Portlaoise GAA club pays glowing tribute to 'town great'

Portlaoise GAA are among the many to pay tribute to the passing of one of a town man who was one of the scoring lynchpins of its first Leinster Club Football Championship-winning team.

Larry Dunne of Ballyfin Road in Portlaoise passed away peacefully at home on December 28 surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Frances, Larry was dearly loved father to Alan, Karol, Joan, and Sarah.

Cherished grandfather to Séan, Eoghan, Aidan, Leannán, Bonnie, Nina and Barra, he is also deeply regretted by his loving extended family, relatives, friends and former colleagues in Laois County Council.

Portlaoise GAA paid tribute in a statement.

"We are saddened to learn of the passing of Larry Dunne; a former great town footballer who was an important part of the first club team to win the Leinster Football Championship in 1972.

"Larry was wing forward / corner forward on that team, which had a memorable win in the provincial final against Athlone on a 2-11 to 2-9 score line. Famously, the Town trailed by 11 points in the early stages of the second half of this game, but this team had built a formidable reputation for second-half fightbacks and for having a real never-say-die spirit. And Larry was an important part of this. He was a talented, skilful and dangerous forward.

"Earlier in that campaign, Larry scored an important point when Portlaoise got the better of great rivals, The Heath, in a fiercely contested county final," said the club.

He was also praised as a "sportsman supreme" excelling in soccer and golf and was a past captain of The Heath GC.

"He passed his love of sport down to his children, and Alan and Karol were excellent hurlers with the club. Our thoughts and prayers are with: Larry’s wife Frances, his children: Alan, Karol, Joan and Sarah and all of his family, extended family, and his many friends," said the club on its Facebook page.

Laois County Council Golf Society also paid tribute on RIP.ie

"He was an integral part of our society as he was one of its founding members. Larry was ever present at our outings and served as our Captain and one of our very committed members always willing to help out be it taking entries and doing cards. We were all delighted when you both attended our recent Christmas outing in his beloved Heath Golf Club. We cherish the memories and may Larry rest in peace," said the society.

Larry's remains repose at Keegan's Funeral Home on Monday, December 30 from 6 pm till 8 pm. Removal from his home on Tuesday to arrive at SS Peter and Paul’s Church for 12 noon requiem mass. Interment will follow in SS Peter and Paul’s Cemetery.