Stan Henderson

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

Christmas Market at Dunamaise Arts Centre promises to be bigger and better 

Christmas Market at Dunamaise Arts Centre promises to be bigger and better 

Tue, 18 Nov, 2025

THE Dunamaise Arts Centre’s second annual indoor Christmas Market will take place on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 November, and the management is calling out to artists, makers and creators who wish to display and sell their works at the two-day ...
Laois crime fiction readers flock to talk from leading writers

Laois crime fiction readers flock to talk from leading writers

Tue, 18 Nov, 2025

COMPELLING bestselling crime writers Catherine Ryan Howard from Cork and Catherine Kirwan from Waterford were in conversation with Laois’s own bestselling author of the Inishowen Mysteries series and There Came A-Tapping, Andrea Carter in Portlaoise ...
Laois artists come together for new joint exhibition

Laois artists come together for new joint exhibition

Mon, 17 Nov, 2025

A SUPER mix of retrospective, figurative and classic art is currently on display in Bloom HQ in Mountrath from resident artists Antoinette Breen, Mike Rafter and Kevin McCann - who came together with the joint exhibition following a cancellation ...
New CEO has vibrant and energetic plans for Dunamaise Arts Centre

New CEO has vibrant and energetic plans for Dunamaise Arts Centre

Tue, 11 Nov, 2025

A NEW spark is lighting up the creative heart of Laois and it’s coming from the Dunamaise Arts Centre as the county’s cultural and creative hub recently welcomed its new chief executive officer - Ciara O’Connell.
Ghoulish goings-on recounted at Laois library 

Ghoulish goings-on recounted at Laois library 

Sun, 02 Nov, 2025

More than 40 people attended the hair-raising, 90 minutes event
Laois husband and wife exhibition is a first for Abbeyleix Library 

Laois husband and wife exhibition is a first for Abbeyleix Library 

Tue, 21 Oct, 2025

IN celebration of their 43rd wedding anniversary, artist Catherine Holahan and her sculpturer husband Eamon launched an amazing joint art exhibition featuring paintings of farm animals by Catherine and amazingly crafted miniature steel figures by ...
Laois photographer's exhibition is a collection of ‘superbly sharp photographs’

Laois photographer's exhibition is a collection of ‘superbly sharp photographs’

Sun, 19 Oct, 2025

A STUNNING collection of superbly sharp photographs from the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Constantinople (Istanbul) taken by local lensman Liam Healion over several years of holidaying was launched in Mountmellick Library ...
Laois artist's exhibition is a ‘Palette of Possibilities’

Laois artist's exhibition is a ‘Palette of Possibilities’

Sun, 05 Oct, 2025

AN AMAZING collection of 19 oil paintings that seem to jump from their canvases was launched in the Gallery of Divine Inspiration at Bloom HQ in Mountrath by local artist Breda Culleton.
A lifetime of memories included in Laois man’s new book

A lifetime of memories included in Laois man’s new book

Sat, 04 Oct, 2025

MOUNTMELLICK man Ger Healion who now lives in Co Kildare with his family launched his debut book titled On a Bog by the Land Near a Riverin his native town’s library on Tuesday 30 September and will hold a second book launch event in Naas Library on ...
Treasure trove of memories and memorabilia from Sarsfields LGFA

Treasure trove of memories and memorabilia from Sarsfields LGFA

Tue, 23 Sep, 2025

An amazing celebration of its history, community, and sporting excellence
Laois photographers' group exhibition is 'Fragments of Laois'

Laois photographers' group exhibition is 'Fragments of Laois'

Sun, 21 Sep, 2025

A WONDERFUL group exhibition titled Fragments of Laois was launched in Mountmellick Library, as part of the Lovely Laois Homecoming Festival created by the county’s star of country music Trudi Lalor.
Laois artist Tommy's work shows a vibrant spectrum of colours

Laois artist Tommy's work shows a vibrant spectrum of colours

Fri, 19 Sep, 2025

A SUPER art exhibition by super-talented artist Tommy Gorman from Rosenallis was launched in the Hare’s Corner in Mountmellick recently as part of the Lovely Laois Homecoming festival, which was created by Irish country music queen, Trudi Lalor from ...
Abbeyleix bog project celebrates '25 years On'

Abbeyleix bog project celebrates '25 years On'

Mon, 04 Aug, 2025

OVER 100 people, including several guest speakers, attended the Abbeyleix Bog Project 25 Years On launch in the heritage town’s Manor Hotel on Thursday 24 July.
Laois Arch Club benefits to tune of €4,660 from quilters’ raffle

