Portlaoise rallies around Astro Pitch Fundraiser
Major Fundraising Initiative underway as Portlaoise AFC Celebrates 60th Anniversary
Portlaoise AFC is calling on the entire community to get behind a major fundraising initiative as the club celebrates 60 years at the heart of sport in the town and marks the long‑awaited beginning of construction on its new full‑size astro pitch.
On Saturday, 9th May, Portlaoise AFC will host a 12‑hour football marathon fundraising event at Rossleighan Park, with an incredible 33 teams taking part. Each team is raising funds for their squad, while collectively contributing to the club’s Development Fund to support the completion of the new astro facility.
The astro pitch, which has now officially broken ground, represents a huge milestone for the club and the wider Portlaoise community. With participation levels at an all‑time high across juvenile and adult teams, the new facility is a vital investment to meet growing demand and to ensure Portlaoise AFC can continue to provide quality coaching and safe, modern facilities for future generations.
Chairperson Karl Byrne said the response from the town has been overwhelming.
“This fundraiser has shown everything great about Portlaoise. The togetherness, the generosity and the pride people have in the club is genuinely special. We have players, coaches, parents, volunteers, supporters and local legends all pulling in the same direction. To see 33 teams rallying together for one shared goal in our 60th anniversary year is something we will remember for a very long time.”
Adding to the sense of occasion, well‑known sporting figures and local legends from the town are lending their support to help promote the initiative and drive fundraising efforts, bringing extra energy and friendly rivalry to the day.
The football marathon forms part of a wider Development Fund campaign, which also includes the production of a commemorative club booklet featuring messages of support from local businesses and community members. Proceeds from advertising in the booklet will go directly towards completing the new astro pitch.
Portlaoise AFC, founded in 1966, has grown steadily over six decades to become one of the largest and most active sporting clubs in the county.
The club is deeply rooted in the community, with hundreds of players wearing the famous green jersey each week.
“This pitch is not just a facility, it is a legacy project,” Byrne added. “It is about creating opportunities for kids, giving teams a home they can rely on year‑round, and ensuring Portlaoise AFC continues to thrive for the next 60 years.”
The club encourages everyone in the town and beyond to come along on 9 May, support the teams, and be part of a landmark moment in Portlaoise sporting history.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank every single person who plays the lotto, buys a coffee at the club, plays last person standing or supports our raffles – a huge thanks goes to our fundraising team, ticket sellers, shop volunteer’s, organisers and every single person who helps selflessly to better our club”
For further information on the fundraiser or on how to support Portlaoise AFC’s Development Fund, follow Portlaoise AFC on social media or contact the club directly.