Local Notes: GAA and soccer news, Portlaw heritage and more
Portlaw WellKids training took place recently in the Park followed by fun time in the playground and an ice cream with smiles all round.
We are delighted to let you know that we have been approved for support under the Heritage Council Grant Scheme 2025. Our project will involve the development of a website and walking trail around the village as we mark the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the Malcomson's in Portlaw. The website will provide a centralised platform to showcase the town's industrial heritage; share stories, promote events and make our story more accessible to both local residents and international visitors. The factory, streets and buildings of the village provide the backdrop to our lives; our past, present and most importantly our future. We also congratulate the other groups across the county who were successful in their applications. Portlaw Heritage Centre are deeply grateful to The Heritage Council for their support on this project.
League Result: Portlaw 1 - 0 Crusaders. Our 2B’s kept up their unbeaten record and moved top of the table with a hard fought win over a determined Crusaders team. The first half was very even with chances at a premium. A brilliant save from Josh Kay kept us level at the break. The all important goal arrived early in the second half when a Paddy McGrath cross was flicked on by Ryan Gallagher and Dean Walsh was on hand to slot home. A quick turnaround for the lads when they travel to DLS on Saturday for a 2pm kick off. We would again like to thank everyone who signed up for the Club Supporters Development Syndicate to date. In our latest draw the lucky winners were: 1st prize - €100 - Dympna O’Shea; 2nd prize - €50 Tom Russell; 3rd prize - €25 Michael and Ester Nugent. If anyone would like to join the syndicate to improve the club facilities contact any member of the committee or the club Facebook page directly.
Ballyduff 1 Portlaw Utd 5. Great team performance from the lads away to local rivals Ballyduff. Goals on the night came from Jay, Eoin McNamara, Zeeshan, Cian Power and Harry. We didn't let the wind and rain dampen our spirits and started strongly and didn't look back. Well done lads. Thanks to Ballyduff and the ref for a sporting game.
Portlaw Utd 1-1 Tramore AET. Tramore win on penalties. A disappointing end to our season as we lost out on dreaded penalties in our cup final. We started slow and Tramore capitalised leading 1-0 at half time however, we came out stronger in the second half and Aidan Walsh got us level directly from a corner. Despite having chances in both normal and extra time the game finished 1-1 and had to be decided by penalties. Unfortunately we ended up on the wrong side and the Tramore keeper made himself a hero with some great saves. Nonetheless the boys can be proud of everything they’ve achieved this year. Hopefully they can go one step further next year. Many thanks to parents and supporters who turned out, it's always great to see a big Portlaw crowd for a final.
Result Villa 5-2 Portlaw Utd. Our U12 school boys bowed out of the cup against champions villa in the quarter final. This The team gave their all and every single one of them on the team left everything out on that pitch and they should be all very proud of themselves. Thank you too all the players coaches and parents for this season. We are looking forward to next season already.
Well Done to our U12 camogie team against St. Molleran's. They all played great and were very evenly matched with their opposition, but we’re unlucky to come out on the wrong side of the result. Our U14 team played Ballyduff Upper recently at home. It was the girls first game at home with the new scoreboard. They played brilliantly but were beaten on the night.
Well done to Chloe Rochford, Layla O’Regan and Sarah O’Connor who represented their county last recently in a challenge match against Kilkenny. The final score was Waterford 1-7 v Kilkenny 3-8. Well done girls and also well done to our Portlaw girls Kailyn Croke and Gillian Mullins for being recognised by their school.
A big thank you to Niall, Eilish and all at CTS Group for their generous sponsorship of our brand new digital scoreboard. A local business showing fantastic support for their club. This is yet another brilliant addition to our facilities and it will be used for many years ahead by all teams in Portlaw GAA, Portlaw Camogie, Portlaw Lgfa and beyond.
A special mention to our install team of Michealand Declan Walsh, Shane O'Connell, Paul Duggan and their team of helpers for their work putting it up. We are so lucky to have so many people in our club and community supporting us with everything we do which is key to getting projects like this complete.
Massive congratulations to the Waterford Schoolgirls U12 Interleague team on their fantastic win in the Trophy Final. Portlaw was proudly represented by Taylor Flannery, who has been in outstanding form all season giving 100 per cent effort in every match both for club and interleague. Well done to the management team, Saoirse and Michael, and to all the Waterford girls on a well-deserved victory. A brilliant achievement.
