One of the best days in club history, celebrated by the best of the best

ON Friday night, Portlaoise AFC members, past members, supporters and friends gathered at the Midlands Park Hotel for one of the most special occasions in our club's proud history: the official launch of The History of Portlaoise AFC.

More than 150 people attended the event, filling the room with generations of players, supporters, committee members, volunteers, and friends of the club. Together, they celebrated a remarkable achievement and reflected on the journey of a club that has played such an important role in our community.

The highlight of the evening was a captivating presentation by local historian and one of the club's original players, James Bennett. Through his dedication, passion, and countless hours of research, James brought the story of Portlaoise AFC to life.

His presentation took those in attendance on a journey through the club's early years, unforgettable characters, memorable triumphs, and the many moments that have shaped Portlaoise AFC into the club it is today.

It was a privilege to welcome so many club legends, past and present, under one roof. The stories shared, memories revisited, and friendships renewed throughout the evening made for a truly special atmosphere. Seeing so many familiar faces together was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact Portlaoise AFC has had on generations of people.

A sincere thank you to James Bennett for his incredible work in bringing this book to life, to the Midlands Park Hotel for hosting such a memorable event, and to every person who attended and helped make the evening such a success.

Nights like this do not come around often, but when they do, they remind us exactly what makes Portlaoise AFC so special. Their history is something to be proud of, and this book ensures those stories will be preserved for future generations.

Here's to the next chapter in the Portlaoise AFC story.