STAFF at the Laois Nationalist are celebrating after they made the headlines on Thursday night when the paper won ‘Headline of the Year’ award at this year’s Local Ireland Media Awards.

Pat Purcell, Killeshin, Laois/8 Kennedy St, Carlow town, passed away peacefully on 12 September at St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny.

Gemma Wiseley, 16 Meadowbrook, Rosenallis, Laois, died on 11 September. Predeceased by her father Joe and brother Joseph.

THE sudden closure of The Pantry café in Portlaoise has sparked renewed concern over the growing number of vacant properties in the town centre.

JUDGE Andrew Cody wondered why a motorist who stuck a garden wall had not been charged with other offences rather than with one for criminal damage, after he heard evidence that the driver had left the scene of the incident?Garda Dillon Hogan said ...

Gemma Wiseley, 16 Meadowbrook, Rosenallis, Laois died on 11 September. Predeceased by her father Joe and brother Joseph.

A STAINED statue of a famous Laois patriot was described as “horrible” at a council meeting.

A MAN who is charged with serious drug offences told Judge Susan Fay, through an interpreter, at last week’s sitting of Portlaoise District Court that he didn’t know what to do, because his solicitor wasn’t present to advise him.

AMAZING Abbeyleix woman Emma Fogarty has handed over €1m to EB charity Debra, almost a year after her courageous Dublin Marathon fundraiser with Hollywood star Colin Farrell.

LAOIS LGFA has paid a heartfelt tribute following the death of Niamh O’Reilly (née Dobbs), a former talented footballer whose three daughters were part of the Laois Minor, U16 and U14 teams this year.

Michael Sims, Thornberry, Abbeyleix, Laois/Ballinakill, Laois died at the Regional Hospital Portlaoise on Wednesday 10 September. He is predeceased by his parents Michael and Maureen, his infant brother and his brother Joe.

Arthur Moynan, Hillview, Woodstown, Co Waterford and formerly of Durrow, Laois, passed away on 9 September, aged 105. Predeceased by his beloved wife Agnes (nee Hutchinson).

Annette Reilly (née Loughlin), Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 and formerly of 1 Moore Street, Rathdowney, Laois died peacefully on 10 September, in the loving care of the staff at St Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown.

THE Laois team is all set for the National Ploughing Championships in Offaly next week, when they will dig deep to bring glory across the border.

TWO students from Laois are set to compete at WorldSkills Ireland 2025, an event that promotes apprenticeship careers, skills and workplace opportunities for young people.

A RICH menu of events will be served on Culture Night in Laois, with a feast of exhibitions, workshops and performances across the county on Friday 19 September.

TENANTS are settling in at a new social housing development in Portlaoise, provided by approved housing body Respond.

The death has occurred of Agnes Mary Whelan (née Lawless), O' Moore Place, Portlaoise/Castletown/Stradbally, Laois.

A 47-YEAR-old motorist lost her case when she fully contested hit and run charges, after she damaged a car in a car park at a local shopping centre.

Martin Powders, Ballytegan, Ridge Rd, Portlaoise, Laois, died on 9 September. Predeceased by his wife Marie. Deeply regretted by his nephews, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends.