Financial institutions in Portlaoise are running short of sterling notes, such is the demand from the 1,500 or so Laois football fans heading to London this weekend.
From today, planes carrying Laois football supporters will start landing at airports around Britain’s largest city.
On Sunday, the Laois footballers will face London in Division 4 of the National Football League and it is estimated that more than 1,300 supporters from the O’Moore County will be present at the ground in Ruislip by throw in 1pm.
Speaking on Midlands 103, Jack Nolan said: “There has been a clear out of sterling from the local banks, the credit union and the post office. I’m told the credit union won’t have any back in until Monday and the post office was due to have some more in today”.
“The support in O’Moore Park is usually only between 300 to 500 people, which is dysmal. So this is a huge crowd heading out. I know a group from Stradbally went out last night and a lot of people are making a long weekend of it and won’t be coming home until Monday,” Jack said.
He noted that Laois then face two big games after this against Carlow and Antrim, which will decide whether or not the team will be promoted to Division 2.
“I hope some of those people from Ruislip turn up for those games, because that’s when the support will really be needed,” he said.
He said the London trip is an opportunity for many people to catch up with friends abroad.
Family
“For example, Crettyard has a huge amount of its members over there. That is the attraction – people are going over there to meet up with friends and family. There should be a great atmosphere over there,” he said.
Laois Football Board chairman Laurence Phelan is one of the many who will be making the trip over and he reckons every club in the county will be represented.
He said: “Laois people are mad to get behind a team and with the start that the footballers have made, that has certainly helped.
“I reckon there won’t be a club in the county who won’t have at least one person going over.
“There is a real positivity at the moment and it is important we build on that now,” he said.
The LaoisToday team will also be there from Saturday afternoon so keep an eye out for them and make sure to say hello. They will be wearing the distinctive LaoisToday gear and guessing by the team we have sent – they will look lost.
SEE ALSO – Laois in London: All you need to know to enjoy a weekend across the water
