Donal Ryan, Abbeyleix, Laois/Roscrea passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday 2 April. Donal was predeceased by his parents, brothers Mick, Dinny, Jack and Rody, sisters Maguerite, Nancy, Eileen and May.

THE Independent Republican TD in Laois Brian Stanley spoke in the Dáil last week on affordable and Social Housing.

THERE IS a real sense here in Ireland that the vocation crisis to the priesthood is having real consequence in terms of ageing clergy and priest-less parishes. In the diocese of Kildare and Leighlin, the average age of clergy is 70 years.

John Kennedy, Boleybeg, Spink, Abbeyleix died at The Regional Hospital, Portlaoise on Monday 24 February. John is predeceased by his wife Mary and son Jimmy. He lived for many years in Manchester.

Eddy Hutchinson, Rathmoyle and Killamuck passed away peacefully in the excellent care of Droimnin Nursing Home, Stradbally on Sunday 23 February.

Abbeyleix photographer and local legend Jim Fennelly will appear on RTÉ’s Nationwide programme with reporter Mary Fanning on Friday, 21 February. Fanning filmed this prolific photographer out and about in County Laois earlier this year.

William (Liam) Rohan, Corbally, Abbeyleix passed away peacefully at his residence on Wednesday 5 February. William was predeceased by his parents Martin and Hanora and his sister Regina.

REMEMBER IF IN DOUBT KEEP THEM OUT.

THERE was standing room only in Scoil Mhuire NS, Abbeyleix last Wednesday as the school welcomed special guests from the community to celebrate Grandparents’ Day.

ANOTHER successful year was reviewed at the annual general meeting of People First Credit Union.

George A. Wellwood, Bay Cottage, Oldtown, Abbeyleix died peacefully on Sunday 2 February at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise in his 96th year. George was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Martha and his brother Allan.

Main Street Abbeyleix came to a standstill earlier today after a lorry load of timber shed its load in the middle of the busy thoroughfare.

Patrick (Paddy) Davy, The Fairways, Abbeyleix died unexpectedly at the Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise surrounded by his loving family on Saturday 25 January. Paddy was predeceased by his loving wife Phil and his sister Margaret.

Multiple power outages across Laois ESB Networks is reporting that there are thousands of premises around Laois without electrical supply due to damage caused by Storm Éowyn.

WHEN gardaí got a strong smell of cannabis coming from a group of women, at the train station in Portlaoise, they searched one, and found her to be in possession of 27 Alprazolam (Xanax) tablets.

ABBEYLEIX woman Emma Fogarty’s efforts to raise funds and awareness for the debilitating condition EB (Epidermolysis Bullosa) received a cash boost this week thanks to FBD Hotels & Resorts.

Tunde (Christopher) Nwagwe, Tallyho, Grennan Attanagh, Durrow passed away peacefully at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore on Friday 17 January.

Breda Campion (née O’Gorman), Dunboyne, Co. Meath and formerly of Rathdown Road, Phibsboro, Dublin 7 and previously of Abbeyleix passed away peacefully on Saturday 18 January in the loving care of the staff at Marymount Care Centre, Westmanstown.

Joan Sheehan, Blackrock, Dublin and of Abbeyleix passed peacefully in the wonderful care of the staff at Saint Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin. Joan was predeceased by her brothers Fr.

Bernadette (Bern) McRedmond, Knockanina, Mountrath, Co. Laois and late of Grove House, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois.