A BID to make Abbeyleix the host town for next year’s National Famine Commemoration has received unanimous support from Laois county councillors.

TEA and tourism were on the menu in Ballinakill, when an exciting new trails app was launched in the picturesque village.

David Mulhare, Sheffield, Portlaoise, Laois died peacefully on 26 November, surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Margaret and dearly loved father to Cathy, Dan, Michael, Maggie, Mary and David.

A NEW playground has been proposed for a densely populated area of Portlaoise that has many young families but very few amenities.

Barney Gannon, Park Lower, Stradbally, Laois passed away peacefully in his 82nd year on 27 November, in the company of his loving family. Predeceased by his mother and father, Bridget and Michael.

FIVE members of the same family were jailed periods between six and 15 months each over an attempt to pull a €150,000 insurance scam by staging a fake crash in Athy over 10 years ago.

NEW barn owl nesting sites, road verge planting and the treatment of devastating Japanese Knotweed are among the local biodiversity projects that will share more than €95,000 in grants.

John Horan, Clonbulloge, Offaly and formerly Wranglestown, Clonaslee, Laois died peacefully in his 95th year on 26 November at Naas Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

A GROUP representing the Portlaoise Active Retirement Group visited South East Technological University (SETU) in Carlow recently to attend a specially organised volunteer workshop.

THREE wise students from Laois got a taste of political life when they took part in the second Seanad na nÓg at Leinster House.

LAOIS farmer and lifelong vintage enthusiast Charley O’Connor from Ballyroan has completed the legendary Malin to Mizen route in his vintage Mercedes MB Trac, raising an extraordinary €20,000 plus for two charities — The Irish Heart Foundation and ...

Daniel Oliver Phelan, Cardtown, Camross and formerly Clonbarrow, Mountrath, Laois passed away peacefully on 25 November, surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his son Con.

A TEENAGE girl who was missing from Laois since the weekend has been located. Gardaí confirmed this morning that Lucy Cawley (15), who was reported missing from Portlaoise since Sunday, has been found safe and well.

TWO cases of people acting as money mules were before Portlaoise District Court last week.

Eileen Keating (née Gleeson), Wolfhill, Laois and formerly Clara, Co Kilkenny died at her home on 26 November. Predeceased by her loving husband Johnny, parents James and Stacia Gleeson and her brothers Seamus, Martin and Michael.

ANOTHER appeal has been made for a pedestrian crossing on a “lethal” road outside a Portlaoise cemetery.

John Horan, Clonbullogue, Offaly and formerly Wranglestown, Clonaslee, Laois died peacefully in his 95th year on 26 November at Naas Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Margaret (Peg) Fitzpatrick (née Doyle), Gurteen, Cullohill, Laois and formerly of Johnstown Road, Freshford, Co Kilkenny died peacefully on Tuesday 25 November in St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny, surrounded by her loving family.

A 39-YEAR-OLD woman with 108 previous convictions, of which 93 were for theft, was back before last week sitting of Portlaoise District Court charged with three counts of theft.

ONE of the biggest public playgrounds in Laois will close next week until further notice, while major upgrades are carried out. Rathdowney Playground will be closed from Monday 1 December, as work begins on a €95,000 makeover.