LaoisToday: Recent Episodes
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You all asked for it – so we have obliged with the first hurling rankings update of the 2025 season.With the club leagues now almost at a conclusion, we have compiled a list of the top 25 hurling teams in Laois.A number of factors come into play with these rankings – league form, last year’s championship form, and whether a club are at full strength or not.But also, most crucially, teams have been severely punished for giving walkovers. Two have dropped massively and another two have been kicked out altogether. Steven Miller and Alan Hartnett are up for this one.
You all asked for it – so we have obliged with the second rankings of the 2025 season.With the club leagues now in ticking towards their conclusion and championship action just over a month away, we have compiled a list of the top 30 football teams in Laois.A number of factors come into play with these rankings – league form, last year’s championship form, and whether a club are at full strength or not.Steven Miller and Alan Hartnett are up for this one – and remember, rankings can fall as well as rise.
It was a huge weekend for the Laois senior hurlers and they delivered with a big win over Westmeath. Steven Miller was in O'Moore Park for the Joe McDonagh Cup game and he joins Alan Hartnett to reflect on it. The pair also chat about the Feile finals which took place on Saturday evening. And look ahead to the U-20 hurlers who face Kildare on Wednesday.
You all asked for it - so we have obliged with the first rankings of the 2025 season. With the club leagues now in full swing and championship action just a few months away, we have compiled a list of the top 30 football teams in Laois. A number of factors come into play with these rankings – league form, last year’s championship form, and whether a club are at full strength or not.Steven Miller and Alan Hartnett are up for this one – and remember, rankings can fall as well as rise.
It was a very busy weekend on the GAA front and the latest Laois Football Podcast is here to look back at it all. Up first, Steven Miller is joined by Alan Hartnett to reflect on the senior footballers' win over Antrim. They look at what that means and we also hear from manager Justin McNulty. It was a big weekend for Ladies too with the senior team drawing against Limerick and the minors defeating Wexford. While we also have a Kelly Cup update ahead of the start of the local leagues.
Mark Comerford and Steven Miller chat about the Laois GAA club championship draws which took place on Thursday evening. Among the topics for discussion are the new senior hurling format. Will the flaws in the system come to the fore? And what will the knock-on effect in the lower grades be?On the football side of things, what, if any, are the standout senior football ties? How evenly-balanced is the intermediate grade? And talk about a Junior 'A' Group of Death!!This episode is available to listen to free of charge but if you would like to listen to our all our episodes, you can subscribe for €6.99 per month or €69.99 annually.
The meeting of the Laois and Kildare footballers is always one of the most anticipated fixtures in this part of the world. Be it championship, league or O'Byrne Cup, it's a game that has thrown up some great moments over the years. While Kildare have had the upper hand for most of the past 20 years, Laois have come out on top in the last two meetings - in last year's Tailteann Cup quarter-final in Tullamore and in the 2022 O'Byrne Cup semi-final, after penalties, in Carlow. This Saturday they meet in the redeveloped St Conleth's Park in Newbridge, a 7pm throw-in under the lights that wouldn't have been the worst choice for RTE's live game. Kildare, under new manager Brian Flanagan, have won their first three games and are top of the table. Laois, though they lost to Offaly in their first outing, are in third place having won their last two, including an impressive win over Sligo last Sunday. To look ahead to the game, we have a special preview podcast, recorded live in the Joe Mallon Motors showrooms in Naas. Joining us for the chat are former Kildare footballer Johnny Doyle, as well as three-time All Ireland final referee Maurice Deegan, who is currently a member of the Football Review Committee that have introduced the new changes to the game. LaoisToday's Steven Miller and Alan Hartnett chat to the two lads about the rules, what they like and don't like, the form of both team, the new St Conleth's Park and some of Johnny's memories from playing Laois. LaoisToday are proud brand ambassadors for Joe Mallon Motors and this episode was recorded in their showrooms on the Sallins Road in Naas. You can check out the Joe Mallon Motors website here. Thanks to Anthony Mallon and Oisin Morris in Joe Mallon Motors and our videographer Paul Dargan for their support.
LaoisToday was on stage at the National Ploughing Championships this year as we recorded a live podcast at the Briggs Equipment stand to mark the official launch of the new Laois GAA jersey. Briggs Equipment is the parent company of Laois Hire, who are the Laois GAA sponsors, and Laois footballers Ben Dempsey and Conor Heffernan as well as Laois hurler Fiachra C-Fennell were on hand for the occasion. In front of a large attendance, LaoisToday's Steven Miller presented a live show, where he first chatted to Gary Clements, the MD of Briggs Equipment and to PJ Kelly, Laois GAA chairman. He was then joined on stage by the three players, who modelled the new jersey and took part in a Q&A with Steven. The lads chatted about the 2024 season, some of their favourite moments in a Laois jersey and the advice they would give to young players, many of whom were in the audience. They then finished up with a short quiz, where Steven tested the lads on their knowledge of Laois GAA clubs.
The LaoisToday QuizCast made its Electric Picnic debut at the Ah, Hear tent in Mindfield on Friday. It pitted three of the four contestants who battled it out in the Square Bar last year against each other. Defending champion Brian Hogan returned with Murt Norton and Colin Delaney also taking to the stage. With Jack Scully unavailable, we ran a wildcard round last week which Sean Hennessy came through. The show got underway at 2.40pm and it was a packed tent with a massive crowd. This was a straight final that began with 'Home and Away', involved Golden Goose and also had a new segment - 'Higher or Lower'. After the three rounds, all contestants were still in touching distance of each other with Sean Hennessy in the lead. But the final round is called 'The List' and there were 12 points on offer. Reigning champion Brian Hogan won the first two lists to regain the advantage. The third list was shared between himself and Hennessy meaning it all came down to the final question. The topic was RTE Sports Personalities and Hogan's ability to name them was the difference.
LaoisToday will be making its Electric Picnic debut this year when our popular QuizCast takes its place in the Ah, Here tent in Mindfield on Friday afternoon. It's a proud occasion for LaoisToday to be on stage during the iconic festival. We're returning with a special Electric Picnic version of our QuizCast, a repeat of last winter's inaugural event which packed out the Square Bar for the Grand Final. Three of those finalists are back to appear at Electric Picnic - champion Brian Hogan as well as Clonad duo Colin Delaney and fan's favourite Murt Norton. With one extra place up for grabs, we held a Wild Card Qualifier with Barry McEvoy from Castletown, Martin Fallon from Clonaslee and Annanough football goalkeeper Sean Hennessy battling it out. We tested the lads on their soccer, GAA, rugby and golf knowledge - and there was one very worthy winner!
With the various Junior football grades getting underway two weeks ago, the top grades begin this week. The Laois Shopping Centre SFC and IFC competitions begin from Wednesday and will continue for the next three months. Before it all begins, we have ranked the top 30 football clubs in Laois. A number of factors come into play with these rankings – league form, last year’s championship form, and whether a club are at full strength or not.Steven Miller and Alan Hartnett are up for this one - and remember, rankings can fall as well as rise.
We had a star-studded line up of guests in the Square Bar in Portlaoise as we recorded a Friday night episode of our LaoisToday Football Podcast. Former Laois footballers Fergal Byron, Chris Conway and Gareth Dillon were among our guests as well as recent Laois U-20 managers Eddie Kinsella and Billy O'Loughlin and Midlands 103 commentator Pat O'Sullivan. We look ahead to the Laois v Down Tailteann Cup final as well as a great trip down memory lane with Fergal Byron recalling the unforgettable training sessions under Mick O'Dwyer in 2003. We also ask our guests to make a prediction ahead of the Laois football championship - and we finish by making up two teams to contest our quiz.
In the latest episode of the LaoisToday LoveLaois Podcast, we hear from Stephen Dowling, owner of Dunmasc Genetics. Stephen will be representing Laois at the National Enterprise Awards next week and is a client of the Laois Local Enterprise Office. He explains what his business is, how he's exporting across the world and the challenges he faces.
After several years of progress, 2024 has seen the Laois Ladies return to the turbulent times that have blighted them in the past. 2023 saw them reach the Division 2 league final, losing out to Armagh, but the championship was difficult and Laois ended up in a relegation playoff where they defeated Cavan. But this year has been difficult. Laois were relegated from Division 2 without winning a match. And in the time since that, their joint management team of Billy Kiernan and Tom Devereux have stepped down. But Ballyfin man Stephen Duff has stepped up and will attempt to steady the ship for the remainder of the year. Speaking on the Talking Sport Podcast, he acknowledges it will be a difficult task in the short-term. Laois begin their Leinster campaign away to Meath on Sunday and with games against Dublin and Kildare to come, it won't get any easier. But in a wide ranging chat, manager Duff is insistent that the narrative must change if the county is to progress. While recognising that the seniors are the flagship team, Duff says it is incumbent on everyone involved in the Ladies game to put their shoulder to the wheel.
