I'M A MUM to a wonderful boy who is currently in school in Scoil Bríd, Portlaoise. He is a sixth-class student in the ASD class. He's been there since junior infants and before that he was in an autism Montessori school in Timahoe.

*Parents at wits end over severe lack of ASD school places in Laois. *50 new jobs for Portlaoise. *Early Bird tickets go on sale for ‘Forest Fest 2025’. *Laois County Council wins national award. *General election fever heats up in Laois.

Michael Campion, Shankill, Dublin and formerly of Portlaoise passed away peacefully in Saint Vincent’s Hospital on Saturday 16. Michael will be sadly missed by his loving family, his brother Patsy and sister Nuala.

Vera Fogarty (née Coss), Derreen, Durrow passed away peacefully on Tuesday 18 November surrounded by her loving family and in the excellent care of the medical staff of the Community Hospital, Abbeyleix.

May Carmel rest in peace

The accused by back before Portlaoise District Court this morning

AN open day will be held in Portlaoise Garda Station on Sunday 1 December. The family fun evets begin with a special sensory-friendly hour from noon to 1pm, with the general public welcome from 1pm to 3pm.

LAOIS County Council were joint winners at this year’s National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards.

'Children with special needs are the forgotten children as far as I can see', said one parent

A CAPTIVATING art display of vibrant pieces in a joint exhibition entitled The Colours of Life by Mary Carmody, Mags Coyne and Odette Harrington was launched in Abbeyleix Library and Gallery recently by local artist Aileen Donovan.

JUST weeks after the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise picked up a Great Place to Work award, the four-star hotel won the Overall Hotel of the Year for the second consecutive year at the Midlands 103 Hospitality Awards.

NEVER underestimate the incredible genius that defines our human spirit. The gift of creativity and vision always brings hope and optimism. Hope is a great gift and an important value to maintain and cherish these days.

John Joe Ging, Green Mill Lane, Portlaoise died peacefully at home on Monday 11 November. Predeceased by his parents Joseph and Katie, siblings Ann, Kathleen, Mary and Willie (Son).

Tess (Teresa) Marren (née O’Connell), Raheny, Dublin and formerly of Vicarstown passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Friday 15 November. Teresa was predeceased by her loving husband Peter.

TWELVE candidates submitted their nomination papers by closing time today Saturday 16 November to contest for three seats the 34th Dáil from the Laois constituency.

THE Happy Human Christmas Special is back again this festive season in Wolfhill, promising joyful evenings of music, laughter and good vibes. The winter wonderland in Wolfhill will run every weekend from Friday to Sunday 6-22 December.

Portlaoise man Jason Lynch signed the nomination papers in Portlaoise Court House on Friday and will be contesting the election as an Independent candidate.

"Families who are on incomes in the range of €40,000 – €60,000 are in the squeezed middle and who are under the most pressure,’’ said Deputy Brian Stanley

The defendant was very apologetic

THE recently installed solar panel system at Portlaoise Institute is thought to be the first Further Education centre in Ireland to be powered by solar energy.