Cathy Shortt,13 Willow Drive, Muskerry Estate, Ballincollig, Cork and formerly of Rathdowney passed away peacefully on Saturday 25 January after a short illness at her home, in the presence of her loving family.

EUROVISION Song Contest winner Dana will play a charity concert in the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel on Bank Holiday Sunday, 2 February.

James Carroll, Hillside View, Clonaslee (R32 D2Y9) and formerly of Ballybritt, Roscrea Co. Tipperary passed away suddenly on Friday 24 January. James was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Ita.

The solicitor said that his client was homeless and vulnerable at the time.

FEBRUARY is a time of growth and invitation for us all, when the light of spring slowly triumphs over winter darkness. The story and celebration of St Brigid remains deeply relevant in a turbulent world.

FIVE fantastic Laois students have received awards from Trinity College Dublin, acknowledging their exceptional results in last year’s Leaving Certificate.

A DRAFT master plan for major enterprise and housing development in Abbeyleix is expected to be completed this June.

Stella McHugh. Clondarrig. Portlaoise passed away peacefully on Friday 24 January surrounded by her loving family. Stella was the beloved wife of the late PJ and dearly loved mother to Olive, Carmel, John and Edel.

Storm Éowyn Update Laois Laois County Council crews have cleared 30 road blockages across the county.The N80 through Laois is now clear from the Offaly border to the Carlow border.

FINISHING touches will be completed within the next week on a major makeover of the People’s Park in Portarlington, which has been transformed into a beautiful community space.

⚠️ Storm Éowyn: Updates in Laois 🚒 Laois County Council crews are now responding to storm damage across the county ❗ Road Update: The N80 from Stradbally to Portlaoise is now open, but other blockages remain on the N80.

A DEFENDANT who appeared in Portlaoise District Court said she did not accept that cash seized by gardaí during a search of her house was the proceeds of drug dealing.

Multiple power outages across Laois ESB Networks is reporting that there are thousands of premises around Laois without electrical supply due to damage caused by Storm Éowyn.

🔴8am Storm Éowyn Update - Laois ❗ There are reports of multiple trees down right across the county this morning as a Status Red Wind warning remains in place until 11. 00am ❗ Multiple power outages reported throughout the county. ⚠️ N80 is impassable.

Reports are coming in that the road from Mountmellick to Emo is impassable. There’s a tree down just past Stewart’s, The Rock, blocking half the road. Further up, just past the turn off for Killeen, the road is completely blocked.

The council is asking the public to continue to shelter in place and not to travel out unless it’s absolutely necessary.

THREE students from Wolfhill NS have talked their way into the county semi-final of a debating contest, with a winning performance today.

Teresa Kealy (née Cranny), Ballylinan, Laois/ Athy, Kildare Teresa Kealy (née Cranny) late of Enfield, London and formerly Ballylinan and Athy, passed away suddenly on 22 December, in the loving care of the staff of St Theresa’s Care Home, Bush Hill ...

Mary Ita Hyland (née Greaney), Lea Road, Portarlington, Laois Mary Ita died peacefully in her sleep on 22 January, while in the tender care of the staff of Kilminchy Lodge Nursing Home, Portlaoise.

Mary Purcell (née Barry), Formerly Laburnum Close, Abbeyleix, Laois Mary died peacefully on 23 January at The Curragh Lawn Nursing Home, Kinneagh, Curragh, Co. Kildare, surrounded by her loving family.