Gavin Cooper
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Articles by Gavin Cooper
‘It's a dream come true’- Harps manager Ken Hogan after first-ever SHC title
Hogan salutes The Harps’ unsung heroes after their victory over Camross in Sunday’s final The Harps manager, Ken Hogan, hailed his players and the wider club after they made history by winning the Laois Senior Hurling Championship for the first time ever on Sunday afternoon. The Harps produced a stunning performance at Laois Hire O’Moore Park to defeat Camross by 16 points and claim the Bob O’Keeffe Cup for the first time in the club’s history.
IN PICTURES: The Harps celebrate historic first Laois SHC title
There was history made in Laois Hire O’Moore Park on Sunday after The Harps were crowned Laois Senior Hurling champions for the first time in the club’s 42-year history. They beat Camross by 16 points to claim the club’s maiden Bob O’Keeffe Cup in front of a big crowd in Portlaoise. Captain Padraic Dunne and John ‘Boggy’ Brophy lifted the cup together. 1. Young Camross supporters on Sunday Denis Byrne 2. Captains Padraic Dunne (Harps) and Cathal Cuddy (Camross) with Referee John Lalor Denis Byrne 3.
HISTORY MAKERS! The Harps brush past Camross to win first-ever Laois Senior Hurling championship
Laois GAA Chairperson PJ Kelly with Padraic Dunne | CLG Laois It’s the club’s first Bob O’Keeffe Cup in their 42-year history since Durrow and Cullohill joined forces in 1982 The Harps are the 2026 Laois Senior Hurling champions and, in doing so, have won the club’s first-ever Laois SHC title in the club’s 42-year history. They blew Camross away in Sunday’s final, beating them by 16 points to get their hands and their name on the Bob O’Keeffe Cup for the first time ever.
HISTORY MAKERS! The Harps ease past Camross to win first-ever Laois Senior Hurling championship
Laois GAA Chairperson PJ Kelly with Padraic Dunne | CLG Laois It’s the club’s first Bob O’Keeffe Cup in their 42-year history since Durrow and Cullohill joined forces in 1982 The Harps are the 2026 Laois Senior Hurling champions and, in doing so, have won the club’s first-ever Laois SHC title in the club’s 42-year history. They blew Camross away in Sunday’s final, beating them by 16 points to get their hands and their name on the Bob O’Keeffe Cup for the first time ever.
LIVE UPDATES: Camross v The Harps Laois Senior Hurling Final
Here we go. Who’ll get their hands on the Bob O’Keeffe Cup for 2027? Follow score-by-score updates below from Sunday’s Laois Senior Hurling Championship final between Camross and The Harps.
Cuddy and Hynes fire Camross to Laois Minor Hurling Championship glory
LJ Cuddy and Luke Hynes combined for 2-15 as Camross ended a five-year wait for minor championship success For the first time since 2021, Camross are Laois Minor Hurling champions after they defeated Barrow Gaels by 10 points in Sunday’s final. Camross’ ability to convert their goal chances proved crucial, with them raising two green flags in either half. LJ Cuddy and Luke Hynes were immense for the victors, combining for 2-15 of Camross’ 4-20 tally.
LIVE UPDATES: Camross v Barrow Gaels Laois Minor Hurling Final
The game throws-in at 1.30pm with the senior final at 3.45pm Follow score-by-score updates below from Sunday’s Laois Minor Hurling final between Camross and Barrow Gaels. The senior final between Camross and The Harps is at 3.45pm.
Laois school reaches historic Cumann na mBunscol final after unbeaten season
A general view of Laois Hire O'Moore Park before the Laois Senior Football Championship final match between Courtwood and Portarlington at Laois Hire O'Moore Park | SPORTSFILE Abbeyleix South National School are set to contest their first-ever Cumann na mBunscol Cup final Abbeyleix South National School will make history on Tuesday, October 20, when its football team contests a Cumann na mBunscol Cup final for the first time.
PREVIEW AND PREDICTION: Camross and The Harps clash for the Bob O’Keeffe Cup
The Harps captain Padraic Dunne and Camross captain Cathal Cuddy | Oonagh Maher The Harps have enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, but 27-time champions Camross will be determined to get their hands on the Bob O’Keeffe Cup again Camross will be aiming to reassert their position at the summit of Laois club hurling on Sunday afternoon, but standing in their way is a Harps side bidding to complete one of the stories of the championship.
