O'Sullivan backing youthful Portarlington to extend era of dominance

FOR most clubs, reaching a county final is an occasion to savour. For Portarlington, it has become almost routine.

Sunday's Laois Senior Football Championship final against Courtwood will be their sixth final appearance in seven years as they attempt to win the Jack Delaney Cup for the sixth time in that period. Victory would also complete a second three-in-a-row and further underline their status as the dominant football force in Laois.

Yet while the familiar names remain central to their success, captain Paddy O'Sullivan believes one of the key reasons Portarlington are back in the decider is the emergence of a new generation of players.

The reigning champions used almost 40 players during their Division 2 league campaign earlier this year, giving valuable senior exposure to a number of younger footballers who have since become important members of the panel.

"I think we had a good league," said O'Sullivan. "There were a lot of young lads coming up from minor and they got plenty of experience. You can see that carried on into the Championship. A lot of them have made their senior debut and they're all going very well. The competition for players is brilliant."

That depth has become one of Portarlington's greatest strengths. Young players such as Hugh Connolly, Sean Moran, Conor Moran and Tom Corcoran have all made significant contributions during the campaign, with Corcoran particularly impressing at full-back.

The introduction of those younger players has coincided with another major positive for the squad. Unlike previous seasons, everybody was available from the beginning of the championship campaign, eliminating the disruption that can come when players return from abroad midway through a season.

According to O'Sullivan, it has created a highly competitive environment where places must be earned.

"Everyone was home before the first round of the Championship. No one is coming in dribs and drabs. Everyone knows if they're going to start, they'll deserve their place."

There was also significant change off the field over the winter following the departure of Pat Roe, who guided Portarlington to championship victories in 2024 and 2025.

While Roe's contribution is still highly valued within the club, the transition to a new management team has been seamless. Johnny Doyle, Roly Sweeney, Cathal Ryan and Bobby Doris have each brought different qualities to the setup.

O'Sullivan believes the combination of attacking expertise from Doyle and Sweeney, allied to the defensive knowledge provided by Ryan and Doris, has strengthened the team.

"The boys have savage knowledge," he said. "They all have their own bit to bring to us and it's brilliant."

Portarlington's championship campaign has also demonstrated an ability to evolve tactically.

For years they have been one of the county's most effective attacking teams, built around quick transitions and a high-tempo style of football. However, the quarter-final win over O'Dempsey's forced them to develop a different approach.

Expecting their opponents to attack, Portarlington instead found O'Dempsey's sitting deep and denying space. Rather than panic, they used the experience as a learning opportunity.

The result was a more patient attacking display in their subsequent semi-final victory.

"The O'Dempsey's game was a good eye-opener for us," O'Sullivan admitted. "Everyone knows the type of football we like to play, that fast game. For two weeks after that game we really worked on that slow attack.

"I think it showed the last day in the semi-final. We were very patient. It benefits us because now we know we have another tool in the toolbox. If we have to go fast, we can go fast and if we have to go slow, we can go slow."

That adaptability could be crucial against a Courtwood side that pushed Portarlington all the way in last year's final. The teams could not be separated after the first encounter before Portarlington eventually prevailed in the replay.

The rivalry has intensified in recent years, helped by the proximity of the clubs and the strong personal connections between players on both sides.

"It adds that bit of speciality to it," said O'Sullivan. "There are friends on both teams. Last year was an unbelievable final and a great one to be part of."

While Courtwood will undoubtedly draw confidence from last year's performances, Portarlington possess something no other team in the county can match: an unrivalled recent record on county final day.

They have won each of their last five championship finals and continue to thrive when the pressure is greatest.

O'Sullivan insists the squad has not spent much time reflecting on those successes.

"It might be in the back of your head, but we had one job and that was to get to the county final. We didn't look past that this year and now we've got there, the next goal is to win it."

That mentality has become a hallmark of this Portarlington team. Despite all they have achieved, there remains a hunger and drive that has prevented complacency taking hold.

The squad is still evolving. O'Sullivan himself has spent much of the season in a more advanced role after previously operating in defence, while experienced players continue to be challenged by emerging talent coming through the ranks.

Perhaps most encouragingly for the club, there is already an eye on the future. Part of this week's preparations will involve inviting younger club members to training and giving them an opportunity to meet and play alongside the senior squad.

It is a reminder that Portarlington's current success has been built on strong foundations and a constant flow of emerging talent.

Whether they can lift the Jack Delaney Cup again on Sunday remains to be seen. Courtwood have already shown they are capable of matching them and another tightly contested final is widely expected.

But as Portarlington prepare for their sixth county final in seven years, they do so from a familiar position. They have experience, depth, momentum and a proven ability to deliver when it matters most.

Those qualities have already brought five titles in six seasons.

A sixth would further cement one of the most dominant eras ever witnessed in Laois club football.