AN Open Day at the gorgeous Gortnalee Gardens harvested almost €2,400 for the Laois Hospice Foundation. Owner Hazel Luskin is a stalwart supporter of the vital cause and regularly donates the proceeds of events held at her magnificent gardens.

The young people were led through a workshop of creating paper rockets as well as building and driving a remote-controlled robot.

As well as Portlaoise, said the Laois TD, other towns and villages should be identified for additional housing for people to be able to get homes closer to where they are from.

“The so-called ‘voluntary contributions’ must be addressed by Government," said the TD.

THE ‘Blueway Man’ – Michael G.

Helen Keenan (née Conroy), Church Street, Mountrath and formerly of Roundwood, Mountrath, Laois passed away unexpectedly on 6 August in St James’s Hospital, Dublin, surrounded by her loving family.

The death has occurred of Christy Bryan, Patrick Street, Portarlington, Laois-Offaly/Geashill, Offaly. Ex Bord Na Móna.

A POPULAR Laois café and restaurant will close its doors in September, after 30 years in business. Papa Noni takeaway restaurant in Abbeyleix announced its forthcoming closure today, due to the retirement of owners Tony and Joan Mezzapelle.

A PLANNING application has been lodged for a long-awaited new Primary Health Care Centre in Portlaoise.

William (Billy) Campion, Rathmakelly, Ballacolla, Laois passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday 2 August at St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny. Predeceased by his wife Ann, son Shane and sister Bridie.

A NEW battle in the ongoing war against dog fouling has been launched by Laois County Council.

AN emergency public meeting will be held in Durrow this Thursday, as part of a growing campaign against a proposed wind farm development.

A FEMALE staff member required hospital treatment after a ‘distressing and violent’ incident at a Laois leisure centre yesterday evening.

Electric Picnic announced 11 more acts this morning, as the countdown begins to the festival weekend. There are just over three weeks to go until the Stradbally Estate opens its gates to a record 80,000 fans.

GARDAÍ are investigating a violent incident that forced a Laois leisure centre to close early yesterday evening.

Denis Donohue, Booterstown, Co Dublin and formerly of Dún Laoghaire and Grattan Street, Portlaoise, passed peacefully on 4 August at St Vincent’s University Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Son of the late Thomas and Kathleen.

A TEENAGER who had a “serious” amount of cocaine and ketamine at a house in Portlaoise was given a suspended custodial sentence.

Two cafés opened their doors late at night after receiving a newly introduced late night opening grant.

May Anne rest in peace.

GARDAÍ in Laois-Offaly are appealing for witnesses after a fatal crash in the division late last night. A man aged in his 30s died in the single vehicle crash on the road between Tullamore and Portarlington.