Our latest LoveLaois Podcast is here and this one is certainly made for the political anoraks among us.Steven Miller, Alan Hartnett and Mark Comerford are up for this one where the first question is all about the Taoiseach.Steven poses the question of if Leo Varadkar will be remembered as a good one or not.Stick on the politics train, the lads also remember the late Tom Mulhall who sadly passed away this week.They all spoke about the incident at the Stradbally St Patrick's Day parade.And somehow - they end up talking about Fr Ted!
It has been a couple of months since we last heard from Laois GAA's Head of Games Development Shane Keegan. The Rathdowney native joins Alan Hartnett for this special episode of the Talking Sport Podcast to update us on all things in the coaching world. Laois GAA have three coaching workshops in the coming weeks and the first of them is with Shane Smith.This, costing €10, takes place this Saturday, March 16, in the Centre of Excellence from 10am to 12.30pm and is aimed at hurling and football coaches from U-7 to U-11. On Saturday March 23, Laois Games Development Coach Martin O'Connell is running a Strength and Conditioning workshop in the Centre of Excellence. This, costing €5, takes place from 11.30am to 1.30pm and is aimed at those coaching hurling and football at U-15 and U-17 level. Martin O'Connell will be back on Saturday March 30 for an Athletic Development workshop in the same location. This will be aimed at U-11 and U-13 coaches for football and hurling and also costs €5. On the Podcast, Shane also explains how plans are in place for the Cul Camps this summer and that Laois GAA will be recruiting coaches with a closing date of April 12. While he also provides an update on the various Laois academy squads and how almost every primary school in Laois is receiving weekly GAA coaching. Go Games will be getting underway shortly and Keegan has some new rules in mind to make it a better experience for all. You can check it out below:
The inaugural LaoisToday Schools QuizCast Grand Final took place in the Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise on Friday where The Heath NS, Timahoe NS, St Colman's NS from Stradbally and Rath NS all took part. The contestants were put through their paces by quizmasters Mark Comerford and Alan Hartnett before St Colman's NS eventually emerged victorious after a titanic battle. Almost 200 supporters were in attendance for what was a hugely atmospheric occasion. The LaoisToday Schools QuizCast is brought to you in association with Mulhall Meat and Fish Counter, located in Mulhall's SuperValu in Lyster Square, Portlaoise. Mulhall Meats have been serving the people of Laois for more than 90 years.
On the latest episode of the LaoisToday Podcast, we hear from Pavel Barter who is the presenter of the Runaway Joe podcast from RTE’s Documentary on One seriesRunaway Joe tells the incredible, scarcely-believable, story of Joe Moloney, an Irish-American, who is on the FBI’s most wanted list and who lived in Capard House in Rosenallis throughout the 1970s and 80s under an assumed name - Michael O’Shea.How he came to Rosenallis is a story in itself. In 1967, he was accused of murdering his wife June at their son’s 5th birthday party in New York.But when he was in custody, he escaped and went on the run, eventually ending up in Dun Laoighaire in Dublin where he took on a new identity, under the name Michael O’Shea. During his time in Dun Laoighaire he bought a small garage, which later earned him a small fortune when the local council bought it off him - at a largely inflated price - as it stood in the way of a proposed Shopping Centre.The proceeds of this sale helped him to buy Capard House and 120 acres in Rosenallis and he lived there, along with his new wife Sheila Chandler O’Shea.However all this time the Gardai were aware of his true identity, having his matched his fingerprints to those of Joe Moloney, who remained on the FBI’s Most Wanted list.But there was nothing they could do onky keep an eye on him as no was extradition treaty between Ireland and the US.In the meantime, under his new name, O’Shea threw lavish parties in Capard, renovated the house and built a career in the Irish film industry, working alongside the likes of Pierce Brosnan and Sean Connery.But he had also racked up serious debt at this stage and when the extradition treaty was eventually passed, he was arrested, jailed and brought to court.The case collapsed, however, and shortly afterwards, some stage in the mid to late 80s he disappeared again and hasn’t been seen since.Pavel and his documentary team behind Runaway Joe have been trying to track him down. If he’s still alive, he’d now be 88. As it’s a live investigation, anyone with any information is asked to come forward and contact Pavel and his team.We chatted to Pavel about how the documentary started - and where it’s going to go from here with a couple of episodes still to be produced.
The last place in the Dunamaise Arts Centre was up for grabs as Scoil Mhuire Fatima Timahoe met St Joseph's BNS Borris-In-Ossory. This was a wildcard bout and it ended with history being made as for the very first time - one of our lists was completed. Timahoe were represented by Ruairi Bowe, Daisy Ramsbottom and Lucy Scully. They were here after defeating Rath in Round 1 but losing to Stradbally in Round 2. While in the St Joseph’s Borris-in-Ossory corner were Darragh Shortiss, Michael Nelligan and Tafara Zhou.They lost to Stradbally in Round 1 but got the better of Newtown in Round 2. Like so many of our quizzes, the lists were the deciders with Timahoe's knowledge of car registration plates proving decisive.
There was no room for error as Rath National School and Scoil Bhride Clonaslee met in the Wildcard Round of the LaoisToday Schools QuizCast. Clonaslee had reached this stage after defeating Newtown in Round 1 but losing to The Heath in Round 2. While Rath NS had lost to Timahoe NS in Round 1 but beaten Holy Family in Round 2. Rath NS were represented for a third time by Michael Behan, Aoife Murphy and Michael Nolan. While back for Clonaslee again were Will Murray, Oran McEvoy and Donnachadh Owens.This one was close early on and keep an eye out for the final list where both teams go a considerable way towards completing it.
The final of our Round 2 clashes saw neighbours meet as St Colman's in Stradbally took on Timahoe NS. Like in Round 1, representing St Colman’s NS was Maci Moore-Doyle, Freya Byrne and Oran Lawlor.While Timahoe once again had Ruairi Bowe, Daisy Ramsbottom and Lucy Scully on duty. Nothing separated the sides in Round 1 or 2 but Stradbally took a slight lead in Round 3. Timahoe regained the advantage by winning the first list in the final round to set up the last one as the clincher. And that went the way of Stradbally who sealed their spot in the final alongside The Heath. Timahoe are still alive though and will be back next week for the quarter final.
The first spot in the grand final of the Schools QuizCast was up for grabs as The Heath met Clonaslee in Round 2. With both sides winning in Round 1, one more win from either school will secure their place in the showpiece event on Match 1. The Heath were once again represented by John O’Hara, Finn Moore and Conall Lalor. While back for Clonaslee again were Will Murray, Oran McEvoy and Donnachadh Owens. There was nothing between the teams in the first two rounds but The Heath got ahead midway through and powered to the end. They go through while Clonaslee are still alive and will compete in the quarter final.
Round 2 of the Wildcard section continued as Borris-In-Ossory and Newtown NS clashed. This was a winner takes all clash with the loser out for this year and the victor into Round 3.Cillian Shiels, Sophie Purcell and Rian Powell were once again representing Newtown.While in the St Joseph’s Borris-in-Ossory corner were Darragh Shortiss, Michael Nelligan and Tafara Zhou.This game came right down to the final list where Borris-In-Ossory's knowledge of EU countries just tipped them over the line.
Rath National School and Holy Family were involved in a dramatic encounter as Round 2 of the LaoisToday Schools QuizCast got underway. This was a winner takes all clash with the loser out for this year and the victor into Round 3. And with everything on the line, the sides produced a stunning battle that had, after another stewards inquiry, to be decided by a tiebreak. Rath were once again represented by Michael Behan, Aoife Murphy and Michael Nolan while Holy Family shuffled their pack. In came Carrie Gorman, Alex Korovesi and Dylan Lawlor who performed brilliantly. We initially thought that Holy Family had won but then realised that we had incorrectly marked an answer that Rath gave as wrong. We thought Dungarvan was the county town of Waterford but it turns out - surprise, surprise - the children know more than us!Prior to the merger of Waterford County Council with Waterford City Council in 2014, Dungarvan WAS the county town and administrative centre of County Waterford - but that is now Waterford City which Rath NS said. A tiebreaker was quickly arranged and Rath came through.