Laois Arch Club benefits to tune of €4,660 from quilters’ raffle

Sun, 03 Aug, 2025

MEMBERS of the Laois Arch Club were ‘delighted’ to be presented with a cheque for €4,660 from the Laois Quilters following a raffle of their centrepiece pieces from their recent quilt art exhibition, which was displayed in Mountmellick library ...
Abbeyleix schools marks town's 250th anniversary with stunning art exhibition

Abbeyleix schools marks town's 250th anniversary with stunning art exhibition

Thu, 19 Jun, 2025

ABBEYLEIX primary schools Scoil Mhuire and South School joined forces recently to launch an awesome art exhibition in the local library on Cruinniú na nÓg day. The event also kick-started the 250th anniversary of the founding of the heritage town.
Laois Quilt Makers showcase their stunning work at Mountmellick Library

Laois Quilt Makers showcase their stunning work at Mountmellick Library

Wed, 18 Jun, 2025

A STUNNING collection of quilt art created by the talented Laois Quilters was launched in Mountmellick Library recently.
Laois resident Natalia’s stunning art works are a joy to behold

Laois resident Natalia’s stunning art works are a joy to behold

Sun, 08 Jun, 2025

AN ELEGANT collection of 75 paintings was launched by Portarlington-based Ukrainian artist Nataliia Bakalyna in the Gallery of Divine Inspiration at Bloom HQ, Mountrath recently.
Laois Cycling Club members complete Couch to 50km Cycle in fine style

Laois Cycling Club members complete Couch to 50km Cycle in fine style

Mon, 02 Jun, 2025

SEVENTEEN intrepid cyclists recently completed the grand finale of their Couch to 50km Cycle, which coincided with National Bike Week. The event began in early April with a 10km spin and was organised by Laois Cycling Club.
Laois art exhibition will take you on a trip through the ages

Laois art exhibition will take you on a trip through the ages

Fri, 23 May, 2025

A STUNNING exhibition of paintings titled ‘Emerald Reflections’ was recently launched by Roksana Rohovskyi in Mountmellick Library. The Portlaoise-based artist, who is originally from Lviv in Ukraine, focuses on local nature and landmarks.
Laois landscapes and wildlife feature prominently in stunning art exhibition

Laois landscapes and wildlife feature prominently in stunning art exhibition

Wed, 21 May, 2025

A SPECTACULAR art exhibition by Portarlington resident Seán Conlon was launched recently in Bloom HQ, Mountrath. The Newbridge native opened his art gallery and framing shop in the Laois town more than ten years ago.
Documentary highlights the benefits of free-range food from Portlaoise farm

Documentary highlights the benefits of free-range food from Portlaoise farm

Tue, 13 May, 2025

AN amazing 30-acre plot near Portlaoise where Brendan Guinan, owner of Fiorbhia Farm, works without the use chemical fertilisers, sprays or antibiotics to produce minimally processed nutrient-rich food that’s sold directly to local families.
Free screening of award-winning film coincides with Laois Bealtaine Festival

Free screening of award-winning film coincides with Laois Bealtaine Festival

Sun, 11 May, 2025

FOR over 20 years, Access Cinema has partnered with the Irish Film Institute to organise a May film tour where screenings nationwide coincide with the Bealtaine Festival.
Mountain-top procession celebrates 50 years of the Sliabh Bloom Association

Mountain-top procession celebrates 50 years of the Sliabh Bloom Association

Thu, 01 May, 2025

THE Sliabh Bloom Association celebrated its golden anniversary recently with the unveiling of two commemorative plaques near the Ridge of Capard. The voluntary organisation protects and promotes the beautiful mountain range between Laois and Offaly.
Anna’s art show in Mountmellick is well worth a visit

Anna’s art show in Mountmellick is well worth a visit

Sun, 27 Apr, 2025

FOLLOWING on from a successful first solo art exhibition at Bloom HQ in Mountrath in January, spiritual artist Anna Kupper filled the three-roomed gallery space of Mountmellick library with over 70 vibrant pieces for the library’s April art show.
Retired Laois prison officer launches first book of short stories and poetry

Retired Laois prison officer launches first book of short stories and poetry

Sun, 27 Apr, 2025

A BOOK of short stories and poetry by local man Mick Morrissey was launched in Mountmellick Library recently by creative writing tutor Ryan Dunne.
Latvian artist returns to Abbeyleix with new art display

Latvian artist returns to Abbeyleix with new art display

Sat, 19 Apr, 2025

ABBEYLEIX library is hosting a wonderful art display by talented Latvian born artist Inguna Mainule-Finnerty, who holds a master’s degree in art and process.
Laois artist's vibrant paintings are inspired by home and family

