One small corner of Laois will have a particular interest in the All Ireland football final this Sunday when Donegal and Kerry do battle in Croke Park.
Star Donegal midfielder Michael Langan has strong roots in Laois, through his mother Mary (nee Comerford).
Mary is a native of Knockaroo and attended school in Killadooley and the Brigidene in Mountrath before later moving to work in London.
While there she met her future husband – Mark Langan from Donegal – and after marrying in Knockaroo, they eventually settled in Creeslough in Donegal.
Their son Michael is one of the top midfielders in the country, holder of four Ulster championship medals with Donegal and will be a key man in Croke Park on Sunday.
From the St Michael’s Dunfanaghy club in the north of Donegal, he has been exceptional throughout this championship campaign for Jimmy McGuinness’s side and will be one of their central figures again on Sunday.
Mary is still a regular visitor back home to visit her mother Pauline.
Mary’s brother John lives in the area as does her sister Breda (Delaney) who has been heavily involved with the Kilcotton and Borris-Kilcotton GAA clubs.
Her son Noel is a fine hurler and a senior championship winner in 2016. Another sister, Geraldine (Breen) lives in Kildare.
Donegal play Kerry in Croke Park at 3.30pm. Donegal are going for only their third ever All Ireland title.
They last lifted Sam Maguire in 2012 with their only other success back in 1992. Kerry are aiming for their 39th success with their last triumph coming in 2022.
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