Camross dig deep to see off St Brigid’s and retain Laois Intermediate Camogie title
CAMROSS CHAMPIONS! | Denis Byrne Sarah-Anne Fitzgerald hit 1-7 as the reigning Leinster and All-Ireland champions secured back-to-back Laois Intermediate Camogie titles Camross have won the Laois Intermediate Camogie Championship for the second year in a row after they beat St Brigid’s by three points in Saturday’s final. Camross came into the game as not only Laois champions, but Leinster and All-Ireland Intermediate Club champions.
LIVE UPDATES: Camross v St Brigid's Laois Camogie Intermediate final
Will Camross win it for the second year in a row or will St Brigid’s claim back their crown? Follow score-by-score updates below from St Brigid’s v Camross in the Laois Camogie Intermediate final
Historic first as Clough/Ballacolla crowned Laois Junior Camogie champions against St Brigid's
After defeats in the 2023 and 2025 finals, Clough/Ballacolla finally ended their county final heartbreak Clough/Ballacolla have been crowned the 2026 Laois Junior Camogie champions following a superb game between themselves and St Brigid’s in Saturday’s final at Laois Hire O’Moore Park. The victors, appearing in their third final in four years, put their county final heartache of 2023 and 2025 behind them to win the club’s first adult championship in just their 10th year of existence.
LIVE UPDATES: St Brigid's v Clough/Ballacolla Laois Camogie Junior final
This game throws-in at 12pm with Camross v St Brigid’s in the Intermediate final at 2pm Follow score-by-score updates below from St Brigid’s v Clough/Ballacolla in the 2026 Laois Camogie Junior final
PREVIEWS: Laois Camogie champions to be crowned in Saturday's double-header
Busy day of Laois Camogie club action | Team pics credited to both clubs. Right: Denis Byrne Clough/Ballacolla bid for Junior glory against St Brigid’s seconds before Camross and St Brigid’s clash once more for Intermediate honours Saturday promises a cracking afternoon of Laois Camogie action as the county’s club championships reach their conclusion with two finals taking place at Laois Hire O’Moore Park.
Portarlington comeback falls short as Portlaoise win U-20 Championship opener
Captains Ben O'Connor and Ben McCann with referee Colin Bailey | Leinster Express The Town had led 3-6 to 0-4 just after half-time before Portarlington got back to within two points with less than 10 minutes to play Portlaoise have gotten their 2026 Laois U-20 Football Championship off to a winning start with a victory over Portarlington in McCann Park on Friday evening.
The Harps manager Ken Hogan relishing chance to make history in Laois SHC final
The Harps Manager Ken Hogan | Denis Byrne The Tipperary native has guided The Harps to their first senior county final since 1998 in his first season in charge. They’ll play Camross on Sunday Ken Hogan, manager of The Harps, admits he is enjoying every minute of his time with the club as they prepare to contest their first Laois Senior Hurling Championship final in 28 years.
Camross boss Tomas Burke: ‘There’s nothing won yet’ ahead of Laois SHC final
Camross Manager Tomas Burke | Denis Byrne Mossy knows his side must improve after seeing The Harps score five goals against them in Round 1 Camross manager Tomas Burke knows his side will have to be at their best if they are to claim a 28th Laois Senior Hurling Championship title when they face The Harps in Sunday's final at Laois Hire O'Moore Park.
St Brigid’s determined to ‘right the wrongs’ against Camross
Laura Dunne with family after St Brigid's were crowned Leinster champions in 2024 | Denis Byrne Photography They were beaten by Camross in the final in 2025 St Brigid’s captain Laura Dunne says the club has been driven by a desire to “right the wrongs” of last year as they prepare to face Camross in Saturday’s Laois Intermediate Camogie Championship final.
IN PICTURES: Laois Intermediate & Uneven Ages Cross Country Championships
Black Hills provided the backdrop for Round 2 Round 2 of the Laois Athletics Cross Country Championships took place on Sunday, October 11. It was hosted by Ballyroan Abbeyleix & District A.C. at Black Hills, Abbeyleix. Sunday’s event saw 10 races take place, from U9 to Intermediate races in both men’s and women’s. Photographer Denis Byrne attended the event for the Leinster Express/ Laois Live. Continue Reading
‘The job is not finished yet ’- The Harps captain Padraic Dunne ahead of SHC Final
The Harps are appearing in their first SHC final since losing to Portlaoise in 1998, 28 years ago Padraic Dunne says The Harps are determined to make the most of a rare opportunity when they take on Camross in Sunday’s Laois Senior Hurling Championship final at Laois Hire O’Moore Park.
Camross Camogie chasing another county title after magical 2025 campaign
Camross Captain Aoife Collier raises the Intermediate Camogie Cup in 2025 | Denis Byrne Aoife Collier says the atmosphere around Camross is building ahead of a huge weekend for the club Camross captain Aoife Collier says retaining their Laois Intermediate Camogie Championship title has been the club's sole objective since the beginning of the year as they prepare to face St Brigid's in Saturday’s county final.
Camross duo ready for The Harps challenge in SHC final
Camross will make their 41st appearance in a senior county final when they face The Harps Eoin Gaughan and Cathal Cuddy are relishing the prospect of another Laois Senior Hurling Championship final as Camross prepare to take on The Harps at Laois Hire O’Moore Park on Sunday. The club will make their 41st appearance in a senior county decider, with the prospect of adding a 28th Bob O’Keeffe Cup to their collection providing plenty of motivation after their semi-final win over Rosenallis.
PICK YOUR TEAM: Who makes the 2026 Leinster Express Laois SFC Team of the Year?
Portarlington celebrate with the Jack Delaney Cup after the Laois Senior Football Championship final between Courtwood and Portarlington at Laois Hire O'Moore Park in Portlaoise, Laois. | SPORTSFILE We've shortlisted 44 players from across the championship, but who deserves a place in the final 15? Have your say in our readers' poll.
Laois rewarded for Joe McDonagh Cup success with seven Team of the Year selections
Laois' seven representives | Sportsfile The seven selections reflect Laois’ successful campaign, which culminated in victory over Carlow in the final in June The 2026 Joe McDonagh Cup Team of the Year has been revealed, with seven Laois senior hurlers named on the team. Laois were crowned Joe McDonagh Cup champions in 2026 after defeating Carlow in the final, with the beaten finalists contributing five players to the selection.
Mick O’Connell delighted as St Conleth’s turn 2025 heartbreak into SFC glory
St Conleth’s turned their disappointment from 2025 into a championship-winning campaign Mick O’Connell believes St Conleth’s response to last year’s disappointment was central to their return to the top of Laois LGFA. The St Conleth’s manager watched his side put together a commanding performance against St Joseph’s in Saturday evening’s Laois LGFA Senior Championship final at Laois Hire O’Moore Park, convincingly securing the Lulu Carroll Cup.
Six SFC titles in seven years for Portarlington as Ronan Sweeney looks beyond Laois
‘Roly’ believes they have what it takes to test themselves against the best clubs in Leinster Ronan ‘Roly’ Sweeney admitted he was ‘delighted’ after overseeing a memorable first season in charge of Portarlington, which ended with the club completing another Laois GAA Senior Football Championship three-in-a-row.
IN PICTURES: St Conleth's return to the summit of Laois LGFA Club Football
St Conleth’s defeated St Joseph’s in Saturday evening’s Senior Football final For the third time in six years, St Conleth’s are celebrating being crowned Laois LGFA Senior Football champions. They blew St Joseph’s away in Saturday night’s final under the lights of O’Moore Park. Paul Dargan captured a gallery of action and celebration pictures. Continue Reading
IN PICTURES: Another Jack Delaney Cup for Portarlington GAA Club
They’ve done it again. Portarlington GAA Club are the Laois GAA Laois Shopping Centre Senior Football champions after their final-quarter demolition of Courtwood in Sunday’s final. Selection of pictures below from Denis Byrne and Sportsfile 1.
CHAMPIONS AGAIN! Portarlington demolish Courtwood for sixth SFC title in seven years
Portarlington have won their second three-in-a-row Portarlington are yet again the Laois Shopping Centre Senior Football champions after they demolished Courtwood in Sunday’s final. It was a repeat of the 2025 County Final that went to a replay, but once Port got going there was no chance of that happening. Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Ireland Live within your account. Sorry, there seem to be some issues.
