“Roll on 2026 – we already have some amazing acts booked” - Philip Meagher Festival promoter.

Jaded but happy festivalgoers were glowing in their praise of how the weekend went.

More photos from Forest Fest in next week's edition of the Laois Nationalist.

THE Laois based Cara Rescue Dogs voluntary organisation is holding a Dog Fest on Sunday 3 August from noon to 2pm at Emo Park (R32 C44V).

The man told the court: "I scrapped the truck since."

May Lena rest in peace.

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The 47-year old caused €800 worth of damage.

With six stages over the weekend festival, music lovers and festivalgoers are in for a treat. 

The 25-year old was five times over the drug driving limit.

John Dowling, Morette, Emo died on Sunday 16 February 2025 in New York where he had lived since 1985. John is predeceased by his father Tom Dowling and mother Catherine Dowling.

“Whatever the outcome for housing completions in 2025, it will fall well short of the 50,000-60,000 units required," said the author of the report.

Anne Conroy (née Kelly) 12 Emmett Street, Mountmellick and formerly of Emo passed away peacefully at home in the loving care of her cherished family on Sunday 15 June 2025.

Bridie Reid (née Dowling), Dunboyne, Co. Meath and formerly of Emo died suddenly but peacefully at her home on Sunday 1 June. Bridie was the beloved wife of Thomas and cherished mam of Thomas Jnr.

Bridie Reid (née Dowling), Dunboyne, Co. Meath and formerly of Emo died suddenly but peacefully on Sunday 1 June at her home. Bridie was the beloved wife of Thomas and cherished mam of Thomas Jnr.

AND just when you thought Forest Fest, that takes place in Emo from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July, couldn’t get any better, the acts for Ibiza Rewind/Bora Bora Music Stage has just been announced and features an all-star cast of pioneering DJs and ...

Bernard Lewis, The Elms, Tullamore, Offaly and Emo and formerly with An Foras Talúntais passed away peacefully on Thursday 1 May in is 100th year with family at his side in the wonderful care of the staff in the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore.

ONE of the largest solar energy farms in Ireland is being planned for Laois. A subsidiary of a global Danish-owned energy company – Ørsted Onshore Ireland Midco Ltd – is planning to develop a solar farm across a stretch of land measuring 4.

ANOTHER 21 acts have been added to the already jammed packed line-up for this year’s Forest Fest festival that’s taking place in Emo from Friday to Sunday 25 to 27 July.

Daniel (Dan) Dargan, Carn, Portarlington died on Sunday 23 March after a short illness at Saint James’s Hospital, Dublin surrounded by his loving and heartbroken family. Daniel was predeceased by his son Nathan Dargan.

24 more acts to perform at Forest Fest in July

John Duffy, Capard, Rosenallis and formerly of Emo Park and Balally, Dundrum, Dublin died on Wednesday 5 February surrounded by his loving family at home. John was predeceased by his parents Terry and Kathleen and brother Colm.

Reports are coming in that the road from Mountmellick to Emo is impassable. There’s a tree down just past Stewart’s, The Rock, blocking half the road. Further up, just past the turn off for Killeen, the road is completely blocked.

The Laois business will among over 100 other companies from across Ireland at the Local Enterprise event.

ANOTHER round of artist and groups have been added to the Forest Fest line up that takes place from Friday to Sunday 25 to 27 July.

You are invited along to join in the festive fun, food, beverages and musical entertainment to enjoy on both days

This week’s Laois Nationalist is available to purchase from your local shop or online.

FOREST FEST has just announced the first of the lineup for next year’s highly anticipated summer festival in Emo.

No headline acts have been announced yet.

Ned passed away peacefully after an illness borne with dignity and love

Christina (Chrissie) Molloy (née Green) Fisherstown, Ballybrittas passed away peacefully in her 88th year in the company of her loving family on Monday 4 November.

The work involve the conversion of over 230km of the overhead network, in addition to timber cutting and the replacement of poles and transformers.

Gardaí are investigating a number of local burglaries

From music to art, theatre and some surprise events, there is something for all ages