It was a battle of Portlaoise Parish in the final of our Round 1 matches with Holy Family facing The Heath NS. Holy Family have six members on their team and representing them in this quiz was Lily-Rose Delaney, Ari Ajayi and Sarah Ging. The Heath had John O'Hara, Finn Moore and Conall Lalor - the latter being a proud Portlaoise man but firmly in the black and amber for this one. The sides could not be split in the opening three rounds which finished three points apiece. But The Heath got the better of their opponents in the final round to take the win in the end. The Heath now go through to Round 2 where one more win will book their place in our Grand Final in the Dunamaise Arts Centre on Friday, March 1.But Holy Family still have another chance and will hope to battle their way through the Qualifier phase.
There was huge drama as Scoil Mhuire Fatima Timahoe and Rath National School clashed in Round 1 of the LaoisToday Schools Quiz Cast.Ruairi Bowe, Daisy Ramsbottom and Lucy Scully were on duty for Timahoe while Michael Behan, Aoife Murphy and Michael Nolan competed for Rath. There was serious drama in this one as a mistake on our end meant that Timahoe were incorrectly awarded the win in the first recording of the contest. But like Laois when Mick Turley kicked the point that never was against Carlow, Timahoe graciously offered Rath a replay. In the end, it came down to who could remember the 16 teams who competed in the 2023 Laois senior football championship the best. Timahoe did advance at the second time of asking but Rath are still alive and will be a tough battle for anyone in the Qualifier section. Timahoe now go through to Round 2 where one more win will book their place in our Grand Final in the Dunamaise Arts Centre on Friday, March 1.All episodes of the LaoisToday QuizCast are available to download and listen to in Podcast format.
It's a long way from Crettyard to Clonaslee so primary schools from the two areas being paired against each other in the LaoisToday QuizCast makes for a novel pairing. Thankfully, the advent of Zoom meant that a long road trip wasn't necessary for either and Scoil Bhride of Clonaslee and Newtown were able to play out a thrilling Round 1 battle. Will Murray, Oran McEvoy and Donnacadh Owens were on duty for Clonaslee while Cillian Shiels, Sophie Purcell and Rian Powell-Ryan were representing Newtown. Champions League winners, World Cup winners, Irish and UK politics, capital cities, Roald Dahl books and European countries were among the topics covered in this round. And it was the Clonaslee lads that advanced to Round 2 after a tight battle that saw Newtown get off to a shaky start before recovering to bring the contest right to the very last question.Clonaslee now go through to Round 2 where one more win will book their place in our Grand Final in the Dunamaise Arts Centre on Friday, March 1. Newtown aren't out of contention and now go to our Wildcard phase where they too will try and come through to take one of the remaining final places. All episodes of the LaoisToday QuizCast are available to download and listen to in Podcast format. The LaoisToday Schools QuizCast is brought to you in association with Mulhall Meat and Fish Counter, located in Mulhall’s SuperValu, Lyster Square Portlaoise. Mulhall Meats have been serving the people of Laois for over 90 years.
If the rest of the LaoisToday Schools QuizCast competition can provide the same drama that the students of St Colman's of Stradbally and St Joseph's of Borris-in-Ossory, then we're in for some treat.The very first contest needed a tie-breaker to separate the schools, in what is the first episode of our new competition.Eight schools from around the county will battle it out over the coming weeks to see who will advance to our live final in the Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise on Friday, March 1.Representing St Colman's NS was Maci Moore-Doyle, Freya Byrne and Oran Lawlor while in the St Joseph's Borris-in-Ossory corner were Darragh Shortiss, Michael Nelligan and Tafara Zhou.Our quizmaster Mark Comerford put the students through their paces - but they were well able for everything he threw at him - in our now well-established rounds of 'Golden Goose, 'Home or Away', 'The List' and our new Capital Cities round.Indeed the team were still tied right at the finish, requiring a sudden death tie-breaker where the Stradbally team managed to get the deciding question right.They now go forward to Round 2, where one more win will secure their place in the Dunamaise.And the brave boys of Borris-in-Ossory aren't finished yet as they go into our Wildcard phase where they will need to beat two schools to take one of the four final places.All episodes of the LaoisToday Schools QuizCast will be available to download to in Podcast format.
The Laois senior footballers begin their National Football League Division 4 campaign this Saturday when they welcome Longford to O'Moore Park. And in this special episode of our Talking Sport Podcast, we're joined by our occasional contributor Billy O'Loughlin who managed Longford in 2022. We are also joined by Damien Butler from Leitrim who has a strong insight into the Division 4 scene while LaoisToday's Steven Miller and Alan Hartnett complete the four-man panel. Who will go up? What way will the Laois team line out? What should we watch out for and is Longford's pre-season form in winning the O'Byrne Cup for the second year running a good or bad thing. We talk attacking goalkeepers, political managers, indoor games and a whole lot more.
Brian Hogan was the very impressive winner of the inaugural LaoisToday QuizCast, seeing off the challenge of Murt Norton in a thrilling finale in the Square Bar in Portlaoise in early December. In a special one-off Christmas episode of the QuizCast, he returns to chat about his success. He reveals the research he did, the topics he reckoned wouldn't come up - and explains how might not have won at all had he got some of the other questions. Plus, he shows his class with a 3-1 win over the combined efforts of Steven and Alan in a special round of 'The List' where he shows his knowledge of All Ireland hurling champions, World snooker winners and Kildare GAA clubs.
The 2023 LaoisToday QuizCast came to a conclusion in the Square Bar in Portlaoise on Friday night when the four semi-finalists - Brian Hogan, Murt Norton, Colin Delaney and Jack Scully - battled it for supremacy in front of a live audience.With a full house and a cracking atmosphere, quizmaster Mark Comerford put the contestants through their paces.And though there was a high standard of questions, there was also a very high standard of answers with both semi-finals and final being well contested affairs. The final was only decided with the very last question.And as well as a thrilling decider, we also had an entertaining curtain raiser - where Team Alan did battle with Team Steven in the 'Senior B'.Team Alan was comprised of LaoisToday's Alan Hartnett as well as Timahoe father and son duo Pauric and Liam 'Sheriff' Ramsbottom while Steven Miller from LaoisToday was joined by Courtwood's Mick Hogan and Portarlington's Darren Bracken.This year's LaoisToday QuizCast has been brought to you in association with the Square Bar, Market Square, Portlaoise. We are also grateful to Mulhall's SuperValu, the Midlands Park Hotel, Ballykilcavan Brewery, The Wandering Elk and Supermac's who kindly sponsored prizes.Thanks to everyone who took part, and to those who watched and listened to the various rounds over the past number of weeks.We'll be back in 2024!
Excitement is building as we are now just hours away from the live semi final and final of the inaugural LaoisToday QuizCast.Murt Norton, Brian Hogan, Jack Scully and Colin Delaney will face off in a bid to be crowned champion.The action gets underway at 8pm in The Square Bar in Portlaoise and ahead of the final, we are here to preview it all.Steven Miller is joined by Mark Comerford and Alan Hartnett where the lads pick out their pre-final favourites.The tables are then turned on Mark and Alan as Steven becomes quizmaster for one night only!
The countdown is on to the live LaoisToday QuizCast semi final and final in The Square Bar in Portlaoise on Friday night at 8pm.Following a series of Round 1 and quarter final clashes held via Zoom, we were down to a final four of Murt Norton, Brian Hogan, Jack Scully and Gavin Deering.Sadly however, Gavin has had to pull out and in a bid to find his replacement, we are back with a semi-final wildcard playoff.All of the Round 1 and quarter final losers were offered the chance to return and four of them have thrown their hat in the ring.In this episode, Timahoe's Pauric Ramsbottom, Clonad's Colin Delaney, Portarlington's Darren Bracken and Camross' Eoin Scully battle it out for the final place.With quiz master Mark Comerford unavailable, Steven Miller steps into the hot seat.He is joined by Alan Hartnett and the pair have devised a brand new format to determine the overall winner.The lads are first drawn into mini semi finals with the winner of each advancing to the final where the victor will be in The Square Bar on Friday night.This is all about your ability to name lists and the last person standing will be the winner.The semi finals are a straight shoot out while the final will be the best of three.
The second quarter-final in the LaoisToday QuizCast sees Courtwood’s Brian Hogan take on Timahoe’s Pauric Ramsbottom.Brian made short work of Darren Bracken in the first round, and has his sights set on a spot in our live finale.Pauric put Alan Hartnett to the sword with ease in Round 1 but faces a much tougher opponent in the quarters.The winner will book their place in the Square Bar on Friday, December 8, where the semi-finals and final will be held live.
