16/06/2026
It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of our dear friend and valued member, P.L. Curran.
P.L. was an extraordinary man who gave so much of his time, energy, and passion to St. Laurence O’Toole A.C. His vision, dedication, and leadership were instrumental in shaping the club and contributing to its success over many decades.
A proud Carlovian, from Killeshin, P.L. was a tireless volunteer and dedicated advocate for athletics throughout County Carlow and beyond. He regularly organised championship events and designed medals for Carlow County Athletics, where he served with distinction in numerous roles on the county board. His commitment to promoting athletics was unwavering, and his influence was felt at every level of the sport. He also had the honour of serving as manager of Ireland’s athletics team at the 1984 Olympic Games.
P.L. played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Community Games in County Carlow. As a founding member, he became the organisation’s first County Chairman in 1973, a position he held for ten years. Throughout his tenure, he championed the values of participation, inclusion, and enjoyment, believing that every child should have the opportunity to take part regardless of the outcome.
Within St. Laurence O’Toole A.C., P.L. fulfilled many roles over the years — volunteer, coach, PRO, administrator, mentor, and leader, to name but a few. He dedicated countless hours to supporting and developing both juvenile and senior athletes, and nothing brought him greater joy than seeing athletes achieve their goals and fulfil their potential. He played a central role in the development of athletics in County Carlow and was a constant source of encouragement and inspiration to generations of athletes.
Over many decades, P.L. devoted himself to the growth and development of St. Laurence O’Toole A.C., helping transform the club from its modest local roots into one of Ireland’s leading centres for athletics.
As the driving force behind the creation of the club’s Olympic-standard track, P.L. was immensely proud to see the project come to fruition. The completion of the track represented the fulfilment of a lifelong dream and a vision he had worked tirelessly towards for many years. Yet, true to his humble nature, he never sought personal recognition, always insisting that its success was the result of a collective team effort rather than his own achievement.
P.L.’s contribution to athletics, to our club, and to the wider community was immense. His legacy will live on through the countless athletes he inspired, the facilities he helped create, and the enduring values he instilled in all who had the privilege of knowing him.
On behalf of everyone at St. Laurence O’Toole A.C., we extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to P.L.’s family and his many friends across the country.
May he rest in peace.
You will be dearly missed, P.L., but never forgotten.
