026, 07:57:04 PMWatching college from Mullingar win hogan cup in a thriller there is no reason that a college from Laois can do the same with proper structures in place
Lads are delusional if they think a team from Laois can do that
There's been a tonne of work done in Westmeath schools for the past 20 odd years culminating in today's win
There was also an all Westmeath Leinster senior schools final this year
I'd give you some odds on you witnessing that in your lifetime
Nobody said it could be achieved without a tonne of work but it definitely could be achieved.
Portlaoise CBS with Portlaoise, The Heath, Stradbally, Ballyfin and Emo etc feeding in could definitely be an A school. Knockbeg are already an A school and have lots of Laois input.
Similarly Portarlington could be competing stronger in schools competitions.
If each Laois school could move themselves up one grade or compete stronger in A (Knockbeg) Laois football would be in a much better position.
Tullamore and Mullingar have moved up to be competitive A schools in past 10 years. How are those towns/ schools different than Portlaoise?
Quote from: SpeculativeEffort on March 19, 2026, 01:00:53 PMQuote from: Podge72 on March 17, 2026, 09:48:28 PMQuote from: Blueforever on March 17, 2026, 07:57:04 PMWatching college from Mullingar win hogan cup in a thriller there is no reason that a college from Laois can do the same with proper structures in place
Lads are delusional if they think a team from Laois can do that
There's been a tonne of work done in Westmeath schools for the past 20 odd years culminating in today's win
There was also an all Westmeath Leinster senior schools final this year
I'd give you some odds on you witnessing that in your lifetime
Nobody said it could be achieved without a tonne of work but it definitely could be achieved.
Portlaoise CBS with Portlaoise, The Heath, Stradbally, Ballyfin and Emo etc feeding in could definitely be an A school. Knockbeg are already an A school and have lots of Laois input.
Similarly Portarlington could be competing stronger in schools competitions.
If each Laois school could move themselves up one grade or compete stronger in A (Knockbeg) Laois football would be in a much better position.
Tullamore and Mullingar have moved up to be competitive A schools in past 10 years. How are those towns/ schools different than Portlaoise?
Because there is absolutely no interest in portlaoise cbs in Gaelic games as myself and a few more have pointed out here before now
Play the games and that's a box ticked
Offaly in particular bought into the concept of combined schools teams with their u20 county management embedded in those teams
Laois aren't even entering combined schools teams most years and when they do
It's shambolic
Knockbeg in the JFC A Leinster semi-final today