The first quarter-final in the LaoisToday QuizCast sees Jack Scully of Portlaoise Panthers fame go up against Laois ladies football goalkeeper Eimear Barry. Jack was the highest scorer of all Round 1 winners, installing him as outright favourite to win this entire thing out. Eimear scraped past her colleague Mo Nerney but showed enough promise to say she could go far in this competition. The winner will be the first to book their place in the Square Bar on Friday, December 8, where the semi-finals and final will be held in part of a special event.
The Battle of Clonad 2023!The latest pairing of the LaoisToday QuizCast sees Clonad hurling colleagues Murt Norton and Colin Delaney slog it out for a quarter-final place. Two high-standard contestants, this is a clash that goes the way of the favourite, but only after a very tough test. The LaoisToday QuizCast is a straight knockout general sports quiz devised by our Quiz Master Mark Comerford.The Round of 16 and quarter-final pairings are all being recorded on Zoom with the semi-finals and final to be hosted in the Square Bar in Portlaoise on Friday, December 8.
By now, the new LaoisToday QuizCast is in full swing, as we reach the halfway point in Round 1.There are 16 contestants in all in what is a straight knockout competition, a general sports quiz devised by our Quiz Master Mark Comerford.The Round of 16 and quarter-final pairings are all being recorded on Zoom with the semi-finals and final to be hosted in the Square Bar in Portlaoise on Friday, December 8.This episode features Courtwood's Brian Hogan battling against Portarlington's Darren Bracken.The LaoisToday QuizCast is brought to you in association with the Square Bar Portlaoise, which will host the finale of this competition on Friday, December 8.
In the latest episode of the LaoisToday QuizCast, Bernard Rochford from Mountmellick goes head-to-head with his former Ballyfin College schoolmate Jack Scully, a man strongly associated with the Portlaoise Panthers Basketball Club and who more or less lives in St Mary's Hall!One of our contestants puts in a very impressive performance to lay down a marker for this competition. And the other is left with some regrets after a few questionable answers. The LaoisToday QuizCast is brought to you in association with The Square Bar, Market Square, Portlaoise, which will host the final of this competition on Friday, December 8.
The latest episode of the LaoisToday QuizCast sees LaoisToday Hurling Man Barry McEvoy from Castletown go up against Mountrath's Michal 'Beag' Boyhan. It's a decent contest - but the Round 1 winner here will go forward to the quarter-finals with a fair degree of confidence.There are 16 contestants in all in what is a straight knockout competition, a general sports quiz devised by our Quiz Master Mark Comerford.The Round of 16 and quarter-final pairings are all being recorded on Zoom with the semi-finals and final to be hosted in the Square Bar in Portlaoise on Friday, December 8.
In the latest episode of the LaoisToday QuizCast, Alan Hartnett from LaoisToday takes on Timahoe's Pauric Ramsbottom in a surprisingly one-sided affair. There are 16 contestants in all in what is a straight knockout competition, a general sports quiz devised by our Quiz Master Mark Comerford.The Round of 16 and quarter-final pairings are all being recorded on Zoom with the semi-finals and final to be hosted in the Square Bar in Portlaoise on Friday, December 8.The LaoisToday QuizCast is brought to you in association with the Square Bar Portlaoise, which will host the finale of this competition on Friday, December 8.
After weeks of planning and scheduling in the background, the first episode of the new LaoisToday QuizCast is here.There are 16 contestants in all in what is a straight knockout competition, a general sports quiz devised by our Quiz Master Mark Comerford.The Round of 16 and quarter-final pairings are all being recorded on Zoom with the semi-finals and final to be hosted in the Square Bar in Portlaoise on Friday, December 8.In this episode, Steven Miller of LaoisToday takes on Eoin Scully from Camross in a contest that goes right to the wire.You can watch this episode on YouTube or listen on Soundcloud in podcast format.
After 51 days, the Rugby World Cup came to an exhilarating end on Saturday, with one of the greatest finals ever played.Mark Comerford is joined by Steven Miller to review the final, and give their verdict on the tournament as a whole.We also take a look forward to the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour, and ask is it an antiquated idea.The IRFU have appointed a new Performance Director - how will it affect Irish rugby?And finally, as this is the last edition of Rugby World Cup Podcast, we preview our newest podcast coming down the tracks - the LaoisToday QuizCast.We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has listened over the last nine weeks.
Enda Rowland has another busy season with his club, county and country.And he is the special guest on this week's LaoisToday Talking Sport Podcast.He chats about his new role as Laois Hire brand ambassador and what it entails plus he discusses his own new gym business Enda Rowland Health and Fitness.As well as that he chats about the disappointment of losing the recent Laois senior hurling final with Abbeyleix and the thrill of representing his country in the Shinty international against Scotland.He also looks ahead to the 2024 campaign with Laois, even if he is currently enjoying a small bit of down time before pre-season training gets underway.
Paris - Saturday, October 28 at 8pm - New Zealand v South Africa in the World Cup Final.The two most successful nations in rugby history are tied on three World Cup victories each.Mark Comerford is joined by Alan Hartnett and Steven Miller to preview the first final between the two sides since that infamous game in 1995.We also look back at two very different semi-finals, where England were just ten minutes away from shocking the Springboks.A new format has been announced for the 2027 World Cup in Australia; we look ahead at what that will mean.And following on from discussions last week, we give contestants and listeners a trial run of the brand new LaoisToday sports quiz that will be taking off in November.
The quest to win a quarter-final continues for Ireland.The greatest Irish team of all time came up just short last week in Paris, losing out to New Zealand for the second consecutive World Cup.Mark Comerford is joined by Steven Miller and Alan Hartnett to look back on last weekend's massive disappointment.We also look at the other three quarter-finals, which helped make last weekend the greatest in rugby history.We take a look ahead at the semi-finals, featuring Argentina v New Zealand and England v South Africa.And there is more big games on the local scene following Portarlington's impressive win over Portlaoise last Saturday.
Nobody, green, blue or otherwise, could have foreseen the ease with which Ireland dismantled Scotland on Saturday night.Mark Comerford is joined by Steven Miller and Alan Hartnett to look back on that fantastic pool-topping performance.We also take stock of a historic weekend that saw Portugal shock Fiji, and Argentina book their place in the knockouts at the expense of Japan.We examine the Ireland 23 named to face New Zealand this Saturday.And finally, a look ahead at all four of this weekend's quarter-finals.
In this special episode of the Talking Sport podcast, we interview Billy Phelan, the Abbeyleix man who has recently published a very impressive history of the local GAA club. Ahead of Sunday's Laois senior hurling final, he chats about how the club fell on hard times after being dominant in the 1940s, playing in two senior semi-finals himself, the story behind the name St Lasarien's and why Abbeyleix supporters shout 'Cmon on the Fung'.
We are just days away from the big Pool B decider between Ireland and Scotland.The sides will meet at 8pm (Irish time) on Saturday evening in Paris.Mark Comerford is joined by Steven Miller and Alan Hartnett to preview that game, and dissect the permutations of ifs, buts and maybes.After a turgid week of fixtures in Round 4, we look at the possibility of an expanded World Cup, with the 2027 tournament expected to rise from 20 teams to 24.We also take a look back on another successful weekend for the Laois teams, and what lies ahead as Portlaoise prepare to host Portarlington next weekend.You can check it out below:
Steven Miller from LaoisToday was a guest on Midlands 103 this week where he looked at the Fine Gael candidates likely to be seeking to replace Charlie Flanagan as a TD
We are less than a week removed from Ireland's historic win over South Africa in Pool B of the Rugby World Cup, and there is still a huge sense of excitement around that game.Mark Comerford is joined by Steven Miller and Alan Hartnett to look back on all the action from that night in Paris, as well as what it means for Ireland going forward.We also ask why Irish people allow themselves to get so divisive about the songs we sing at sporting events.We will preview Round 4 and field a listener question which draws passionate responses from Mark and Steven.And on the local rugby scene, we keep a close eye on Portlaoise, Portarlington and PortDara, as Laois rugby makes a stormy return in the Leinster Leagues.You can check it out below:
Episode 3 of our Rugby World Cup Podcast is here, as we look ahead to Ireland’s titanic clash with South Africa.The game, which kicks off on Saturday evening at 8pm, is being billed as the biggest game of rugby since the World Cup Final four years ago.It will be reigning World Champions (South Africa) v the world’s No. 1 team (Ireland).Mark Comerford is joined by Alan Hartnett and Steven Miller, as they also look back at a big win for Fiji, who may have put Eddie Jones’ Australia on an early flight home.We also look at the return of the local rugby season, with Portlaoise and Portarlington now in the same division.
