HEARTBROKEN tributes have been paid to a popular Laois bakery café staff member, who passed away this week after a brave battle with cancer.

The rally is a stand for humanity, compassion and peace, say the organisers.

The town will be a hive of activity over the weekend.

The man's solicitor said: "It was simply a simple drunken stupid act that shouldn’t have happened.” 

Christopher (Noel) Monahan, Whitehall, Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath and formerly of Rathdowney passed away peacefully on Thursday 19 June 2025 in the loving care of the staff of the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar.

Elizabeth (Betty) Cass (née Carroll), Greenmount, Abbeyleix.

John Dunne, Clonabeg, Clonaslee, Laois died peacefully on 19 June at his residence, surrounded by his family. Predeceased by his wife Nuala and brother Pe.

A ROW that erupted between a woman, her ex-husband and his new partner ended up in court appearances amid charges of assault and assault causing harm.

The residential centre takes children aged six to 18 with intellectual disabilities and autism

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.

CARAVANS parked illegally in Laois for over five years have finally been moved but locals want barriers installed to prevent their return.

WHILE Timahoe, Portlaoise and Stradbally have had relatively new choirs for the past few years, Mountrath has had its own for the past ten years.

A PORTLAOISE man was charged with an offence under the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act at a sitting of the local district court.

“A letter should go requesting them (HIQA and the HSE) to meet with us in person. I want to be able to look them in the eye and asking them questions,”  said one councillor.

A STUNNING collection of quilt art created by the talented Laois Quilters was launched in Mountmellick Library recently.

A VETERINARY surgeon from Stradbally is the new chairperson of Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District (MD), just a year since she was first elected to Laois Co Council.

THE first free repair café in Laois will open for two days this month, accepting everything from broken kettles and torn clothes to damaged toys and furniture.

A PORSCHE driver recorded doing 175kph in Laois tested positive for cocaine, after the car was pulled in by gardaí. The driver was arrested and the Porsche was seized, following the dangerous incident on the M7 motorway yesterday evening.

ERASMUS+ is an EU programme that aims to promote travel for study and work experience in other countries. This programme is open to students in school and higher education.

“It was a big mistake. I have a good job. I’m not a bad person," said the accused.