People are invited to nominate someone who makes a meaningful difference in their area

THE search is on for community heroes in Laois, as part of a nationwide callout with a prize fund of €80,000.

By Ann O'LoughlinA patient who was injured when a ceiling collapsed on top of him in a critical care unit has settled a High Court action.

A man was disqualified from driving for parking on a footpath in Portarlington.

Two Laois towns will share almost €650,000 after Santa arrived with festive funding this week. Mountmellick and Ballinakill have been approved for substantial grants, which were confirmed today under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

Both towns have been approved for substantial grants

A MAN was disqualified from driving for parking on a footpath in Portarlington.

A MAN was disqualified from driving for parking on a footpath in Portarlington.

The vaccine is free for at-risk groups

A MAN who stole a defibrillator when he was drunk and woke up in bed beside it appeared before Carlow District Court last week on a theft charge.

Mary McDonald (née Guilfoyle), Clonan, Roscrea, Co Tipperary and formerly of Garranbawn, Camross, Laois died peacefully on 20 December, in the wonderful care of Kilminchy Lodge Nursing Home, Portlaoise.

OLIVIA McLoughlin Sweeney is nursing a dog on her lap, a ten-year-old cockapoodle with light, golden-brown fur named Marlow. “She’s one of those dogs that wants to be all over you no matter where you are,” the trainee psychotherapist tells me.

The death has occurred of Moirty Delaney Woodview, Lacca, Camross, Laois. Moirty passed away unexpectedly on the 19th December 2025, at the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise.

CHRISTMAS 2025 concludes for Christians a jubilee year of hope. I pray that this Christmas will be filled with health of body and peace of mind for all of you and your loved ones.

Edith Ward (née Abraham), Eden House, Portlaoise Road, Portarlington, Laois and formerly of Ballyhoran, Camross, Mountrath, Laois passed away peacefully at home on 20 December, in the care of her son and daughter.

Theresa Greene (née Harding), Maryborough Village, Portlaoise, Laois died peacefully on 19 December, surrounded by her loving family, in the tender care of the staff of ICU at St James’s Hosital. Predeceased by her son William.

AS the final instalment in a series of Christmas movie reviews, I am reviewing what is, in my opinion, the greatest Christmas film of all time.

A BEAUTIFUL Laois village that was described as “a model” is in line for further enhancement, following a proposal at a council meeting.

A MAN who allegedly performed ‘donuts’ in his car in a snow-covered car park in Laois had his case for dangerous driving adjourned when it came before last week’s sitting of the district court in Portlaoise.

Noel Conlan, Station Court, Portarlington, Laois and formerly of Oghill, Monasterevan, Co Kildare died peacefully on 19 December, surrounded by his loving family, while in the excellent care of the staff of Droimnin Nursing Home, Stradbally.