FOLLOWING the arrest of a man on 5 December 2021 for begging, gardaí seized €849. 65 from him and the money had since remained in garda care. Gardaí brought an application before Portlaoise District Court seeking permission to dispose of the money.

SUBJECT to proper planning procedures log cabins and modular homes will be permitted to be erected on council serviced sites around Laois. That’s according to the Director of Services in the housing department of Laois County Council Angela McEvoy.

CHIRAL, described as Ireland’s most dangerous rock band, are preparing to tear down the walls of convention between performers and audience at the Dunamaise Arts Centre to induce alternative music fans into a world of sonic and visual spectacularism ...

CLLR Caroline Dwane Stanley told her follow councillors at the January meeting of Laois County Council that she has been “living on a building site for 19-years.

A LOCAL writer’s first children’s book highlights the deep history and culture of alpaca farming.

Patrick (Pat) Corcoran, Shanbeg, Rosenallis passed away on Saturday 8 February at home surrounded by his devoted family.

THE all-Ireland Sacred Heart Crusade of Hope and Love was launched in the Abbyleix Manor Hotel recently with a special concert featuring Eurovision Song Contest winner Dana.

WHILE carrying out a search of a house in Portarlington, gardaí uncovered a white powdery substance. When tested, it was found to be cocaine with a street value of €2,240.

You can bring clothes, that are not going to be recycled or resold, to the SVP shop in Stradbally said one councillor.

John Hearns, Hillview, Portlaoise died peacefully surrounded by his loving family and in the tender care of the doctors, nurses and staff of Portlaoise Hospital on Saturday 8 February. Jon was predeceased by his sister Mary.

Mary (Mollie) McRedmond, (née Kane), Chapel Street, Clonaslee died peacefully on Friday 7 of February in the loving care of the staff at The Residence Nursing Home, Portlaoise with her daughter Mary by her side.

Elizabeth (Lil) O'Connell (née Murphy), Lucan, Co. Dublin and formerly of Stradbally passed away peacefully on Saturday 8 February at Connolly Hospital with her family by her side. Elizabeth was predeceased by her sister Bridie and brother John.

A COMPLETE UNKNOWN tells the story of the iconic Bob Dylan’s formative years on the folk music scene in New York city and his revolutionary transition to electric music in 1965.

THE Portlaoise and District Ploughing Association held its annual competition on the lands of Matt Lalor, Ballycarnan on Saturday 1 February. Competitors and spectators of all ages came from all corners of the county to attend the event.

JUDGE Susan Fay cancelled a fine and a six-month driving disqualification at a recent sitting of Portlaoise District Court.

Julia O’Connell passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family in her 90th year on Friday 7 February. Julia was predeceased by her husband Terry and daughter Mary Teresa, brothers Pat and John and Son in law John Kent.

Margaret O’Brien (née Slattery) The Hermitage, Portlaoise and formerly of St. Joseph’s Terrace, Clarecastle, Co. Clare passed away peacefully on Friday 7 February at Kilminchy Lodge Nursing Home, Portlaoise.

Gardaí in Portlaoise are investigating an incident of criminal damage that occurred at a residence in the Ard Erin housing estate in Mountrath shortly after midnight on Friday 7 February.

Blanche Cooper (née Stanley), Blackrock, formerly Templeogue, Co Dublin and Stradbally passed away peacefully in her 92nd year in the excellent care of Four Ferns Nursing Home, Foxrock.

TÁNAISTE Simon Harris has agreed with the Laois TD Brian Stanley that the ban on over 70’s driving school buses must go. The Independent Republican TD highlighted the problems that the ban is causing when he spoke in the Dáil this week.