The latest Love Laois Podcast sees us joined by Pat Critchley following the publication of his latest book 'A Coaching Way - Insights, Strategies and Tools for Successful Coaching'. In a wide-ranging chat, Pat discusses his early forays into coaching almost 50 years ago when he took over an U-14 basketball team when he was still only U-16 himself. Since then he has accumulated thousands upon thousands of coaching hours at schools, club, college and county level, male and female, underage and adult in hurling, football and basketball. "I have maintained a huge enthusiasm for coaching and it is because I thoroughly enjoy the involvement," he says in the introduction of the book. "It has brought emotional highs and lows but I feel it is important that we have something in our lives to which we bring a deep passion. "With big influence comes big responsibility," he adds. "We have a big responsibility as coaches becuase the influence we can have on all our players, especially our younger players, can be immense. "However, we need to contemplate whether our influence is primarily a positive or negative one. When we think of our coaching in these terms, it can seem daunting. "This should not make us stop coaching, but it should certainly make us think about our philosophy of coaching, about why we coach and about how we coach."Though not a coaching handbook, there are some drills dotted through the book, which is split into four sections - Why do we Coach, What do we Coach, How do we Coach and Final Thoughts.
The 2023 Rugby World Cup is up and running in France, and what an opening weekend it was.Mark Comerford is joined by Alan Hartnett and Steven Miller look back at all the action from Round 1, including the controversy surrounding the national anthems.Having won well in their opening game, we look ahead to Ireland's Round 2 fixture with Tonga.There is also an impromptu Romanian history lesson, a fantasy rugby mystery and a brief profile of Tonga's manager Toutei Kefu and his battle with Trevor Brennan way back in 1999.
The 2023 Rugby World Cup kicks off this Friday with hosts France taking on three-time champions, New Zealand.After two wonderful years, Ireland are heading into the tournament as the world's number one side.Andy Farrell's men get their campaign underway on Saturday afternoon against Romania.Mark Comerford joins Alan Hartnett and Steven Miller to look ahead to what promises to be one of the greatest Rugby World Cups we have ever seen.
IFA presidential candidate Francie Gorman is the latest guest on our Love Laois podcast. The Spink native is set to launch his presidential campaign this Friday night in the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel and ahead of that, he chatted with LaoisToday about his reasons for running, his passion for farming and how he really enjoys representing farmers at the highest level. From environmental challenges to differences in the farming community, he discusses some of the key issues he'd face if he were elected.
Renowned business consultant Blaise Brosnan brings his Owner-Manager Development Programme to Laois this autumn and ahead of the 15-week programme, he spoke to LaoisToday about his background, some of his key pointers and what he covers on the course.
This interview is part of a promotional campaign by Laois Local Enterprise Office. You can register your expression of interest here.
David Walsh-Kemmis from the Ballykilcavan Brewery is our special guest on this week's LoveLaois Podcast.
David chats to us about his family history, his decision to diversify away from traditional farming to set up a craft brewery and his plans for the future.
He discusses some of the recent awards won by his business and how his approach now is different somewhat from when he started out a couple of years ago.
County underage squads, schools hurling and football, Go Games and Setanta and O'Moore Og programmes were all up for discussion when Shane Keegan, Laois GAA's new Head of Coaching and Games, dropped into us for an interview last week.
Rathdowney native Keegan has recently been appointed to the key full-time role in Laois GAA, taking over the role previously filled by Mike Henchy, though it now has a slightly different title.
Keegan has been the full-time Games Promotion Officer in Portlaoise GAA for the past 15 months but this promotion sees him take charge of the entire coaching operation in Laois.
In a wide-ranging chat, he discusses what his remit is, what he'd like to achieve, how Laois compares to other counties and the challenges and opportunities of the role.
This episode is available to listen to free of charge - if you would like to get all the LaoisToday Talking Sports podcasts and our premium sports coverage, you can subscribe here.
“What are you going to say about that?”
There was a good Laois crowd in Croke Park yesterday for the Tailteann Cup semi-final clash – but not for the first time, the county’s supporters and senior football team left with their tail between their legs.
This was a particularly hard one to take, essentially over after a couple of minutes and eventually finishing on a scoreline of 8-16 to 2-12.
Never before had a Laois team conceded eight goals in a championship match. At one stage Down’s lead was threatening to get to 30 points.
So “What are you going to say about that?” was a common comment we heard in the environs of Croke Park from a selection of Laois supporters.
In our latest Talking Sport Podcast, Steven and Alan attempt to look back on the game – pick out some mitigating factors and wonder what happens next?
Will Billy Sheehan remain as manager? Will Laois GAA hold on to him? How will that play out?
But will a change of manager sort any of the ills in the overall context of Laois GAA?
Is the biggest issue of all, the culture in the county? And how in the name of God do you solve that?
The Laois footballers are in Croke Park this Sunday for the Tailteann Cup semi-final and ahead of the game we are joined by experienced defender Robbie Pigott to chat about the game.
The Portarlington man discusses the season so far, and its various ups and downs, as well as talking about how this is a great opportunity for Laois.
He also looks back on his own memories supporting Laois as a child and how All Star defender Joe Higgins was his favourite player.
Steven and Alan also discuss the game in general. Do Down deserve to be the hottest of favourites and can Laois cause an upset for the third week running.
As well as that they chat about press accreditation headaches and how dealing with Croke Park is an enduring frustration.
The Laois senior footballers have kept their season alive by defeating Limerick in the Gaelic Grounds.
Things were looking bleak for Laois when they fell five points down with 44 minutes on the clock.
But the heart and determination of these players can never be questioned and they clawed their way back into the game.
Colm Murphy's goal was crucial as they ran out three point winners to advance to the semi finals.
Steven Miller is joined by Alan Hartnett to look back on the game.
We also hear from a delighted Laois manager Billy Sheehan.
On the latest edition of the Talking Sport Podcast, we have taken a comprehensive look at the club football and hurling leagues.
Alan Hartnett and Steven Miller will give you a 40 minute run down on where all 13 divisions lie.
The lads begin with hurling where the top three Divisions will conclude in the coming days.
Division 4 to 6 are now at semi final stage and some exciting games are anticipated.
After the break, the lads return to talk about football where the new phase has begun.
In Divisions 1, 2 and 3, the teams have been split into top four and bottom four.
That has begun and the lads look at who is likely to get to the finals and who is heading for the drop.
Divisions 4, 5, 6 and 7 are all at semi final stage and they predict who is likely to win these.
After no LoveLaois Podcast last week because of the Bank Holiday Monday, we're back with plenty to talk about. Reporter Mark Comerford makes his Podcast debut and has a fairly shocking story from The Heath while Alan has had a very busy time of it recently. He spells out the details of the recent saga in Laois County Council in relation to live streaming of public meetings - and also reports on his recent trip to Ballaghmore to see what a rural Gaelscoil is like. Steven has news on a new bus service in Portlaoise as well as an update from the first political convention ahead of next year's Local Elections. He also talks about the Laois man who is set to contest for the national president's role in the IFA.
This week's LoveLaois Podcast is a little later than usual coming to you - but our special guest this week is Philip Meagher, the well-known Portlaoise-based solicitor who is now the main man behind Laois's newest music festival, Forest Fest. The three-day festival takes place once again this year in Emo on the weekend of July 21-23 and Philip joins us to chat about how the whole thing came about. How does a solicitor end up as a concert promoter? What was his motivation for going down this route? And what are his plans for the future?Plus he discusses what it's like dealing with some of the big names in the music industry and why being compared to the early days of Electric Picnic is a massive compliment.
On this week's LoveLaois Podcast we're joined by Martin Crowley, one of the driving forces behind the Shine 2023 event which takes place in Emo Court this Saturday, May 27.Shine is a joint venture between Emo GAA club and the Laois Chamber of Commerce and combines a trade fair featuring over 100 exhibitors alongside Ireland's Fittest Team competition, a gruelling sporting challenge that is centre stage of the event all day on Saturday.Steven and Alan chat about the event, as well as about some of the other local stories of the past week.Alan discusses the story whereby up to 16% of Laois County Council houses are refused by applicants. They also chat about the issue of auctioneers' 'For Sale' signs - and if they aren't permitted, then should politicians be allowed hang their posters?Plus, could there be a walkway and cycle route from Portlaoise to the Rock of Dunamaise, a Castletown fundraiser with a very deep meaning and paying tribute to the recently deceased Will Sherlock and Jim McDonald.
