Val Bracken (née Daly), Coolagh, Clonaslee died peacefully at her residence on Thursday 3 April surrounded by her family.

Patrick Dunne, Hillside, Clonad, Portlaoise, Laois Formerly of Aughadreen, Wolfhill, Laois, Patrick died peacefully in the care of Oghill Nursing Home, Monasterevin surrounded by his loving family.

THERE was a great turnout for the launch of Cormac Moore's fascinating new book Laois - The Irish Revolution, 1912-23 at Portlaoise Library on 3 April.

A VOLUNTARY group that promotes and protects the majestic Slieve Bloom Mountains will celebrate its 50th anniversary this month.

IDENTICAL twins Maureen Hickson and Bridie Daly celebrated their 90th birthday with a joyous gathering of family and friends at the Lord Bagenal Inn.

A PORTLAOISE school has been named Ireland’s Sustainable Travel School of the Year, after a remarkable effort by students and staff.

Val Bracken (née Daly), Coolagh, Clonaslee, Co Laois died peacefully at her residence on 3 April, surrounded by her family.

WHEN gardaí responded to a car crash at Emmett Street, Mountmellick last year, they encountered an upturned vehicle in the middle of the road. There was nobody in the car, but later that day, gardaí found the driver in Portlaoise hospital.

A SAFETY check will be carried out on trees at an old graveyard in Stradbally, following a warning that “an awful tragedy” could occur at the site.

WANTON destruction that was apparently caused by parents as well as children has delayed the opening of a long-awaited new playground.

Jean Conroy (née Boyers), Jamestown, Ballybrittas, Laois/ Tubbercurry, Sligo Jean Conroy (née Boyers), Jamestown, Ballybrittas, Laois and formerly Tubbercurry, Co Sligo died on 2 April at home, in the company of her husband Aidan and her family.

The baby  suffered a “progressively" tightening knot in his umbilical chord that became “acute” and caused “irreversible damage”

COUNCILLORS from the Portlaoise Municipal District Council heaped praise on a council administrative officer on her final day with them.

Donal Ryan, Abbeyleix, Laois/Roscrea passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday 2 April. Donal was predeceased by his parents, brothers Mick, Dinny, Jack and Rody, sisters Maguerite, Nancy, Eileen and May.

TWO hikers who got lost in the Slieve Bloom Mountains were rescued by Laois Civil Defence volunteers today.

FRIENDS of a young Laois teacher who died aged only 23 will do a charity run in his memory, to raise funds for the hospital that gave him exceptional care.

A DRIVER recorded doing three times the speed limit received a prison sentence totalling ten months.

Theresa (Tess) Quinn (née Dunne), Dublin and formerly of Blackhall, Portarlington passed away peacefully on Wednesday 23 April in the wonderful care of the staff of Saint Vincent’s Hospital Athy. Tess was the loving wife of the late Tommy.

Enda McEvoy, Clonaheen, Rosenallis, Laois died peacefully on 1 April at St James’s Hospital, Dublin, in the company of his loving family. Predeceased by his loving mother Dorothy and his infant sister.

THE latest in Disney’s line of live-action remakes is Snow White, a modern reimagining of the 1937 classic that paved the way for every Disney princess to come.