Sr Carmela (Ben) Fitzpatrick, Presentation Sisters, Mountmellick, Laois died peacefully on 11 January, in the great care of The Residence Nursing Home, Portlaoise.

A LUCKY Lotto player in Laois is almost €50,000 richer after last night’s big draw. A Quick Pick ticket bought in Portlaoise matched five numbers and the bonus, in the weekend draw on Saturday 10 January.

GARDAÍ commended a beer delivery lorry driver for his swift action in avoiding a head-on crash and in doing so possibly saving the lives of three people.

AS we begin the early pathway of a new year, wisdom suggests walking easy, taking each step at a time. Like every new year, 2026 brings an invitation to begin again.

Daniel (Dan) Luttrell, Derrydavey, Mountmellick, Laois passed away peacefully on Thursday 8 January, following a short illness, in the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, surrounded by his loving family.

Laurence (Lar) Cribben, Leixlip, Co Kildare and formerly Portarlington, Co Laois passed away peacefully on 9 January at home, surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his sister Mary.

Elizabeth (Betty) Hosey, (née Whelan), Doonane, Crettyard, Laois died peacefully on 9 January, in the loving care of the staff of St Luke's General Hospital, Kilkenny. Predeceased by her parents Kieran and Elizabeth and her sister Sadie.

Gary Cuddy, Mellick, Portlaoise, Laois died unexpectedly on 9 January at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise. Predeceased by his sister Leona and grandmothers Phyllis Fitzpatrick and Peig Cuddy.

Sheila Fitzpatrick (née Brennan), Beechlawn, Mountmellick rd. , Portlaoise, Laois and formerly McDonagh Terrace, Curragh Camp died peacefully on 9 January at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Carmel Brophy (née Whelan), Fairymount, Crettyard, Laois passed away peacefully on 10 January at home, surrounded by her loving family.

Thomas Cripps, Roskelton, Mountrath, Laois died peacefully on 9 January at the Regional Hospital Portlaoise. Predeceased by his parents James and Catherine, brother George, sister Marie and niece Katherine.

Dylan Kelly of 64 Chestnut Avenue, Fruithill Manor, Graiguecullen, Laois/Carlow, passed away unexpectedly at his home on 9 January. Beloved son of Philip and Elizabeth, much loved brother of Kaitlin, Alex and Robyn and cherished boyfriend of Theresa.

Dinny Lalor, Main Street, Borris-in-Ossory, Laois passed away peacefully on 9 January at his home, surrounded by his loving family, in his 102nd year. Predeceased by his sisters Mary and Bernadette and brothers Bill, Paddy and Jimmy.

A LOCAL woman with 115 previous convictions and who is currently serving a prison sentence was given two three-month suspended sentences at Portlaoise District Court last week.

Micheál Kavanagh, Kilminchy Lodge Nursing Home, Portlaoise and formerly of Saggart, Co Dublin died peacefully on 7 January, surrounded by his loving family, at Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise.

DRIVERS hit a wall on a dangerous bend in Laois three times over Christmas, prompting appeals to motorists to slow down.

Thomas (Tom) Carroll, Johnstown Glebe, Rathdowney, Laois died peacefully on 8 January at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, in the presence of his loving family. Predeceased by his parents William and Josephine and his brothers and sisters.

Daniel (Dan) Luttrell, Derrydavey, Mountmellick, Laois passed away peacefully on Thursday 8 January, following a short illness, in the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, surrounded by his loving family.

Ann Lawless (née Brennan), Newtown, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny and formerly of Coolnariska, Killeshin, Co Laois died peacefully on 8 January at Tinnypark Nursing Home, Kilkenny, surrounded by her loving family.

A PRIVATE contractor has accepted liability for failed road surface dressing, which was washed away during heavy rain on a busy Laois route.