In the latest Love Laois Podcast, Steven and Alan discuss the Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien visiting Laois this week. As well as that they chat about the controversy surrounding Matt Barrett, partner of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, and his social media posts recently at the Royal coronation. There's more chat about The Ditch as well as the story of Sean Mortimer, the Camross man who is set to contest for a seat on Offaly County Council
In our latest LoveLaois Podcast, we're joined by former LaoisToday photographer Julie Anne Miller who is now living in Sydney in Australia.She chats to us about her photographic work in Sydney where she focuses on the Irish community and runs an Instagram page and website, An Astrail.Julie Anne tells us about the type of event she covers, how it differs from what she did in Ireland - and the elements of working in LaoisToday that she misses the most.Steven and Alan discuss some of the big stories of the week, including details on how Fianna Fáil are readying themselves for next year's Local Elections. They also chat about the story of a book being returned to Portlaoise library after 47 years as well as about Jimmy Kavanagh, the Portlaoise man whose face is now all over Dublin Bus.
On this week's LoveLaois Podcast, we chat about one of the big recent local stories - the decision of Cllr Aisling Moran to leave the Fine Gael party and what it might mean at next year's Local Elections. We also discuss Sinn Fein's announcement of their new candidate Maria McCormack, who will run alongside Caroline Dwane-Stanley, in Portlaoise. Plus we ponder the big saga at national level last week - that of Fianna Fáil TD Niall Collins following the coverage by The Ditch website. And our interview this week is with legendary local photographer Michael Scully. A native of Stradbally, he has been photographing events in the area for more than 50 years. He tells us of his early interest in photography, how his first job was in Leitrim and how he made the decision to come back home and start his own business. He describes how enjoyable a career it has been and how he's still as enthusiastic as ever after all these years.
In the latest LaoisToday #LoveLaois podcast, Steven and Alan discuss some of the big local stories of the past seven days. They chat about council meetings, how they work, the types of motions you can see and what really drive the councillors made. Three new roundabouts for Portlaoise, the scourge of illegal dumping and the only junction in Ireland where you give way to the traffic coming from your left are all on our agenda. Plus they look at the dynamic ahead of the 2024 local elections and the excitement that that will generate. And there's Electric Picnic, Forest Fest, a significant retirement and a well-earned appointment.
In the second episode of our new #LoveLaois Podcast we hear from newly-crowned Laois Rose Sinead Dowd. Based in Cullohill, she tells the brilliant story of how she grew up in New York before convincing her parents to allow her move to Ireland when she was just 16 to live with her cousins. She is now an English and Geography teacher in Scoil Chriost Ri in Portlaoise and will represent Laois in the Dome in Tralee in August. Steven and Alan predict that she should have a very good chance - as well as discussing some other recent stories, including the news that the Kolbe school build will proceed after all. They also chat about Joe Biden's recent visit to Ireland, the closure of a local newsagents and some of the famous Irish kidnappings over the years.
This week sees the LaoisToday team introduce a new weekly #LoveLaois Podcast. The #LoveLaois Podcast is free to download on all podcast platforms and will focus on some of the week's big local stories. "With the local sports coverage well covered in our regular Talking Sport Podcasts, this production will focus on non-sport related stories," says LaoisToday owner and managing editor Steven Miller. "It will have an upbeat tone, looking back on some of the LaoisToday stories that grabbed attention over the past week, and will give an insight into what we cover and how we approach various issues. "We also intend on hearing from a variety of well-known local and national figures."Our first guest is Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council Thomasina Connell, who chats about her recent trip to the USA, where she marched in the St Patrick's Day parade, met Hilary Clinton and also travelled to Williamson County in Tennessee which is twinned with Laois County Council.She also chats about recently becoming a mother and how she balances that with her busy life as a county councillor and self-employed solicitor. As well as that, Steven and Alan reflect on the April Fools story that reported that exiled Royals Harry and Meghan were to move to live in Clonaslee. The lads also chat about a Michelin Star chef setting up a restaurant in Abbeyleix, the Honest Egg children in Durrow and the passing of well-known Laois women 'Pippy' McEvoy and Lillian O'Neill.
Ahead of the crucial NFL Division 4 game between Laois and Leitrim this Sunday in Carrick-on-Shannon, we chatted to Damien Butler, a coach with the St Mary's team that won last year's Leitrim senior championship and an authority on the game in the county. We discussed Leitrim's small population (less than 30,000 compared to Laois's approximate 90,000) but how it's a madly passionate GAA county. He gave us the lowdown on Leitrim's time under Andy Moran, the magic of Keith Beirne and the ultra competitive nature of the Leitrim club championship. On top of that, he had plenty of advice for Laois supporters making their way to Carrick-on-Shannon - from parking to pints and mass to Sunday lunch options.
Our first podcast dedicated to hurling is here following a winning start to the Willie Maher era on Sunday. Laois overcame a resilient Wexford side in Mountrath – their first time playing a competitive fixture at the venue since 1982.The game drew a bumper crowd to the club venue and there was a wonderful atmosphere as Laois recorded a rare win over one of the big guns, albeit in the pre-season competition.Alan Hartnett is joined by our reporter Barry McEvoy who was at the game on Sunday. The two look back on the performance, speak about the new players and look ahead to Kilkenny. We also hear from Laois manager Willie Maher who spoke with Barry after the game.There have also been a number of developments on the club scene with managers appointed and the lads discuss them.
The latest LaoisToday Talking Sport Podcast looking ahead to this weekend's GAA action, where Portarlington's trip to Croke Park for their Leinster club championship semi-final with Kilmacud Crokes is the big talking point.
We also chat about U-20 hurling and football championship action as well as remembering the late great John Conway, a legendary figure in Laois GAA circles.
Cllr Thomasina Connell, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, is the special guest on our latest episode of the LaoisToday Podcast.
She discusses how she got into politics, the experience of going for election and what the role of Cathaoirleach actually entails.
Arguing that Laois, as a county, need to be proud of what we have and have to offer, she touches on two considerable projects in Portlaoise - the new library and the development of a new bus service for the town.
Plus she chats about her political ambitions and how she hopes she'll be on the ticket for Fine Gael for the next General Election.
After an action packed week of hurling, attention now turns to the football championships.
The Senior, Intermediate and Junior A competitions get underway this week.
This Podcast focuses solely on the Senior grade. Alan Hartnett is joined by Steven Miller to look ahead to the action.
There are eight games this week and the lads examine each team.
They then predict who will each of the games - starting with Killeshin v O'Dempsey's on Thursday.
The lads then predict who they think will win it, who will be relegated and who the dark horses are.
The Laois club hurling championship is underway! Thursday evening saw two entertaining games with Camross beating The Harps 3-21 to 3-14 in the senior championship in O'Moore Park and Clonaslee-St Manman's edging out Slieve Bloom 1-15 to 0-17 in Mountmellick. Steven and Alan discuss those two games, pick their Man of the Match winners and chat about the prospects of the teams involved. They also preview the remainder of the Premier Intermediate and Intermediate games and attempt to predict the eventual champions in both grades. As well as that, Steven explains the new LaoisToday model, whereby all sports coverage is moving to subscriber-only.
The Laois senior hurling championship is upon us.
And to look ahead to the action, Steven is joined on this week’s Talking Sport Podcast by former Camross manager Arien Delaney.
Delaney guided Camross to county final glory in 2013 and 2017 during his five-year spell in charge, as well as reaching county finals in 2014 and 2015.
As well as chatting about the sheer love of hurling in Camross, he also talks about his managerial career since finishing up in his role with the club.
He’s now managing Belmont in Offaly and previously had spells over Shinrone in Offaly as well as Tipperary club Burgess.
He compares the club game in the three counties as well as drawing attention to the high standard of Laois coaches and managers.
Most importantly we preview this weekend’s games, discuss all eight senior teams and attempt to predict who will be the 2022 Laois senior hurling champions.
We are back with our latest edition of the Talking Sport Podcast and the lads are in good form!
And why wouldn't they - as the Laois Ladies have now secured a place in an All-Ireland final.
They'll be off to Croke Park at the end of July to take on Wexford in the Intermediate decider following victory over Clare.
