The school became the first one in the county to win this award.

It was a big day out for five pupils from Scoil Fionntáin Naofa Shanahoe, who made their First Holy Communion on Saturday 3 May.

Charlie (Charles) Breen, Fountainside, Abbeyleix passed away peacefully at home in his 95th year on Tuesday 22 April. Charles was predeceased by his loving wife Peg, brothers PJ. and Martin, sisters Peg, Kathleen and Maureen.

EMBRACE FARM, the Laois based farm support organisation has been shortlisted for a national award. With its offices in Shanahoe, the organisation has been shortlisted for the RDS Sustainability Awards in the Rural Social Impact Award category.

Angela Broderick, Knockiel Road, Rathdowney died unexpectedly at home on Saturday 4 January. Angela was predeceased by her dad John.

The successful groups each received a share of the total funding of €229,213

'These parents are under severe stress and worry' - Cllr Tommy Mulligan.