For the past 33 years cricketers and spectators alike have travelled the long road into the country, to a place where Cricket has stood its the backdrop of Togher woods, but alas this is our final innings on the ground.
Im sure everyone reading this article has made the venture out of the Pale to the Queens county, to a ground that has held its own amongst the best in the country, Togher the home of Laois Cricket Club has been long regarded as the top non-dedicated cricket pitch in Leinster.
The origins of Laois cricket was in Tullamore, following this we moved to Portarlington due to the generosity of the Wardrops’ in which we played in their field. Soon after we were invited to Portlaoise RFC some 33 years ago, where we began as Portlaoise/Laois cricket club. It was here where we made our mark in the LCU as the Midlands most successful cricket club for the past 20 odd years, winning cups and leagues all the way up to Senior 2. We have reached four Senior 2 cup finals (The only rural club to reach a final of this prestigious competition) and won two, 2015 and 2016. Also making the National cup final in the same era only to loose out to Rush CC.
Over the years the club has changed through thick and thin, and like most clubs always with the help of a stern few, and with a tear trickling down our eye its time to wave goodbye, but only to a brighter future. Laois CC will be relocating to the ever popular and vibrant village of Stradbally, the home of the Steam Rally and Electric Picnic. Located just behind Napper Tandy’s pub and right in the heart of the village. Its here where our new adventure will begin and like always will look forward to hosting our friends in cricket to our own premises.
The last home game ever to be played in Togher is set for August 12th when Laois 1st XI take on Clontarf in the league, The 1sts are in contention for winning the league and will want to finish strong in Togher.
We wish to invite everyone to help see Togher woods off in one final hurrah. Due to our movement we will also be hosting numerous fundraisers to help us relocate. We will be hosting a Paintball tournament in which we hope and encourage clubs to partake in, cost will be 25 euro per person for a team of ten. More details to follow, but please confirm places to;laois.cricket@hotmail.com
Many thanks and looking forward to seeing you.