LIVE UPDATES: Portarlington v Courtwood Laois Senior Football Final
Who’ll get their hands on the Jack Delaney Cup for 2026? Follow updates below from Sunday’s Senior Football Championship final between Portarlington v Courtwood
Goals galore as Mountmellick Parish Gaels crowned Minor champions
Mountmellick Parish Gaels dominated this final to win by 13 points in the end Mountmellick Parish Gaels are the 2026 Midlands Park Hotel Minor Football champions after their goal power saw them past Na Fianna Og in Sunday’s final. There was a great crowd inside Laois Hire O’Moore Park with the Senior County Final on afterwards. Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Ireland Live within your account.
LIVE UPDATES: Mountmellick Parish Gaels v Na Fianna Og Minor final
This kicks off a big Sunday of football Follow updates below from Sunday’s Minor Football Championship final
St Conleth's blow St Joseph's away to reclaim Laois LGFA Senior Championship
Aoife Cummins scores her side’s first goal on Saturday evening | Paul Dargan St Conleth’s have now won three Laois SFC titles in six years St Conleth’s are the 2026 Laois LGFA LOETB Senior Football champions after an utterly dominant display under the lights of Laois Hire O’Moore Park on Saturday evening. The county champions blew St Joseph’s away in the first 25 minutes, leading 3-4 to no score.
Five-goal Shanahoe too strong for Killeshin in Laois LGFA Intermediate final
Paige Hyland and Mollie Kelly compete for possession | Denis Byrne Three goals in the opening quarter helped Shanahoe overcome Killeshin and claim the Intermediate Championship Shanahoe will play in the Laois LGFA Senior Championship for 2027 after they made an immediate return by winning the LOETB Intermediate Championship final on Saturday evening.
LIVE UPDATES: Shanahoe v Killeshin Laois LGFA Intermediate Final
This is the first of a double-header of Laois LGFA finals Updates below from Saturday evening’s Laois LGFA Senior and Intermediate finals. Killeshin v Shanahoe is at 5pm in the Laois LGFA Intermediate Final Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Ireland Live within your account. Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... St Conleth’s v St Joseph’s is at 7pm in the Laois LGFA Senior Final
‘The plan is to go a step further’- Courtwood captain Sean O’Flynn
After losing last year’s Laois SFC final to Portarlington, Courtwood have laid the foundations for another run at the county title Courtwood captain Sean O’Flynn insists there is no danger of his club’s return to the Laois Senior Football Championship final being dismissed as a one-off.
St Joseph’s hold off late Timahoe fightback to land Junior ‘A’ crown
St Joseph’s had answers whenever Timahoe threatened, as they secured a three-point victory St Joseph’s are the 2026 Laois Shopping Centre Junior ‘A’ Football champions after their clinical full-forward line saw them past Timahoe in Friday’s final played at Laois Hire O’Moore Park in Portlaoise. Their three full-forwards combined for 12 of their 15 points on the night and were a menace all evening.
St Conleth’s out to right the wrongs from 2025 Laois LGFA final defeat
Marie Byrne and Aimee Kelly from St Conleth's | Paul Dargan Mick O’Connell’s side will face first-time finalists St Joseph’s after losing last year’s decider to Portlaoise St Conleth’s will bid to reclaim the Lulu Carroll Cup when they meet St Joseph’s in Saturday’s Laois LGFA Senior Football Championship final at Laois Hire O’Moore Park.
LIVE UPDATES: Timahoe v St Joseph's Junior 'A' Football Final
The game throws-in at 7.30pm Follow score-by-score updates below from Friday evening’s Laois Junior ‘A’ Football final between Timahoe and St Joseph’s
Paddy O’Sullivan: Portarlington’s young guns have given champions a fresh edge
Portarlington GAA captain Paddy O'Sullivan | Oonagh Maher Portarlington are chasing a sixth Laois SFC title in seven years as they prepare to face Courtwood for the second year running Portarlington GAA captain Paddy O’Sullivan believes the experience gained by a new generation of players during the club’s Division 2 campaign could prove crucial when they attempt to retain the Laois Senior Football Championship title against Courtwood on Sunday.
Shanahoe looking to bounce straight back up to Senior Championship
Shanahoe LGFA | Paul Dargan Shanahoe’s mixture of experience and emerging young talent has them within touching distance of an immediate return to senior football Shanahoe have an opportunity to put last year’s relegation firmly behind them when they meet Killeshin in Saturday’s Laois LGFA Intermediate Football Championship final at Laois Hire O’Moore Park.
