Frank (Francis) Cullen, Harpurs Lane, Portlaoise, Laois died peacefully on 29 October, surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of the late Margaret. Much loved father of Patricia, Ger, Frank, Mary, Lynda and Helen.

A 70-YEAR-OLD Latvian man’s attempt to prove his innocence through a dramatic courtroom demonstration was swiftly shut down by a judge who told him: “We are not into displays in Carlow District Court.

Teresa McCloskey (née Devaney), 1 Well Road Court, Portlaoise, Laois passed away peacefully on 29 October, surrounded by her loving family. Predeceased by her husband Jim, and their son Jimmy. Adored mother of Teresa Jr. , Séona, Catherine and Jackie.

THE Leaves Festival 2025 promises to bring the best of Irish writing and music to Co Laois next week. The Leaves Festival is a Laois Arts Office and Laois Library Services initiative and is curated by Marina Rafter.

LAOIS woman Gráinne Dwyer has taken over from Joseph Leonard as chair of Nuffield Ireland. Gráinne, a dairy farmer from Borris-in-Ossory, is stepping into the role after joining the Board of Nuffield Ireland in 2023.

Joan Kirwan (née Carroll), Townspark, Borris-in-Ossory, Laois/Roscrea, Tipperary It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Kirwan, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend who died peacefully on 28 October.

ONE of Carlow town’s most popular and well-known pubs has just announced its imminent closure. The Reddy family, whose public house is a landmark on Tullow Street, made their shock announcement on Facebook earlier today, Tuesday.

A WOMAN who smashed the window of a house because she resented her mother’s choice of partner was ordered to take part in an alcohol awareness course.

PORTARLINGTON is facing devastating job losses, with news that the company behind Fastway Couriers has gone into receivership. The company’s customer care centre is based in Portarlington, where staff were shocked by a sudden shutdown today.

Drugs worth an estimated €8. 1million were seized during a search operation at a residential address and lands in the Laois area today. The seizure was made as part of Operation TARA and ongoing investigations targeting organised crime.

Josie Farrell (née Morrissey), Foxhill, Athy, Kildare/Ballylinan, Laois passed away peacefully at home on Monday 27 October, surrounded by her loving family.  Predeceased by her husband Ned, brother Johnnie, sister Maureen and nephew Declan.

Collette Sherlock, a former student of Scoil Críost Rí in Portlaoise, has been reappointed Student Ambassador at St Patrick’s Pontifical University in Maynooth following a university-wide recruitment process.

PORTLAOISE College came alive with colour, flavour, and celebration recently as students, parents and staff came together for the school’s much-loved Intercultural Day.

A COUNTY Kildare landowner was prosecuted for the destruction of vegetation on land not then cultivated at Lattensbog, Caragh during the birds nesting season, contrary to section 40 of the Wildlife Act.

The Government is investing €50m in flood risk management across town and villages in Laois

The main objective of the meeting is to ‘Shape the Future of our Community’.

This week's Laois Nationalist is jam-packed with news, reviews, community notes, plus comprehensive sports coverage of events from throughout the county. The Laois Nationalist is currently on sale in all local stores or online. 

A LAOIS councillor has tied the knot in Rome, wisely swapping grey October skies for the sun-filled warmth of Italy.

A CARLOW man who sexually abused his younger cousin when they were both children has been jailed for two years.

James (Jim) Hamilton, 33 Doonane Road, Crettyard, Laois and formerly of Glasgow, Scotland, passed away peacefully at his home on 26 October, surrounded by his friends. Predeceased by his dad James, mam Isabella and brothers Tommy, Joe, Pat and Brian.