Sean Armstrong | Niall Bogue | Eoin Brosnan | Paddy Bradley | Sean Cavanagh Aidan Carr | Kevin Cassidy | Ronan Clarke | Bryan Cullen | Colm Cooper
Shane Curran | Brian Dooher | Kieran Donahy | Mattie Forde | Thomas Freeman
Raymond Gallagher | Paul Galvin | Leighton Glynn | Ciaran Hanratty
Stephen Kernan | James Masters | Andy McClean | Oisin McConville
Ciaran McDonald | Stephen McDonnell | Michael Meehan | Barry Monaghan
Finnian Moriarty | Adrian Morrissey | Conor Mortimer | Eoin Mulligan
Ross Munnelly | Nicholas Murphy | Eamon O'Hara | Stephen O'Neill
Tomas Ó Sé | Darragh Ó Sé | Declan O'Sullivan | Colm Parkinson | Tomás Quinn
Donal Shine | Ciaran Whelan | Fergal Doherty
It is 22 years since Portlaoise were crowned All-Ireland club champions and stylish forward Colm Parkinson feels the time is right to emulate his heroes. However, one team stands in his way, Mayo and Connacht champions, Ballina Stephenites.
The two sides will battle it out on St Patrick's Day for club football's biggest title, and Parkinson, who captains the team, is keen to bring the Andy Merrigan Cup back to Portlaoise for only the second time in the club's history.
Portlaoise have not had an easy route to the final. They beat Rhode of Offaly and Dublin champions, Kilmacud Crokes, to book their place in the Leinster final. It was a proud day for Colm when they beat Skryne of Meath by four points to win their 6th Leinster Club title.
The boys from The O'Moore County most recently saw off Ulster kingpins, Crossmaglen Rangers, in the semi-final by a point, inflicting the northerners' first Championship defeat outside Ulster since 1997. It was a day to remember as ‘The Town’ booked their place in the final, and with Colm leading from the front, hopes are high for more success.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
Winning the All-Ireland Minor title with Laois in 1996 was, without doubt, my best moment in sport. I will never forget it. Winning the Leinster Club title with Portlaoise this year isn’t far behind.
Which is the toughest team you have ever faced?
The Tyrone Senior team from 2004, they were simply awesome. Of the clubs, it has to be Crossmaglen Rangers. We had a very tough game against them in the
semi-final of this years club championship, but I’m glad to say, we pulled through
in the end.
Who was your toughest opponent?
Francie Bellew of Crossmaglen Rangers and Armagh, is one of the best defenders around. I’ve had a few tussles with him over the last few years playing for both club and county.
What advice would you give to young players?
Never give up, always listen to your coaches and train hard.
Which players do you admire the most?
Meath’s Graham Geraghty is one of the best players around, a fantastic all-round player. Alan Brogan of Dublin and Donegal’s Brendan Devenny are also top players.
Who was your childhood hero?
Roy Keane.
Which teams are your biggest rivals?
On the club scene in Laois, it has to be St Joseph’s. They have some great players like Noel Garvan, Tom Kelly and Joe Higgins. It’s never an easy game against them. On the inter-county scene, it’s Offaly who are our closest and biggest rivals.
Do you play any other sports?
Snooker and Soccer.
© March 2005
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