Scoring error means Portlaoise and The Heath must replay Laois LGFA Junior 'A' final
Skip to main content Published 8th Oct 2026, 10:41 BST Action from Sunday’s final in Annanough | Paul Dargan Portlaoise were crowned champions on Sunday, but a scoring error has resulted in the final being ordered to be replayed The Laois LGFA Junior ‘A’ Football Championship final between Portlaoise and The Heath is due to be replayed after a scoring error resulted in the wrong result being recorded at the end of Sunday’s final in Annanough.
Mark Bates believes Courtwood are stronger ahead of Portarlington rematch
Courtwood Senior Football Manager Mark Bates | Denis Byrne The Courtwood boss feels his side have grown significantly since last year’s defeat after a replay Courtwood manager Mark Bates believes his side have grown significantly since last year’s Laois Shopping Centre Senior Football Championship final as they prepare to face Portarlington once again on Sunday.
St Joseph’s bidding to make club history in first Laois LGFA senior final
Anna Moore and Lorna Butler from St Joseph's | Paul Dargan Just two years after winning the Intermediate Championship, St Joseph’s are now within touching distance of their first senior title St Joseph’s are preparing to make club history when they face St Conleth’s in Saturday’s Laois LGFA Senior Football Championship final at Laois Hire O’Moore Park.
Killeshin hoping rapid rise continues with Laois LGFA Intermediate glory
Killeshin at the Laois LGFA Finals Launch | Paul Dargan Just 12 months after winning the Junior Championship, Killeshin are now one win away from reaching the senior ranks Killeshin have the opportunity to complete another chapter in their remarkable rise through the Laois LGFA ranks when they face Shanahoe in Saturday’s Intermediate Football Championship final at Laois Hire O’Moore Park. Just 12 months ago, Killeshin were celebrating Junior Championship success.
Portarlington manager Ronan Sweeney wary of ‘very impressive’ Courtwood
Portarlington Senior Football Manager Ronan Sweeney | Denis Byrne Sweeney says a strong Division 2 campaign has helped bring several younger players through Portarlington GAA manager Ronan ‘Roly’ Sweeney believes his side face their biggest test of the year when they take on Courtwood in the Laois Shopping Centre Senior Football Championship final.
IN PICTURES: O’Sullivan signs off Laois Hurlers Golfing Society season in style
Laois Hurlers Golf Society Castletown’s Fionan O’Sullivan finished on 44 points to claim the winner’s prize at Mountrath Golf Club The Laois Hurlers Golfing Society brought another successful season to a close at Mountrath Golf Club on Saturday, September 26, with Castletown’s Fionan O’Sullivan claiming the season finale prize. O’Sullivan posted an impressive 44 points to finish top of a closely fought contest, with Fint Scully second, Cyril Cuddy third and Tommy Moore fourth.
IN PICTURES: GAA President Jarlath Burns opens new facilities at Killeshin GAA
GAA President Jarlath Burns was in Laois once again as he attended the official opening of Killeshin GAA’s new facilities on Saturday, October 3. Photographer Paul Dargan attended the opening for the Leinster Express/ Laois Live. 1. Benny, Finn, Ben, Oisin & Valerie O'Mara & Mary Byrne Paul Dargan 2. Caoimhe & Aoibhin Brennan Paul Dargan 3. Cathal & Grace Brennan Paul Dargan 4. Cathal Whelan, Cole Coakley, Mickey Regan, Cian Buggy & Darragh Buggy Paul Dargan LaoisLaois GAAJarlath BurnsKilleshin
The Harps stun Clough/Ballacolla to reach first Laois SHC final in 28 years
Eoin Delaney hit a hat-trick as The Harps secured their first SHC final appearance since 1998 The Harps will contest a Laois Senior Hurling Championship final for the first time in 28 years after they knocked out the three-in-a-row-chasing Clough/Ballacolla on Sunday afternoon. Eoin Delaney was the star of the show with a hat-trick of goals.
Camross survive Rosenallis test to reach another Laois GAA SHC final
Tomas ‘Mossy’ Keyes scored 1-6 as Camross eventually found their rhythm to beat Rosenallis by five points Camross are into yet another Laois Shopping Centre SHC County Final, but it certainly wasn’t a vintage performance as they beat Rosenallis by five points in the first of Sunday’s semi-finals. It took Camross 20 minutes to get up to the pitch of the game, but once they got ahead, they never really looked back to book another SHC decider in two weeks.
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