Alan Hartnett was in Roscommon for the game and he is joined by Steven Miller.
There is also reaction from Emma Lawlor who starred in another fine win for the ladies.
There were also two league finals down for decision - with Ballyroan-Abbey and Graiguecullen victorious.
You can listen to the latest episode on Soundcloud below or by subscribing on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
With club championship action set to begin in Laois next weekend, this is going to be the final 'quiet' one for a while.
While the volume of games may be low, there is one massive one taking place on Sunday.
The Laois Ladies are off to Kiltoom in Roscommon to face Clare for a place in the All-Ireland Intermediate final.
Donie Brennan's charges reached this phase last year and were eliminated by Wexford so they will be hoping to go one better this time.
A big match calls for a big guest and we are delighted to be joined by Sarsfields and Laois legend Mags McEvoy.
Mags joins Alan Hartnett to look back at the season to date, preview what we can expect from Clare and urge people to get behind the team.
After the break, Alan is joined by Steven Miller for a look ahead to two league football finals.
The Division 3A decider is between Annanough and Ballyroan-Abbey on Friday night.
While Graiguecullen play Rosenallis in Division 3B on Saturday with the Division 5 meeting between Park-Ratheniska and Kilcavan postponed.
A week out from the start of the Laois club hurling championships, we're joined by Damien Carter to update our club hurling rankings.
Who are the risers and fallers? Who'll be disgusted and who'll be thrilled?
And explaining the algorithm behind it all ...
We're approaching the end of the league season and getting ready for the start of the championship.
The week gone by saw a glut of league finals take place - with just a handful left to complete.
Steven Miller and Alan Hartnett are back to look back at all of the games.
It was a nightmare for the lads on the predictions this week as they got the majority of matches wrong.
Only the Division 1B final between Killeshin and Stradbally was predicted correctly - and that didn't look likely in injury time as Stradbally led by a point.
The Division 1A final saw victory for St Joseph's while Park-Ratheniska's remarkable run continued with Division 2 success.
The Division 4 final went the way of Emo as they defeated Arles-Kilcruise.
While the lads also look at the Division 3A and 3B semi finals which took place last week.
It's a busy weekend of club football in Laois with an assortment of league finals down for decision. The game of the weekend is the Division 1A clash between St Joseph's and Graiguecullen in O'Moore Park on Friday night while there is also the Division 1B final between Killeshin and Stradbally, the Division 2 final between Ballyfin and Park-Ratheniska and the Division 4 decider between Emo and Arles-Kilcruise. We're recording from the Square Bar in Portlaoise, where we're joined by former Rosenallis manager Paddy Dunne to run the rule over all the games. The LaoisToday Talking Sport Podcast is brought to you in association with Booth Concrete.
Another busy weekend of GAA action has come to an end and the Talking Sport Podcast is here to guide you through it.
The main action took place on Sunday where the Laois Ladies travelled to Kinnegad and defeated Wicklow.
It sends them back to the All-Ireland semi finals where they will face Clare in two weeks time.
There was also significant action in the local hurling and football leagues.
The top Divisions in hurling have all had winners crowned with Rathdowney-Errill scooping Division 1A and 1B.
While Abbeyleix defeated Colt-Shanahoe in a very entertaining Division 2 final.
In football, the final pairings in the top three divisions are now all known after the weekend's games.
David Sheeran of Abbeyleix was crowned our second Star of the Week last week.
Now we have our three nominees for this week's accolade.
This weekend is a big one on the hurling scene in Laois with finals in the top three Divisions down for decision.
On Friday, Camross and Rathdowney-Errill will meet in the Division 1A decider.
The sides are due to meet again in the Division 1B final while Division 2 is between Abbeyleix and Colt-Shanahoe.
This extra edition of the Talking Sport Podcast focuses solely on hurling.
Alan Hartnett is joined by Laois U-20 hurling manager Ollie Hally to look ahead to all of the games.
The duo give their verdict on how they think the three finals will pan out this weekend.
The Clough-Ballacolla man also looks back on his year with the county side.
Our latest Talking Sport episode is an interview with Laois ladies footballer Aisling Quigley. She chats about her decision to come back to the county game after a long lay-off, what it was like being back and how she juggles her busy lifestyle as the only mother on the panel. As well as that she chats about her son Dan, who begins play school in September. She discusses his health battles and what it was like during the Do it for Dan campaign
There's plenty to talk about on this week's Talking Sport Podcast where Steven and Alan chat about Cheddar Plunkett's decision to step aside as Laois senior hurling manager.
How will his two years in charge be remembered?
What happens now? And who would we have on our shortlist?
Alan chats to Laois ladies football player Ellen Healy, the first winner of our 'Star of the Week'.
While we also shortlist three nominees for this year's award.
On top of that we look at all the latest club league action.
All the pairings have been confirmed in the hurling finals in the first three divisions while we're facing into a busy week of games on the club football scene.
After another busy weekend of sporting action, the LaoisToday Talking Sport Podcast is back.
The big winners at the weekend were the Laois Ladies who defeated Tyrone.
They now march into an All-Ireland quarter final against Wicklow and have given their chances a real shot in the arm.
It was a quieter than usual weekend on the club front but there were still some games in the football and hurling leagues.
While June is the showpiece for national soccer competitions down in UL.
The Gaynor Cup was last week with the Midlands reaching the final while the Kennedy Cup takes place this coming week.
Steven Miller joins Alan Hartnett to look back on all the action - and he also provides an update on his career ending leg injury!
You can listen to the latest episode on Soundcloud below or by subscribing on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
After a mini-hiatus, the LaoisToday Talking Sport Podcast is back with its latest edition.
The reason for our absence is explained - and it involves a rather unfortunate incident in a Junior C match!
There has been plenty of action since we were last with you and Steven Miller joins Alan Hartnett to discuss it all.
The Laois minors hurlers were eliminated on Saturday against Clare - and the lads look back at a memorable year.
The also look at the state of the current club hurling leagues as they head for the closing stages.
Attention then turns to football as the Ladies prepare for for a big game against Tyrone.
The lads also assess the club football leagues as they head for the closing stages.
It was another very busy weekend on the GAA front and we're back to review it all.
On Talking Sport this week, the lads look back at the end of another disappointing season for the Laois footballers.
Just like 2021, the 2022 edition ended with defeat against Westmeath.
Steven Miller is joined by Alan Hartnett to look back at the game and look ahead to the future.
The Laois minor hurlers were defeated by Galway on Saturday but their campaign is still alive.
The lads look back at this game and forward to the Clare one this weekend where a semi final place is up for grabs.
The Laois Ladies began the All-Ireland Intermediate championship with a huge win over Sligo on Sunday.
That almost guarantees them a place in the quarter finals with a game against Tyrone to come.
In our latest Talking Sport Podcast, we preview the Tailteann Cup, speculate on what way the team might line up and remember the famous 2004 meeting between the counties. We also preview the ladies football All Ireland qualifier game against Sligo and the camogie championship and look ahead to the Laois minor hurlers latest game against Galway. Plus we chat about the sound of silence at County Board meetings, unwarranted abuse of goalkeepers and burning Good Luck signs!
The season is over for the Laois senior hurlers as they were well beaten by Westmeath at the weekend.
Their relegation to the Joe McDonagh Cup is not yet confirmed but regardless there are many problems to solve for all involved.
Steven Miller and Alan Hartnett discuss it all while we also hear from manager Seamas 'Cheddar' Plunkett.
The Laois minor footballers lost out to Wexford last week as their journey came to an end.
While the weekend will go down in history for all involved in soccer in Laois.
Portlaoise won an SFAI title with their magical U-14 girls against Greystones United.
The Senior team won the Lummy-O'Reilly Cup while Towerhill Rovers claimed the CCFL Division 1 title.
The LaoisToday Talking Sport Podcast looking ahead to the Leinster minor hurling final between Laois and Offaly
And it’s back to hurling championship action this weekend with the knock-out stages finally set to commence.
In the Senior, Camross and Castletown will meet in one quarter final with Rathdowney-Errill and Rosenallis in the other.
Ballinakill and Clonaslee-St Manman's will clash in one Premier IHC quarter final with Camross and Rathdowney-Errill in the other.
While The Harps meet Clough-Ballacolla in one IHC semi final with Trumera and Borris-Kilcotton clashing in the other.
The action over the coming days will also see a number of relegation finals played.
The Senior actually kicks the weekend off as Abbeyleix and The Harps meet tonight in O'Moore Park.
