The Clough-Ballacolla GAA, camogie and handball clubs held their annual Dinner Dance on February 1 at the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel, where over 200 guests came together to celebrate a hugely successful year across all three codes.
The night was expertly compered by club secretary Niamh Kirwan, who welcomed guests of honour Laois GAA Chairman PJ Kelly and his partner Elva, Laois Camogie Chairman Paddy Dwyer and his partner Siobhan, club president Michael McEvoy Senior, and members of the wider “CB Gang” who contribute so much to club life.
Handball chairman Ollie Byrne reflected on another excellent year for Clough-Ballacolla Handball, highlighting the continued growth and success of the code within the club.
Special mention was given to Elizabeth Pearson for a standout year of performances, while the Handball Award was presented to Kevin Brennan in recognition of his outstanding achievements across all handball codes, including multiple Leinster titles throughout the year.
Camogie chairperson Sarah Bergin, the club’s first female chairperson, outlined a memorable season that saw the camogie club reach four finals, securing two titles — the Junior A League and the U-16 B Championship.
She praised the commitment and achievements of players at all levels, from U-6 right through to Junior, and noted that 2026 will mark the 10th anniversary of the club’s founding.
She paid tribute to those who established the camogie club in 2016 and laid the foundations for its continued success.
A special presentation was made to Eimear McEvoy, Laura Dooley Kirwan, Chloe Boyhan, Áine Duggan and Sarah Delaney, who were members of the Laois U-16 All-Ireland winning team last May, along with their mentor and clubman Georgie Boyhan.
Medals were also presented to the Junior A team, followed by individual camogie awards:
- U-16 Player of the Year: Clodagh Geoghegan
- Minor Players of the Year: Molly Cassin and Eimear McEvoy
- Junior Player of the Year: Ellen Hennessy
- Volunteer of the Year: Edel Nolan
- Junior Volunteer of the Year: Mollie Bergin
Hurling chairman Gordon Pearson thanked everyone who contributed to the club’s success in 2025, from management teams, kitmen, and pitch maintenance committees to the volunteers who cater for games and after training and all those who support teams behind the scenes.
He highlighted the importance of every role within the club and noted that an impressive 82 players wore the Clough-Ballacolla jersey at adult level during the year.
Special recognition was given to Ray Cummins, who received the Pat Kavanagh Memorial Award for Club Person of the Year, as he steps down from his role as treasurer.
He was warmly thanked for his tireless work managing the club’s day-to-day finances and his major contribution to recent pitch developments.
Hurling awards presented on the night included:
- Senior Championship Medals
- Junior Championship Medals
- ACHL Division 2 Medals
- John Coonan Memorial Award – Young Player of the Year: Joseph Pearson
- Jack Hyland Memorial Award – Player of the Year: Cillian Dunne
- Intermediate Player of the Year: Darragh Hogan
- Junior Player of the Year: John A. Delaney
A special mention was also made of Willie Hyland, senior manager for the past two years, whose commitment, organisation and dedication to the role were acknowledged and warmly applauded.
Addressing the gathering, PJ Kelly praised the achievements of the Clough/Ballacolla community and spoke of the importance of ensuring every child in the area has the opportunity to tog out and develop a love for Gaelic games.
He also congratulated Willie Dunphy on his retirement from the Laois senior inter-county hurling team after 14 years of service, and paid tribute to the many volunteers who carry out vital work behind the scenes.
Music on the night was provided by DJ Con Maloney, bringing a memorable evening of celebration to a lively close.
Photographer Tara Delaney captured some brilliant pictures from the night.
Check them out below:
