A MAGICAL Christmas scene is spreading joy to the world from a Laois village. Clough Tidy Towns shared a lovely image of the imaginative silhouette crib, which proves that less is more when striking the perfect festive note.

Anna Allen (née Fennelly), Bawn, Ballinlough, Johnstown, Co Kilkenny and formerly of Raheen, Abbelyleix, Laois passed away peacefully on 18 December, her 93rd birthday, at St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny.

Senan (Sonny) Phelan, Rosebank Bungalow, Crubbin, Ballyroan, Laois died peacefully at the Regional Hospital Portlaoise on 18 December.

ONE of the two men charged with the possession of explosives after being arrested during a cross-border anti-terrorism operation is seeking that his case be heard in Northern Ireland.

TWO centres in Laois have been awarded small grants to promote upcycling and sustainability, in the ongoing battle against a disposable economy and often harmful waste.

TG4, the Irish language broadcaster, is set to air a special Electric Picnic highlight series over the Christmas period. Electric Picnic, which takes place annually in Stradbally, is one of Ireland’s largest music and arts festivals.

JOGGERS were nearly poleaxed by a virtually invisible ‘lamppost’ on a dark morning in Portlaoise. A councillor received complaints after runners had a near miss with the obstructive pole, which looks like the base of a street lamp.

THE Coillte scholarship, launched in January 2024, offers up to €20,000 – €5,000 a year – to students who plan to pursue a career in forestry through third-level education.

MOUNTMELLICK Men’s Shed has worked alongside LOETB tutors Bill Dollard and Jack Byrne to create a collection of landscape paintings. The exhibition went on display in the beautiful setting of Mountmellick Community Arts Centre on Tuesday 16 December.

Elizabeth (Anna) Doyle (née Dowling) of 72 Pearse Road and formerly 55 St Fiacc’s Terrace, Graiguecullen, Laois/Carlow, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on 18 December at St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny.

NON-profit organisation Kare has partnered with Midlands Park hotel, Portlaoise to launch Project Pathways, a new employment programme offering work experience for young adults with intellectual disabilities.

The 66-year-old had 40 previous convictions

A HSA investigation had ruled out various possible explanations for what caused the fire including someone smoking, faulty electrical equipment in the ambulance or some static discharge

A LAOIS family will host a major calf care event on their farm as part of a national roadshow.

A VILLAGE bus stop with no shelter or lighting may be moved to another location, after complaints from worried passengers. Many people are not using the TFI Local Link bus stop because they fear for their safety, a council meeting was told.

KASJANA Jatkowska, founder of grinds school Maths Easy, which supports students across Carlow, Kilkenny and Laois, has been selected to represent the 125,000 strong Polish community in a campaign highlighting their achievements, creativity and ...

THE Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), an independent body established to ensure standards in care for people using health and social services in Ireland, has this month published three inspection reports on International Protection ...

EVERY little helps, especially when it comes to premium parking spaces in Portlaoise. Laois Co Council has agreed to install a new parking bay in a disused set-down area on Main Street, following a proposal by Cllr Tommy Mulligan.

WARM tributes have been paid to a remarkable public servant who was the driving force behind business development in Laois for many years.

Agnes (Aggie) Hogan, Larrigan, Clonaslee, Laois passed away peacefully on 17 December, in the exceptional care of the staff of the Laurel Suite, Birr Community Nursing Unit.