Laois’s first All-Star, Pat Critchley, has been appointed as the manager of the Portlaoise senior hurlers for 2026.
The Portlaoise native take the reigns after Cyrill Duggan decided to step down at the end of the 2025 season.
Portlaoise returned to the senior ranks in 2023 by winning the Premier IHC under current Laois boss Tommy Fitzgerald.
He kept them there in 2024 with Duggan continuing that last season as Portlaoise relegated Castletown in the relegation final.
Pat Critchley is a teacher and coach and has a rich pedigree across a range of sports in a playing and coaching facility.
He was Laois’s first GAA All Star having been selected on the 1985 hurling team.
Pat has played at senior level in hurling, football and handball. As a player, he won eight Laois Senior county championships with Portlaoise – four each in hurling and football.
He guided IT Carlow to the Sigerson cup final 2020 and has remained active with Scoil Chriost Ri over the years.
Portlaoise GAA said: “We’re happy to confirm our senior football and hurling managers for 2026.
“Turlough O’Brien will lead the Senior Men’s Footballers again and Pat Critchley will take the reins of the Senior Hurlers.
“We wish both men the very best of luck for the season ahead. Backroom teams will be announced in the near future.”
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