A FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND initiative for Ireland devised by students in Portlaoise will be launched on Wednesday 11 December.

GARDAÍ are appealing for information after another burglary in the Stradbally area last week. A white 181 Volkswagen Caddy van was seen acting suspiciously around the time of the break-in, which happened between 1pm and 2pm on Wednesday 4 December.

A NOSTALGIC poem recalling Mary O’Sullivan's Miscellany shop in Portlaoise will resonate with those who hark back to an era of small local shops on the high street, where the personal touch, the chat, merriment and skilled gift wrapping were all ...

THE Dunamaise Arts Centre held its first Christmas Market on the last weekend of November.

Danny McRedmond, Cloonagh Beg, Clonaslee died unexpectedly on Saturday 7 December. Danny was predeceased by his parents Joe and Julia (Juggy).

Fionán Bracken, Dun Masc, Portlaoise and formerly Tullamore and Toronto passed away peacefully on 7 December, surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Kathleen and loving father to Fergus, Ronan, Dara, and Cormac.

A DISQUALIFIED driver who crashed in the centre of Mountmellick while stoned out of his mind on cocaine was described in court as “a menace to society”.

MORE THAN 300 people recently attended the funeral of a woman in Carlow, after an appeal on social media by a funeral director who was concerned that very few people would be present.

Laois County Council has issued an update as the clean-up continues after Storm Darragh, which felled trees and cut power lines in many areas.

"I hope this will be prioritised and fast-tracked because it’s badly needed,” said one councillor.

The Raheen farmer was among the graduates of the Teagasc/UCD level 7 Professional Diploma in dairy farm management.

"You were trying out a new car? Well, tonight, you’ll be trying out a new bed in the Midland Prison."

A FEUDING couple who withdrew complaints against each other at Portlaoise District Court were told to “grow up” by a judge.

Tony Curran, Liogard, Portlaoise and formerly Dungarvan, Co. Waterford died peacefully on Thursday 5 December surrounded by his loving family.  Tony was predeceased by his recently deceased son-in-law Damien Doheny.

Gusts of up to 120km/h are forecasted, which will have potential for adverse impacts across the County.

FOREST FEST has just announced the first of the lineup for next year’s highly anticipated summer festival in Emo.

Mary Parlon (née Delaney), Ballinla, Ballaghmore, Borris-in-Ossory passed away peacefully on Thursday 5 December at home in the loving care of her family. Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband Ollie.

Linda Dempsey (Nee Rintoul) passed away peacefully at her home at 4 Borris Court, Portlaoise on Wednesday 4 December. Linda was the beloved Mother to Serena, Keith and Stephen.

One person had a serious operation on their knees and is finding very hard to travel on the road, said the councillor.

It is hoped to see reduced congestion, emissions and happier, healthier students.