The residents of Oakdale Nursing Home in Portarlington were thrilled when members of the victorious Laois senior football team made a surprise visit to them where a party was in progress to celebrate their 9th anniversary.
Team captain Stephen Attride and the long-serving Ross Munnelly, together with Portarlington duo Robbie Pigott and Colm Murphy brought along the recently won Division 4 League title.
They posed for photographs and chatted with residents and their families during the course of the visit.
Former Laois star forward and three-time Leinster Railway Cup medalist Jack Kenna was also in attendance.
While 98-year-old Jack Kelly, who is from Portnahinch, Mountmellick, was also there.
Jack has lived alone for the last number of years since his wife died and his daughter moved to Australia in the 1980s. He moved into Oakdale Nursing Home in Portarlington last year.
Their presence in Oakdale was very well received by all including the most ardent Offaly supporters who were present.
Valerie Moore of Oakdale Nursing Home said the four lads were fantastic ambassadors and paid tribute to for giving up their time.
She said: “On behalf of the residents and staff of Oakdale I want to thank the 4J’s and the Burbage Dancers (who provided entertainment) and pay a special tribute to the four Laois players who came here today with the cup and made such a difference to our residents by their presence.
“They were most generous and courteous to give up their time of a Sunday evening and come to our party.
“There was a great buzz generated by them and it meant a lot to our residents most of whom have been ardent GAA supporters all their lives.
“There were very young children here today with the Burbage School of Dancing and these lads are giving great example and are role models for our young people.
“They are a credit to their families, their clubs and Laois GAA and I wish them well in the Leinster Championship. Hopefully they will be back in Oakdale during the summer with the Delaney cup.”
Entertainment for the evening was provided by members of the local Burbage School of Dancing, who had in their ranks recently crowned world champion Sean Burbage.
While music was provided by the local ballad group the 4J’s.
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