A CONTRACTOR who died from severe head injuries after falling from a height was working on a “very poorly constructed” makeshift platform provided by a client, an inquest has heard.

PREPARATIONS are well underway for this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade in Clonaslee. The hard-working committee are leaving no stone unturned to build on the great success of last year’s event, which saw the revival of the parade in the town.

Two brothers who are accused of multiple rapes against a pre-teen female relative will have to return to court in March to learn their trial date.

Breda Smyth (née Doherty), Rathdowney, Laois/ Emoclew Road, Arklow, Wicklow Formerly of Knockiel, Rathdowney, Co Laois, Breda died peacefully at The Beacon Hospital with her loving family by her side.

Liam Rose, Knockiel Drive, Rathdowney, Co Laois Liam died peacefully at his residence on 14 February, in the presence of his loving family. Predeceased by his parents, his brothers Seàn and Bernard, and his sister Marie.

ARTIST John Drumm from Clonaghadoo recently launched his second exhibition in Mountmellick Library and Art Gallery. The bright and glowing collection of oil paintings titled ‘Dance Again’ explores life during and after the Covid lockdowns.

TWO surveys are getting underway in Ballylinan as part of a health check study being carried out on the village by South East Technological University (SETU).

Dympna Walsh (née Moran), Chapel Street, Ballyroan, Laois Dympna died suddenly on 13 February at her residence. Sadly missed by her loving husband Peter, son Barry, daughter Michelle, sister Ann, brothers Sean, Paddy and Des.

Three Laois food and drink suppliers will showcase their goods along with members of the Midlands Food and Drink Network, who are set to make its first-ever appearance at Ireland’s largest foodservice and hospitality event, CATEX 2025.

ALMOST €14. 5m has been granted for regional and local roads in Laois this year. The funding will go towards maintenance and improvement works on roads and bridges across the county.

A LAOIS lorry driver is to face trial for allegedly causing the death of an elderly pedestrian in Mountmellick.

PLANS for new primary care centres in Rathdowney and Mountrath are moving ahead but Durrow and Borris-in-Ossory have lost out.

TRANISITION Year students from Portlaoise College lit up the stage in the Dunamaise Arts Centre with a fantastic production of Grease last week.

TWO men charged in connection with the biggest-ever drug seizure in Laois have been remanded in custody for a further two weeks.

Abbeyleix photographer and local legend Jim Fennelly will appear on RTÉ’s Nationwide programme with reporter Mary Fanning on Friday, 21 February. Fanning filmed this prolific photographer out and about in County Laois earlier this year.

John L. Kealy 11 February 2025 6 Red Houses, The Swan, Co Laois & formerly of Doonane, Crettyard. John passed away in his home surrounded by his loving family.

IT WAS a proud occasion for 28 students from Portlaoise College last week when they graduated with level 6 certificates in 21st Century Digital Skills from Maynooth University.

A MAN who was reported to gardaí of riding a scrambler motorbike at more than 40kph on a footpath in Portlaoise was charged with having no insurance or driving licence at last week’s sitting of the local district court.

LAOIS County Council recently held a civic reception for an 11-year-old World Irish Dance Champion, making him one of the youngest recipients of the prestigious accolade.

THIS WEEK we celebrate St Valentine’s Day. Traditionally, this day is associated with romance and love. Historically, it is interesting to trace its evolvement.