FOLLOWING the absence of a café at the Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise for more than 18 months, the family-run R32 Artisan Bakery and Coffee Shop opened its doors in early January.

Bartle Dunne, Clonrooske, Portlaoise, Laois Bartle Dunne, Clonrooske House, Portlaoise died peacefully on 16 February, surrounded by his loving family. Son of the late Chris and Mary Dunne.

A LUCKY 13 heritage projects in Laois will share €185,000 in grants announced on Friday. An old national school, a parochial hall and a former mill are among the centres that will receive funding under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme.

Formerly of Naas, County Kildare and Blanchardstown, Dublin. Peacefully at the Regional Hospital Portlaoise. Predeceased by his father Christopher and brother David.

A MAN who punched an elderly pensioner in the face after pulling his ears and hair has handed over €2,500 for the victim. The elderly man’s nose was injured when he suffered a nasty, unprovoked attack in a local pub.

Sheila Kehoe (née Hyland). Dysart Cross, Stradbally and formerly Ballydavis, The Heath. Died 16th February 2025 peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.

Sheila Kehoe (née Hyland), Portlaoise, Laois/ Stradbally, Laois Sheila Kehoe (née Hyland), Dysart Cross, Stradbally and formerly Ballydavis, The Heath died peacefully on 16 February, surrounded by her loving family.

Killian Brown, Colliers Wood, Portlaoise, Laois/ Naas, Kildare/ Blanchardstown, Dublin Formerly of Naas, County Kildare and Blanchardstown, Dublin, Killian died peacefully on 15 February at the Regional Hospital Portlaoise.

Tommy Fitzpatrick, Harbour Street,Mountmellick, Laois Tommy Fitzpatrick, Harbour Street, Mountmellick died unexpectedly at home on 15 February. Deeply regretted by his family and friends. Rest in Peace.

The IHRB have announced the tragic death of Michael O’Sullivan, just five days short of his 25th birthday.

DIRECTED by Greg Kwedar,Sing Sing tells the incredible true story of a group of incarcerated men who find purpose and passion in a theatre programme.

The death has occurred of Paddy Booth, Coolbanagher, Laois (formerly The Heath) Paddy died peacefully at St Bridget’s Hospital, Shaen surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by brothers, sisters and daughter-in-law.

WHILE stopped at traffic lights in Abbeyleix last year, Angela Van Wyk from Bantry noticed a display of paintings in the front window of the local library, which inspired her to go inside and enquire about holding her first solo art exhibition.

ADDICTION is lived reality for many good people. And the life story of one Irishman and his recovery is truly inspirational. Matt Talbot was born May 1856 in Dublin. He was one of 12 children, six of whom lived to adulthood.

Thomas (Tom) Byrne, Ballybrittas, Laois/ Athy, Kildare Panama/Ballybrittas, Laois/Grangemellon, Athy On 10 February, unexpectedly in Panama. Tom, beloved husband of Shirly, devoted dad to James and Kenneth. Predeceased by his loving father James.

The council say it will be closed for 14 days at any one time

A CONTRACTOR who died from severe head injuries after falling from a height was working on a “very poorly constructed” makeshift platform provided by a client, an inquest has heard.

PREPARATIONS are well underway for this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade in Clonaslee. The hard-working committee are leaving no stone unturned to build on the great success of last year’s event, which saw the revival of the parade in the town.

Two brothers who are accused of multiple rapes against a pre-teen female relative will have to return to court in March to learn their trial date.

Breda Smyth (née Doherty), Rathdowney, Laois/ Emoclew Road, Arklow, Wicklow Formerly of Knockiel, Rathdowney, Co Laois, Breda died peacefully at The Beacon Hospital with her loving family by her side.