Laois artist's vibrant paintings are inspired by home and family

Sat, 12 Apr, 2025

A WONDERFUL display of vibrant paintings by Mary Slevin from Mount Henry, Killenard was launched recently in The Gallery of Divine Inspiration at Bloom HQ, Mountrath.
Bestselling author talks about her new book at special event in Portlaoise

Bestselling author talks about her new book at special event in Portlaoise

Wed, 09 Apr, 2025

A LITERARY event took place in Portlaoise Library recently where bestselling crime fiction author Andrea Carter spoke about her latest book There Came A-Tapping.
Talented Laois artist takes her inspiration from the natural world

Talented Laois artist takes her inspiration from the natural world

Sun, 16 Mar, 2025

CORK-BASED artist Nadia Rice returned to her Slieve Bloom roots for her first solo art exhibition in the Gallery of Divine Inspiration at Bloom HQ in Mountrath. Nadia’s artwork is inspired by the natural world and she primarily works with ink pens.
Eco-fashion swap shop in Portlaoise goes from strength to strength

Eco-fashion swap shop in Portlaoise goes from strength to strength

Sun, 09 Mar, 2025

THE recent Clothes Swap and Sustainable Fashion event at the Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise was a great success, with ever-increasing numbers taking advantage of the eco-fashion initiative.
Best-selling Laois author to hold book signing in Portlaoise Library

Best-selling Laois author to hold book signing in Portlaoise Library

Tue, 04 Mar, 2025

BEST-SELLING crime fiction author Andrea Carter from Ballyfin will hold a book-signing event in Portlaoise Library for the release of her latest novel ***There Came A-Tapping***.
Laois author was guest of honour for Ireland Reads Day in Mountrath

Laois author was guest of honour for Ireland Reads Day in Mountrath

Mon, 03 Mar, 2025

MEMBERS of Mountrath Library recently welcomed award-winning international best-selling writer Niamh Boyce as their author guest for Ireland Reads Day.
Laois man's fundraiser will raise vital funds for horse welfare trust

Laois man's fundraiser will raise vital funds for horse welfare trust

Sat, 22 Feb, 2025

HORSE breeder Christopher Davis from Stradbally is growing vegetable and flower seeds to raise funds for the Irish Horse Welfare Trust (IHWT). The Wicklow-based charity is close to Christopher’s heart because it rescues and rehomes horses.
Norma’s hilarious comedy show is coming to the Dunamaise

Norma’s hilarious comedy show is coming to the Dunamaise

Mon, 27 Jan, 2025

COMEDIAN Norma Sheahan’s new stand-up comedy show It’s Wine O’Clock is selling out in theatres around the country and her racy over-18s revue is coming to the Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise on Friday 28 February.
Laois artist Joe’s amazing drawings can be seen in Abbeyleix Library

Laois artist Joe’s amazing drawings can be seen in Abbeyleix Library

Sat, 18 Jan, 2025

A SUPERB collection of photorealism graphite artworks by 21-year-old Laois artist Joe O’Toole was launched in Abbeyleix Library and Gallery last week.  Entitled ‘Genesis’, this is Joe’s first solo exhibition.
Laois artist's work is inspired by Jesus

Laois artist's work is inspired by Jesus

Wed, 15 Jan, 2025

THE FIRST art exhibition in Laois for 2025 was launched on Saturday 4 January in The Gallery of Divine Inspiration at Bloom HQ Mountrath with the unveiling of a vibrant collection of paintings by Anna Kupper in her first solo show in Ireland.
Laois artist showcases her work for the first time in 18 years

Laois artist showcases her work for the first time in 18 years

Fri, 27 Dec, 2024

A VIBRANT exhibition depicting a wide variety of styles by artist Pauline O’Connor is currently on display in Mountmellick Library and Art Gallery for the month of December.
Dunamaise Art Centre Christmas market was a runaway success

Dunamaise Art Centre Christmas market was a runaway success

Mon, 09 Dec, 2024

THE Dunamaise Arts Centre held its first Christmas Market on the last weekend of November.
Laois dressmaker Dorothy Anne brings festive hope to Third World kids

Laois dressmaker Dorothy Anne brings festive hope to Third World kids

Tue, 19 Nov, 2024

IN PORTLAOISE last Thursday, work was underway filling 750 Christmas shoeboxes for disadvantaged children overseas when volunteer extraordinaire and ex-dressmaker Dorothy Anne Reid arrived with 550 knitted hats and 535 handmade fabric bags for ...

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