A TEENAGER who was taught to steal by his family since childhood and became a father at the age of 13 was sentenced to six months’ detention for a series of thefts in Portlaoise and Mountrath.

LAOIS Partnership Company recently marked the launch of the Local Development Companies Network (LDCN).

Nuala Kinch (née Conroy), Lord Edward Street, Mountmellick died on Wednesday 19 February. Nuala was predeceased by her beloved husband Johnny, brothers Timmy, Dessie and her sister Ber.

Ann-Marie Delaney (née Caulfield), Ballynevin, Cullohill, Laois/ Thomastown, Kilkenny Ann-Marie Delaney (née Caulfield), Ballynevin, Cullohill, Co. Laois and formerly Thomastown, Co.

Margaret (Gertie) Hughes (née Brennan), Farnans, Wolfhill, Laois/ Athy, Kildare Peacefully on 20 February, surrounded by her loving family, at Naas General Hospital.

Nuala Kinch (née Conroy), Lord Edward Street, Mountmellick, Laois Nuala Kinch (née Conroy) died on Wednesday, 19 February. Rest in Peace. Sympathisers can express their sympathy in the online condolence section on rip. ie.

MAGNIFICENT men at Mountmellick Men’s Shed have launched a podcast, capturing the magic of what makes the shed so special.

Kathleen Carroll (née Carroll), St Brigid’s Place, Portlaoise, Laois Kathleen died peacefully on 20 February, surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife of Myles. Dearly loved mother to Tony, Myles, David, Lorraine and Liam.

SHOCKED families left homeless by a sudden blaze in a Laois apartment block this morning are being sheltered in a GAA club, as the community rallies to their aid.

AHEAD of an appearance at the St Patrick’s Day parade in New York, the Timahoe Male Choir recently launched their first charity CD in front of a capacity crowd in the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel.

FIRE crews are battling a blaze at a Laois apartment block, where two people have been brought to hospital. The fire broke out early this morning at an apartment complex in Kilnacourt, Portarlington.

Teresa Leahy (née Stack) of Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow and formerly of Portlaoise passed away on Tuesday 18 February in her 94th year. Teresa was predeceased by her beloved husband of 62 years Thomas (Tom) Leahy.

“It’s a miracle this man survived"

A FORGOTTEN housing estate may receive a much-needed upgrade, following an urgent appeal at a council meeting.

Paddy Behan Clonburren Moor, Rathdowney and formerly of Ballagh, Errill passed away peacefully on Tuesday 18 February at Saint Luke's Hospital Kilkenny.

Liam Murray, Clonabeg, Clonaslee, Laois It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Liam Murray, who passed away suddenly on Sunday 16 February. He is predeceased by his Mam and Dad, Bridget and Bill, his brother Pat and baby brother.

THE first bus on the long-awaited dedicated bus service for Portlaoise town will begin at 4. 50am this coming Sunday 23 February.

TWO luxurious Laois glamping sites are to share €550,000 in funding for sustainable tourism. Upmarket eco glamping huts will be developed at one of the sites, while the second will receive funding for idyllic rural cabins and horse-drawn wagons.

A SPEED and traffic survey will be carried out at Cullohill NS, amid serious concern over children’s safety. A traffic calming scheme will be designed and costed, if the survey shows that safety measures are needed at the village school.

RESIDENTS living beside a Laois playground regularly have their gardens flooded, because of storm water running off the site.