The Premier Intermediate follows that on Friday with Slieve Bloom up against Colt-Shanahoe.
While the IHC playoff is between Mountrath and Park-Ratheniska-Timahoe.
Damien Carter is on the line with Alan Hartnett to look ahead to all of the games.
This week it’s all about hurling as we turn our attention to the Senior, Senior A and Minor finals.
Joining host Brian Moss is the three wise men of GAA analysis!!
Laois Today’s Steven Miller and Alan Hartnett and Laois Today's hurling analyst Tommy Buggy also of Property Partners in Portlaoise
Join the lads for a review of the final, interesting club colours and team song battles! Laois Today's GAA Podcast series is brought to you with thanks to The Breslin Supervalue Group- Abbeyleix and Rathdowney, Real Food Real People.
On Episode 14 host Brian Moss is joined by Laois Todays Steven Miller and Alan Hartnett to review all of the weekend’s football action and talking points. Junior and Intermediate finals and Senior semis all up for forensic analysis. Also on the agenda, linesmen in jeans, is tickling a foul?? And Com O’Rourke impersonations. Laois Todays GAA podcast are brought to you with thanks to The Breslin Supervalue Group, Abbyleix and Rathdowney, Real Food, Real People.
On Episode 12 we review all the weekends main hurling action in what was a bumper weekend for the small ball.
Host Brian Moss is joined by Laois Today's Alan Hartnett and Laois Today's hurling analysts Tommy Buggy for a puck by puck review of all of the weekend’s action.
Senior and Senior A semis, intermediate, junior and camogie finals are all up for discussion.
Also on the menu: When is advantage not advantage? Casting the hurling net wider and just who has the nicest club colours??
On episode 10 host Brian Moss is joined by Laois Today's Siun Lennon, Alan Hartnett and our hurling analyst Tommy Buggy to preview this weekends action.
Its very mush the clash of the ash this weekend as the senior championship gets down to the nitty gritty, also up for discussion, the intermediate and junior finals and a huge weekend for Camoige
On Episode 10 host Brian Moss is joined by Laois Todays brains trust Stephen Miller and Alan Hartnett for a look back at the good the bad and the ugly from this weekend s club football action.
Also up for discussion, when is a Gaels team really a Gaels team?? New club championships for Laois, the problem with Portlaoise and the epidemic of well-wishing between clubs!
This time out we turn our attention to the football quarter-finals over the weekend. Can anyone stop Portlaoise??
Brian Moss is joined by Laois Today's Stephen Miller, Alan Hartnett and Siun Lennon to run the rule over the weekend’s action.
Along with the quarterfinals the lads review last weekend’s ladies football action, is there an All Star coming to Laois? and we find out just who is Laois's biggest hatchet man!
Host Brian Moss is joined by LaoisToday's Steven Miller and Alan Hartnett and Laois Today's hurling analyst Tommy Buggy for a look back at the weekend's club hurling action.
On the hurling menu on this episode: big wins for Rathdowney-Errill and Borris-Kilcotton, Portlaoise and Rosenallis move into last four of Senior 'A', Mountrath maintain their Senior 'A' status, Slieve Bloom and Camross set to meet in intermediate final and Mountmellick on for 2 in in a row?
All our GAA Podcasts are brought to you in association with SuperValu Abbeyleix and Rathdowney.
On this episode of UnLaoised we roll back the music years and chat to one of the most popular and successful bands to ever come out of Laois.
For many the name The Mere Mortals will conjure up memories of crazy nights following the legendary six-piece band around the country.
From their days on the Feile stage to auditioning for The Commitments and being on the road with Bob Geldof, band members Ollie Plunkett, Paul Brophy and Paul Marran sit down with host Brian Moss and Laois Today's Stephen Miller to reminisce about the great times and what it was really like to be a Mere Mortal!
Coming up on our first GAA podcast here on UnLaoised, Laois Todays podcast platform it’s Hurling and Ladies Football that’s up for discussion.
Host Brian Moss is joined by LaoisTodays SteVen Miller and Siun Lennon and a man who knows more than a thing or two about Laois club hurling having managed a number of top tier clubs over the years it's hurling analyist and manager of Property Partners in Portlaoise Tommy Buggy.
Join the guys as they look ahead to this weekend’s hurling quarter finals and the ladies football finals
And just what can we expect from Eddie Brennan as Laois manager? We get the inside track on the legendary Kilkenny’s man’s training style.
LaoisToday’s GAA podcasts are brought to you with thanks to Breslin’s SuperValu Group, Abbeyleix and Rathdowney,
On this week’s Unlaoised it’s all about the All Ireland Final!!
Joining Brian Moss and Steven Miller is 3 time All Ireland Final Referee, the smiling ref! Stradbally’s man in black Maurice Deegan
Joining Maurice is a man who’s seen every kick, puck and concert in Croke Park since 1986.
He's the man behind part of the now famous Laois volunteer stewards that have been minding Croke Pak for over 30 years,Kyle's (via Tipperary) Pat Hennessy
On this week’s Unlaoised: What’s it like to be the man in the middle on All Ireland final day?? How do you stop Marty Morrissey form getting into Croke Park, Goats at Clones, The best player to grace headquarters hallowed turf, and just who are the country’s most passionate fans!
On this week’s Unlaoised it’s all about the Electric Picnic!!
This week we chat to Mr Picnic himself Stradbally’s music guru Richard Sappo Dunne, Richards been to every picnic and has raised thousands of euro for charity taking part in the annual tour de picnic every year since its inception. What he doesn’t know about the Electric Picnic isn’t worth knowing!!
Alongside Richard is a man who knows what it’s like to perform to the masses at the picnic and who last year made international headlines when the stage he was preforming in fell through , its Perfect Skins and Pogology front man, Portarlington’s own Brian O'Mahoney .
Up for the discussion today, a brief history of the picnic, secrets form the festival backstage, the trials and tribulations of the tour de picnic, Unmissable acts at Picnic 2018 and just why isn’t there a local tent for Laois based acts ?? All this plus much more!
Unlaoised is brought to you by our podcast sponsors Finline furniture For nearly 40 years Finline Furniture has been making the highest quality sofas & chairs in Emo,
Finline have exported their products to over 50 countries but you can visit their factory showrooms in Emo right here in County Laois,
On this week’s UnLaoised Brian Moss is joined by the ‘tweeting priest’ Fr Paddy Byrne, Laois footballing legend and secondary school teacher Chris Conway, Laos Todays reporter extraordinaire Siun Lennon and Stradbally based Primary school teacher and Papal visit enthusiast Paula Hennessy.
Up for discussion this week: The Papal Visit and the growing Laois connection, Just how important are the leaving cert results, the state of Laois club football and how Laois Todays Laois Hottest man competition made national headlines mid-week !
Unlaoised us recorded in the beautiful surrounds of The Golden Eggs studios based in Glenfield just outside Portlaoise with Sound Engineer Supremo Ollie Plunket.
Unlaoised is brought to you by our podcast partners Finline furniture For nearly 40 years Finline Furniture has been making the highest quality sofas & chairs in Emo.
Finline have exported their products to over 50 countries but you can visit their factory showrooms in Emo right here in County Laois.
On Unlaoised #2 Brian Moss and Stephen miller are joined by two fearless females!
Cllr Pauline Madigan, who was recently co-opted onto the council to take the seat of the late Jerry Lode and Thomasina Connell, Portlaoise based solicitor and 2016 General election candidate for Fine Gael join the lads for a chat where nothing is off the table!
On the menu on Unlaoised#2:
Women in politics, Is Eddie Brennan the savour for Laois hurling? Just what do condoms and Fianna Fail have in common!!
Plus why this could be the greatest Electric Picnic ever!
UnLaoised is recorded in Golden Egg Studios Portlaoise and brought to you with thanks to our Podcast Partners Finline Furniture New inn, Emo, Co Laois
You can check out Finline Furniture’s Showrooms in Dublin, Cork & Laois for more info see www.finlinefurniture.ie
UnLaoised : Laois Todays Podcast Platform.
In our inaugural podcast Brian Moss is joined by Laois Today's brain trusts Stephen Miller and Siun Lennon to mull over the main stories of the past week.
On the menu today Mountmellick’s John Moloney return to national politics, just who is Laois’s hottest man?? And the surprising Laois connection to the upcoming papal visit!
Join us for a no holds barred review of the week!
Unlaoised is brought to you with thanks to our podcast partners Finline Furniture and is recorded at Golden Egg Studios Portlaoise.