Watch: Huge turnout for Portlaoise pre-parade protest

The club were highlighting the need for a new sports hall for the growing town.

placeholder image — The club were highlighting the need for a new sports hall for the growing town.

Portlaoise Panthers highlight the need for a new sports hall for the growing town

Laois' biggest basketball club, Portlaoise Panthers, have said they are blown away by the massive turnout for their protest march held in Portlaoise on St Patrick's Day.

The club, which has over 400 members, held the protest before the Portlaoise parade to highlight the need for a new sports hall for the growing town.

"We are absolutely blown away with the hundreds and hundreds of people who turned out today to march for Portlaoise. The people of Portlaoise have spoken and they simply cannot be ignored any longer. They deserve better. They need better. Thank you to everyone for coming," said the organisers.