The Laois Nationalist newspaper is currently on sale in all local newsagents and stores, plus online. This week's paper is jammed-packed with local news and sports from all areas of the county.

James (Jim) Hearty, New Mill Court, Portarlington, Laois died peacefully on 13 April, in the wonderful care of all the staff of the Margaret Kehoe Ward, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin. Much loved father of Elaine and Claire.

A NOTORIOUS derelict former AIB branch in Portarlington is up for sale, prompting hopes that it could be restored and converted for community use.

NATIONAL Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) president Francie Gorman returned to official duties this week, following successful surgery to remove a pancreatic tumour.

Mary Grant (née Bergin), Cuan Bhríde, Rathdowney, Laois and formerly of Newtown, Ballybrophy, Laois, passed away on 13 April, peacefully in the wonderful and loving care of the staff at Kilminchy Lodge Nursing Home, Portlaoise.

A peaceful protest against the war in Palestine took place in Portlaoise, last Saturday. The protest took place outside the local library. The event was organized as part of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

WHAT was once termed as a strength, weakness, opportunity and threats (SWOT) analysis, but better known nowadays as a town health check, is taking place in towns and villages around Laois.

Independent Republicans in Laois will gather for a 1916 Easter Rising Commemoration on Easter Sunday 20 April. Those attending are asked to assemble at The Heath National School at 11. 30am and parade to the nearby Republican Monument.

JUDGE Andrew Cody said he was not reducing a summons of dangerous driving, to careless driving when he heard that a woman was driving to Mondello Park at a speed of 168kph with her young daughter beside her in her car.

GARDAÍ seized a car from a food delivery driver in Laois for a litany of traffic offences today. The driver was a learner permit holder with no insurance, tax or NCT and the car had a ‘severely’ bald tyre.

The death has occurred of Colette Harrington (née Brophy), St Patrick's Avenue and formerly Ballintubbert, Athy, Kildare/Laois, peacefully, in the loving care of the staff of Cloverlodge Nursing Home, Athy. Predeceased by her husband Lar.

A motorist who hit a pedestrian as she was crossing the road pleaded guilty to careless driving at last week’s sitting of Carlow District Court.

6 Patrick Street, Durrow, Co Laois €250,000 3 beds 1 bath A beautifully refurbished townhouse in turnkey condition, with a B3 energy rating, is on the market with estate agents Sherry FitzGerald Hyland Keating.

Ann Carroll (née Gorman), The Brook, Mountrath Road, Abbeyleix, Laois died peacefully at her home in the loving presence of her family. Dearly loved wife of Mick. Cherished mother to Angela, Catherine, Fíona, Michelle, Sinéad and Michael.

Maurice Devoy, better known as Mossie, Court Square, Stradbally passed away peacefully on Saturday 12 April at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise in his 90th year, surrounded by his loving family.

The annual reunion of Brigidine Convents past pupils will take place on Sunday 27 April in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise. The event will get underway at 12. 45pm for the Past Pupils of Tullow, Abbeyleix, Mountrath and Goresbridge.

It is hoped that up to a dozen people would be able to take part in the first jump.

THE best-selling video game of all time has made its inevitable transition to big-screen adaptation in A Minecraft Movie.

THESE DAYS of bright blue skies and spring blossoms make it easy to identify with the Easter message. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, Easter reminds us we belong to such a positive and wonderful reality.

A MAN who was on his phone while driving a John Deere tractor through Abbeyleix on his way to the National Ploughing Championships gave his brother’s name to gardaí.