GARDAÍ attended a Buddhist temple in Laois today, at the invitation of a local monastery. Garda O’ Connell and Garda Quinlan were invited to the Mingala Ramsi Monastery in Errill, near Rathdowney, for the celebration of the Htamame festival.

Kathleen Doyle (née Mealy) of 12 Ashgrove, Tullow Rd. , Carlow and formerly of Doonane Terrace, Crettyard, Laois, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on 29 January at the District Hospital, Carlow.

Marie Kennedy (née Mulhair), Bawnraheen, Ballyouskill, Attanagh, Laois/Kilkenny passed away peacefully on 31 January, after a long illness bravely borne, surrounded by her loving family while under the care of the wonderful staff of Brookhaven ...

THE Portlaoise Jazz Festival is in full swing this weekend, after a break of nearly 30 years. After opening on a high note last night, the festival is packed with events until Sunday night, with 40 acts at over 20 venues around the town.

Mena Bergin (née Duff), Park, Errill, Laois died peacefully at home on 29 January, surrounded by her loving family. Predeceased by her parents Richard and Mary-Ellen (Duff) and her brothers and sisters Teresa, Tom, Jack and Mary.

FOLLOWING the defeat of Laois by Dublin on a scoreline of 4-14 to 1-17 in the first round of the O’Byrne Cup, a Dublin fan got himself into a bit of bother with gardaí in Portlaoise and had to be arrested.

A BRAVE workman who risked his life to save a Laois convent cross from destruction will be honoured this weekend, when the restored cross will be unveiled at its original site.

Tom (Santy) Maher, 19 Church Avenue, Stradbally, Laois passed away unexpectedly at his home on 29 January, surrounded by his loving wife Rose and family.

A LAOIS-based man is organising a fundraiser in aid of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation. Gordon Gee, store manager of the Abbeyleix-based garden machinery and landscaping business E. C.

KATELYN Cummins has had a busy morning. She has spent her early hours in rehearsals, preparing for her next appearance on Dancing with the Stars. By the time we speak – an overcast afternoon on Blue Monday – she has just finished.

A POPULAR Laois musician who lost his life in a road accident yesterday evening will be laid to rest this Sunday. The death of Tony Kavanagh from Thornberry, Abbeyleix has caused immense shock and sadness throughout the town and surrounding areas.

Colette Dwane, Glenregan, Mountmellick Rd. , Portlaoise died peacefully on 29 January, surrounded by her friends and family. Daughter of the late Stephen and predeceased by her nephew, Aaron. Loving daughter to Philomena.

A MAN accused of a sex act in a Portlaoise playground skatepark has been named, after a judge lifted reporting restrictions.

PLANNING permission has been granted at last for a new building for Dunamase College in Portlaoise, with state-of-the-art facilities for 1,000 students.

A LONG-AWAITED €30m primary care centre for Portlaoise has received a green light at last. Planning permission has been granted for the purpose-built centre on St Fintan’s Hospital campus on the Dublin Road.

Fergus Dempsey, Glenbarrow, Portlaoise, Laois and formerly Springfield, Tallaght passed away peacefully on 27 January, surrounded by his loving family. Dearly loved husband to his heartbroken wife Margaret.

Peter Kelly, Stradbally Rd. , Portlaoise, Laois and formerly Roscrea died peacefully on 29 January, in the excellent care of the staff of Kilminchy Lodge Nursing Home, surrounded by his loving family.

THE death of a popular local man in a road tragedy has caused immense shock and grief in Abbeyleix. Pedestrian Tony Kavanagh, who was aged in his 70s, suffered fatal injuries when he was struck by a car on the town’s Main Street yesterday evening.

“IT’S not that jumping from an airplane was in the head the whole time. It just came up,” said 80-year-old Dave ‘The Rave’ Dowling of his tandem parachute jump in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.

AN elderly pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on Main Street in Abbeyleix tonight. The man aged in his 70s was taken to hospital following the collision, which happened outside the town’s SuperValu store.