Portlaoise LGFA appoint new manager following the departure of Stephen Duff
Duff led Portlaoise to a second successive county championship in October 2023
Ronan Molloy has been appointed the new Portlaoise Ladies manager for both the Senior and Junior teams for 2024. He takes over from Stephen Duff who had been apart of the setup since 2020.
In his four seasons as manager, Duff took Portlaoise to three Senior Championships as well as three consecutive Division 1 league titles as it wasn't played in 2020. The Town also reached the Leinster final in 2020 where they lost out to formidable Dublin side Foxrock-Cabinteely.
Duff also started a Junior team at the beginning of his tenure to promote the development of younger players in and in 2023, they won a Division 3 league title and lost out to Crettyard in the Junior County Final.
Remarkably, the Ballyfin native only lost three competitive fixtures in his time as Portlaoise boss. The Leinster final in 2020, the semi-final against Sarsfields in 2021 and in 2022, they were beaten in Leinster by Eadestown. Duff said, "Probably in my mind the biggest achievement is the amount of younger players we brought through the likes of Susie Delaney, Ciara Crowley, Molly McNulty, Rachel Byrne, Ella McNulty etc."
His tenure ended a sour note however as Portlaoise were forced to withdraw from the Leinster Championship following the decision from the Laois LGFA to schedule the Minor County Final for the same day with there being six players who were on both panels.
The club posted to their Facebook page to say thanks to Duff for the last four years. "Portlaoise LGFA community would like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to our outgoing Junior and Senior manager Stephen Duff. Your selflessness and dedication the last four years has created an environment where our players could thrive and succeed.
"Their achievements are testament to the dedication and talent of all involved: 3 County Titles (Historic first for the club), 3 Division 1 League Titles (Another first for the club), 1 Leinster Club Final, Division 3 League Title and Junior Championship Final.
"To his management team throughout the last four years - Teddy McCormack, Alan Abbey, Lorraine McCormack, Olivie Murphy, Claire Dunne, Ronan Molloy, Ivan Byrne, Peter Clarke, Paul O’Riordan and Niall Walsh. Thank You all for the constant hard work and dedication you have given to our girls. Wishing you all and Stephen the best of luck with all your future endeavours," they said.
Duff had this to say about his time as Portlaoise manager, see statement below.
"Dear Portlaoise Ladies Gaelic Football Club community,
"I write to you with a heart full of gratitude and bittersweet emotions, as I announce my departure from this remarkable club. The last four years have woven a tapestry of growth, passion, and indelible moments.
"To Olga, Yvonne, and Enda and current committee – the steadfast pillars of our administration – and to Cyril, Denis, and Ray, whose legacy continues to inspire, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your unwavering dedication has been the cornerstone of our success. The work that goes on in these committee’s is unparalleled, and thankless. But the players in Portlaoise are never in need. That’s a credit to you.
"To my invaluable management team - Ivan Byrne, Peter Clarke, Paul O'Riordan, Niall Walsh, Alan Abbey, Claire Dunne, and Ronan Molloy ,Olive Murphy, Teddy McCormack- and especially to Lorraine McCormack, whose unwavering strength held us together as a group, but probably more as a family. Lorraine and I may have had our spirited discussions, but we spoke almost every day. She has been my rock, and I've always had her back, just as she's had mine.
"We may have seemed like the quintessential old married couple, with our banter and unwavering love. But the relationship I have with Lorraine is one I cherish, and deeply hope we find a way to hold on to it. Teddy McCormack, has been a partner in this five-year journey, and has been my guiding light. His wisdom and support have been my north star.
"To the players, you are the heartbeat of this club. Having a front row seat to witnessing your transformation from the moment I joined to the incredible women you've become has been an honour. From shared victories on the field to cherished moments off it, you have all left an indelible mark on my heart. In this journey, you've become more than players; you've become lifelong friends. Some of you were just kids when we started, now you stand as strong, accomplished women. Others were already dear to me, now you're my closest confidantes. Being a part of your lives, from the pitch to weddings, is a privilege I'll forever cherish.
"Being a club manager is akin to being a social worker, resolving personal issues to help each player step onto the pitch with their best foot forward. At times, I felt like the third person in many of your relationships or families, and that role, that connection, is something I will always treasure. As each year passed, the weight of decisions grew, and managing peers became a challenge. But the love that blossomed here made it impossible to keep a distance. Every tough decision was made with the collective good in mind, never personal.
"Our collective achievements are a testament to the dedication and talent of this team: three County championships, a historic first for the club; three Division 1 league titles, also a first for the club; one Leinster Club Final, another ground-breaking achievement; a Division 3 league title, marking yet another milestone; and a Junior championship final. On the senior stage within Laois, we played 42 competitive games, we emerged victorious in 38 games, drew 3 games, and experienced one solitary loss, back in 2021, two years ago.
"Now, it's time for new perspectives, fresh ideas, and a chance for each of you to soar to greater heights. I leave with a heart full of hope for the future of this club, and the promise that I'll forever be cheering from the side-lines.
"Thank you, each and every one of you, for making me a part of something truly special. Let's keep those memories alive and our friendships thriving," the statement ends.