JUST over 50% of vehicles that underwent an NCT test in Laois last year passed. That’s according to figures published by the National Car Testing Service.

Through a range of media, the exhibition aims to challenge stigma, spark conversation, and offer insight into the complexities of addiction.

The judge was incredulous

Catherine (Tess) Stodel (née Dunne), Clonabeg, Clonaslee, Laois Catherine (Tess) Stodel, (née Dunne), formerly of Clonabeg, Clonaslee, Co Laois, Portlaoise and England, passed away peacefully on 10 January in the loving care of the staff at St ...

Ian Moynan,Durrow, Laois Ian passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, early on Saturday morning 11 January. Predeceased by his father Edmond and sister Rachel.

A LAOIS student won second prize at the 2025 BT Young Scientist Exhibition, with a remarkable project that could help develop treatment for an aggressive cancer.

Josephine (Josie) Byrne (Nee Young), Ballycleary, Castletown, Co. Laois, passed away January 11th 2025, peacefully surrounded by her loving family in the care of staff at St. Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin.

THE third Monday of January has been branded Blue Monday. It begins what many describe as the most depressing week of the year.

Emily Ellen Culhane, The Birches, Lower Boley, Abbeyleix, Laois. Emily Ellen died on 5 January, unexpectedly at Beaumont Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Dearly loved daughter to Sean and Bernie and beloved sister to Sam.

GARDAÍ had to call in Laois Civil Defence when motorists were stranded in the Slieve Bloom Mountains last night.

John Burke, Ballyknockan, Portlaoise, passed away on Friday 10 January. John was the beloved husband of Brigid and much loved father of Alice, Joanna, John and Anita.

A FREE nasal spray flu vaccination programme for children aged between 2 and17 years of age is available at the Laois Offaly Vaccination Base on Saint Fintan’s Campus, Dublin Road, Portlaoise (R32 ED81) on Saturday 18 January from 10am to 4pm.

Br. Killian (John) O' Sullivan, De La Salle Brothers, Castletown and late of Lehid, Tuosist, Killarney, Co. Kerry died on Friday 10 January, peacefully in the loving care of the community and staff of Miguel House. Br.

John McDermott, Trumera, Mountrath passed away on Thursday 9 January in the care of staff at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise.

Liam Kelly,Bellgrove, Ballybrittas, Laois Peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on 10 January after a short illness, under the wonderful care of the Laois Specialist Palliative Care Team and his carer Mary.

SHOCKING speeds were recorded in the Laois-Offaly garda division, as the area struggled to emerge from a big freeze that left many roads still in treacherous condition.

John (Gussie) Maguire, Stradbally Co. Laois. Formerly of Ballyfermot and Rathcoole Dublin. Son of the late Gussie and May, peacefully at his home.

A CHEERFUL Laois bachelor has regained his rightful place behind the bar as the new series of First Dates Ireland gets underway.

A PORTLAOISE hotel raised almost €11,500 for a deserving charity over the festive season, with a special Dine Out and Donate campaign.

LAOIS Heritage Society launched its 11th issue of its local history journal in the Midland Park Hotel recently. The launch was held as part of the annual Laois Heritage Seminar which was also organised by Laois Heritage Office.