A Laois footballer has won the popular Castlecomer Wellie Race on New Year's Day.

The annual race takes place in late December, where participants travel from far and wide to sprint across the finish line in a pair of wellies.

This year, Crettyard carpenter Pa O'Reilly came first in the race, a feat he did not expect to achieve.

Pictured: Timahoe Male Choir performing at the Castlecomer Wellie Race. Photo: Alf Harvey

"I took part in the race once before, a good few years ago, I really didn't expect to win this year," he told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"I really only did it for the craic, it's great fun. The race was a good bit over 5km, it starts outside the local hall and brings you down through the town, then a bit outside of Castlecomer. It's a loop," he explained.

"It was a great day, the parade was brilliant. It was great to see all the little kids in their wellies taking part too, they were all in the front at the start."

The day also featured a fantastic performance from the Timahoe Male Choir, which Mr O'Reilly is a member of. The Crettyard man sang a few songs with the group, before joining the crowd for the race.

Mr O'Reilly regularly takes part in cross-country races with St Abban's Athletics Club.

"I didn't really need to train because I do a lot of running myself, and I was running a good bit over winter. I wasn't training wearing the wellies either," he laughed.

"I would definitely recommend taking part in the race, it's a great day," he finished.

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