Bennet hoping to kick on with Laois GAA senior football champs
Portarlington GAA begin defence of Laois SFC against The Heath in Portlaoise
Portarlington will once again defend their crown in the 2025 Laois Shopping Centre Senior Football Championship, entering as reigning champions for the fourth time in five years.
They’ll be missing one of their key figures for the opening rounds, with Cathal Bennett currently sidelined. Despite the setback, the experienced defender remains upbeat about his team's chances.
“Everything's going all good. We're waiting for a few lads to come home, but hopefully this year we can kick on again,” he said.
Portarlington’s recent dominance of the Laois GAA senior championship has been built on a fast-paced attacking game, and with this year’s championship being the first one played under the new rules, Bennett feels they will play into their strengths. He also praised the impact of younger players from last year’s minor panel, who reached the County Final.
“I think the new rules, they kind of suit the way we play football. The Minors coming through from last year, they're kicking it on as well and driving us on,” he said.
Portarlington captain Ronan Coffey makes a speech after his side's victory in the Laois County Senior Club Football Championship final match between Portlaoise and Portarlington at Laois Hire O'Moore Park in Portlaoise, Laois. Photo by Tom Beary/Sportsfile
“Robbie Piggott's coming home, so he'll be a big help. No injuries so far, only myself with the cruciate, but that's it,” he said.
Bennett is currently recovering from his second ACL injury in two years. After previously damaging his other knee, the news has come as a major blow, but he hasn’t given up hope of making a return before the campaign concludes.
“It’s terrible to get the news. I did it in my other knee two years ago now, but hopefully I can kind of get back to either the semi-final or the final,” he said.
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Portarlington begin their defence of their Laois Senior Football Championship crown against The Heath at 7.30pm on Wednesday, July 23 in Laois Hire O'Moore Park.