Laois Today: This day two years ago: Leinster football final and Old Fort Festival

Will we ever see scenes like these again? We certainly hope so!

This day two years ago – June 24 2018 – Laois people were out in force both at home and in the capital.

Laois football fans had been on the crest of a wave in what was John Sugrue’s first year in charge.

The Kerry man had taken Laois back to Croke Park after years away from GAA HQ – and this was our third visit of the year.

Laois had already beaten Carlow twice in Croke Park – once in the Division 4 league final and a second time in the Leinster semi final.

Up next was Jim Gavin’s Dublin and although Laois battled gamely, they couldn’t overcome one of the best teams that the game has ever seen.

Laois went down 1-25 to 0-10 in the end but their supporters turned out in serious numbers and there were plenty of smiles regardless.

Photographer Julie Anne Miller was on hand on the day to capture some brilliant pictures outside of the ground and we reproduce them below.

After the game, most people came back to Portlaoise for what was the final day of the Old Fort Festival in 2018.

People packed into pubs in Portlaoise in large numbers – in scenes that seem very alien to us all at the moment.

In glorious sunshine, Photobomb Tom captured all of the action.

Relive all the great memories from the two events below:

Laois Today