1986 All Star Midfielder

Ballyroan’s Liam Irwin, known to one and all as George, and whose brother John was also a top class club footballer and also played for Laois, was a superbly skilful player with a sweet left foot and excellent free taking skills.

He generally played at midfield and in 1986 was part of the Laois team that won the county’s second National Football League title. Laois collected their second league title on that occasion defeating Monaghan in a thrilling contest by one point 2-6 to 2-5 at Croke Park.

The men from the O’Moore County were the surprise team of the season coming from Division 3 to take the second highest honour in the game. Liam also picked up an All-Star award that year, chosen at midfield alongside Tyrone’s Plunkett Donaghy.

Liam was particularly outstanding in the National Football League final that year and it was probably his display alongside O’Dempsey’s big man John Costello against Monaghan that ensured he was to become the third Laois All-Star. He was majestic at midfield and scored four great points as Laois recorded a famous 2-6 to 2-5 victory

In 1992, Liam won his only Laois Senior Football Championship title with his club Ballyroan.