Twenty-five years ago today, one of Portlaoise GAA much loved members sadly passed away.
Bill Phelan, who was aged just 50 when he died, was one of the club’s most popular members.
Portlaoise’s club grounds off the Abbeyleix Road in the town, which are now where the Centre of Excellence is, were called Pairc Ui Fhaolain after him.
Phelan served as Portlaoise GAA chairman in his time and also served as county board chairman.
He held that role from 1988 to 1990 and also served on Central Council of the GAA.
A teacher by trade, Bill was vice-principle of the Vocational School in Portlaoise – better known as ‘the Tech’.
He is said to have trained teams at every age in Portlaoise right up to senior – and was involved with the senior team that won the club’s only All-Ireland football title in 1983.
A post on the popular ‘Laois People Worldwide’ Facebook group evoked an emotional response from the people who knew him.
One said: “What a lovely gent. I really enjoyed my time with him in Portlaoise GAA Club.
“So many nighths spent singing The Old Bog Road. A lovely dancer too. Gave his life to and for the Club. The Town, his town. Looked after so many teams from underage to senior. Proud to have known him.”
While another said: “Bill was a gentleman, a scholar, a gael, and a second father to most young fellas in Portlaoise.
“There would be arms and legs hanging out of the car coming to and from training. No one was ever short for a hurl. And he had a quiet word of encouragement for everyone.”
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