Deirdre Quinn (née McNamara) formerly of Corbally House, Quin County Clare, Blackhill House, Abbeyleix and Killenard, Portarlington died peacefully at home Saturday 21 December. Dearly beloved wife of the late Dr. John (Jack).

AS we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, I’m conscious of all that we have to be grateful for. Many long for what so often we take for granted.

Br. James (Timothy) O’Sullivan, De La Salle Brothers, Castletown and late of Lehid, Tuosist, Killarney, Co. Kerry died on Saturday 21 December peacefully in the loving care of the community and staff of Miguel House.

THE magnificent moment when Laois woman Emma Fogarty and Hollywood star Colin Farrell crossed the finish line at the Dublin Marathon has been voted Moment of the Year 2024 by listeners to RTÉ Radio 1’s Liveline show.

LAOIS gardaí have arrested a drink driver who was speeding at 168kph in freezing conditions. The culprit proved to be three times the legal alcohol limit, after the car was stopped on the M7 motorway.

SANTA is on the good list in the Laois-Offaly garda division, after an arresting encounter at a local checkpoint this morning.

Denis Dunne, Barrowhouse passed away peacefully on Friday 20 December in Carlow District Hospital.

Michael English made a surprise visit to Castlerea Community School to wish the teenager a happy birthday

“He’s not proud of his actions. He drank to excess on the night,” said the Portlaoise man's solicitor.

Margaret Gorman (née O'Riordan), Hill 60 and formerly of Lord Edward Street Mountmellick passed away peacefully at Saint Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick surrounded by her loving family on Thursday 19 December.

Christine Saunders (née Dunne), Borris Road, Portlaoise passed away peacefully on Wednesday 18 December surrounded by her loving family at the Regional Hospital, Portlaoise. Christine was the beloved wife of the late Tony.

BURIAL space is running out in cemeteries throughout Laois, causing grave concern among local residents and councillors.

James (Jim) Rankin, Lucan, Dublin and formerly of Stradbally passed from this earth peacefully on Wednesday 18 December in his 92nd year.

A MAGICAL musician from Laois has launched his first album not once but twice to widespread acclaim. Award-winning pianist David Vesey unveiled his debut album Carolan Reflections at two December concerts, held in Portlaoise and Abbeyleix.

AN A-MOOSING Christmas card created by a talented Laois girl will be used as a corporate greeting card, after winning a national competition.

WEDNESDAY 11 December will long be remembered in Portlaoise as pupils and students from 10 local schools took to the streets to launch the first ever Walk on Wednesdays (WOW) initiative.

AN ONLINE fitness coach has until February to make a €400 donation to the poor box at Portlaoise District Court or he will be left with a lifelong conviction under the ‘Firearms Act.

THE Portlaoise ICA Guild hosted its annual Christmas party for the residents of the Sue Ryder Centre in Portlaoise last week. Festive games, music and food was the order of the day.

Patricia (Trish) Byrne, 57 Emmet Street Mountmellick died on Wednesday 18 December. Patricia was predeceased by her dear partner Ken Merthens.

LAOIS County Council has engaged a Cork based support and research company to provide a call answering service over the Christmas and New Year period.