Portlaoise confirmed as Laois LGFA Junior champions following successful appeal

Portlaoise have been confirmed as 2026 Laois LGFA Junior ‘A’ champions after successfully appealing a second decision to order a replay of their controversial county final against The Heath.

The Central Appeals Committee (CAC) has upheld Portlaoise's appeal, overturning the decision of Laois LGFA to order a second replay of the October 4 final, which was played in Annanough GAA.

The original game ended with Portlaoise being crowned champions following a 1-8 to 0-10 victory, with the trophy presented to the winners after the final whistle. However, the result was subsequently called into question after it emerged that Portlaoise had been credited with an incorrect score during the game.

Video footage of the final showed that Portlaoise had scored just 1-7 rather than the 1-8 recorded by the match officials. Had the correct score been recorded, the sides would have finished level at 1-7 to 0-10, with extra-time required to determine the destination of the title.

The Heath subsequently lodged an appeal, and an investigation committee recommended that the final be replayed, with the initial rearranged fixture scheduled for October 18.

That game did not take place after Portlaoise successfully appealed the decision to the CAC, with the club raising concerns about the status of the investigation committee and arguing that it had not been formally ratified at county board level.

The CAC subsequently directed Laois LGFA to formally establish an investigation committee, which was approved at an EGM on Monday, October 19.

The newly established three-person committee reviewed the available evidence, including video footage of the final, referee Johnny Brennan's report and evidence provided by Leinster Express/Laois Live reporter Keely Burke, who had queried the disputed score with match officials and team officials during and after the game.

Following that review, the committee upheld the original recommendation that the final should be replayed. Portlaoise again appealed the decision, with the latest ruling now going in their favour and bringing an end to the uncertainty surrounding the championship final.

In a statement, Portlaoise LGFA confirmed their satisfaction with the outcome, stressing that their appeals were based on what they believed were flaws in the processes followed since the original final.

Statement from Portlaoise GAA/LGFA

“Portlaoise LGFA wish to inform our players, supporters and members that following a second appeal of the decision of the Laois County Board to replay the Laois Junior ‘A’ final, the Central Appeals Commiittee have on both occasions found in favour of Portlaoise LGFA.

The appeal was based around processes and investigation errors. We firmly stand against using video evidence to over turn referees decisions and the awarding of games as outlined in Rule 19. We believe that this is of utmost importance to protect our players who were fairly awarded the game on the day and referees whose decisions must be respected at all times.

We want to be clear that our appeals and concerns were based on flawed processes since the final was played. It is in no way directed at The Heath.

Their players and mentors have been just as affected by the uncertainty of recent weeks as ours, through no fault of their own, and we have the greatest respect for them.

We are immensely proud of our group of players, and we thank our members and supporters for their continued support while this has been ongoing.

Portlaoise LGFA will make no further comment.

Yours in Sport,

Club Executive of Portlaoise GAA/LGFA,” the club said.

The Heath also issued a statement following the latest ruling, expressing disappointment at the outcome but accepting the decision and calling for both clubs to move forward.

The club maintained that a replay would have represented the fairest sporting outcome, while acknowledging Portlaoise's right to appeal.

Statement from The Heath GAA/LGFA Club

“Following the conclusion of the appeals process relating to the Junior ‘A’ Ladies Championship Final, The Heath GAA/LGFA Club wishes to provide clarity to our members and supporters.

The LGFA Central Appeals Committee has upheld Portlaoise's appeal and overturned Laois LGFA's decision to award a replay. The appeal concerned the procedure used to award a replay rather than the score itself. While disappointed, we respect the decision and welcome a conclusion to the matter in the interests of both sets of players.

We remain firmly of the view that a replay would have been the fairest sporting outcome but believe it is now time to move forward.

We thank the referee for acknowledging the error in the recorded score, accept his apology and wish him well. We also thank Laois LGFA and the County Board Executive for their considerable efforts to facilitate a replay on two occasions.

To our players, families, management and supporters, thank you for your patience and dignity throughout. The flags flying proudly across our community reflect the tremendous support for our ladies. We are immensely proud of our players who continue to inspire our younger members and set standards for the future of our club.

We respect Portlaoise's right to appeal and acknowledge the outcome which sees them progress to the Intermediate Championship next year.

In sport,

The Heath GAA/LGFA Club,” The Heath GAA/LGFA Club said.

The uncertainty surrounding the final also meant that Laois had no representatives in the 2026 Leinster LGFA Junior Club Championship, with neither Portlaoise nor The Heath progressing to the provincial competition while the appeals process remained ongoing.

The decision means Portlaoise will retain their Junior ‘A’ title and move up to the Intermediate Championship for the 2027 season, bringing a lengthy and complicated appeals process to a conclusion.