Helen Casey (née Balfe), Lower Main St. , Abbeyleix, LaoisHelen died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family.  Predeceased by her husband Declan, parents Brendan and Bridget, sisters Mary and Annette and brothers Seanie, Mikey and Brendan.

Christy Foran, New Rd, Portlaoisw, Laois. Passed away peacefully at his family home on 3 January, surrounded by his loving family.  Dearly loved husband to Ellie, and loving father to Brian, Martin and Trish.

Patrick 'Kidd' Mortimer, 43 Harbour Street, Mountmellick, Laois. Passed away peacefully Jan 3rd in Chicago, Illinois. Formerly of 43 Harbour Street Mountmellick. Predeceased by his Mother Peig & brother Gerry.

IT’S 32 years since the disappearance of 22-year old Imelda Keenan, originally from Mountmellick, who was last seen in Waterford on Monday 3 January 1994. Imelda, who was living in an apartment with her boyfriend at the time, was last seen at 1.

Alan Byrne. Sunrise: 15th September 1984. Sunset: 30th December 2025. Ballyroan, Co. Laois, formerly of Castlelawn, Tallaght (unexpectedly following an accident). Predeceased by his beloved brother Joseph.

Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise is delighted to announce the arrival of the first Laois baby of the New Year.  A beautiful baby girl, Anwen, was born at 5:37am on 1 January 2026, weighing 3. 6 kg.

A MAN serving time in prison did not get sentence extended despite being found guilty of possession with intent to supply cocaine, after discussing the merits of an Irish breakfast with the judge.

TWO trees that toppled into the River Triogue in Portlaoise blocked the flow of water, causing serious flooding fears for neighbouring residents.

AN overgrown site in the middle of a Portlaoise housing estate could finally become available for new homes, after lying vacant for more than 25 years.

A 31-YEAR-OLD Mountmellick woman has been charged with possessing cannabis for her own use and for possessing cannabis for sale and/or for supply.

The death has occurred of Liam McArdle, 8 Court View, Stradbally, Co. Laois, peacefully on the 31st of December 2025 at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise surrounded by his devoted and beloved wife Bernadette and family.

Antonia Tas (née van Olst), The Glebe Road, Coolrain, Portlaoise, Co. Laois and formerly Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Antonia passed away peacefully on the 31st December 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Predeceased by her son Martin.

PLANS for a five-storey aparthotel have been lodged on a site in the heart of Portlaoise.

IN the Book of Numbers, the Lord instructs Moses on how to bless His people: "The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord let his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace. " (Nm 6:24-26).

The death has occurred of Sam Owens Rath, Ballybrittas, Laois / Rathangan, Kildare. Formerly of Sally Mills, Rathangan, Co Kildare. Peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family.

The death has occurred of Liam McArdle, 8 Court View, Stradbally, Co. Laois, peacefully on the 31st of December 2025 at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise surrounded by his devoted and beloved wife Bernadette and family.

Clem Whyte, Ballynevin, Cullohill, Co. Laois December 29th 2025 unexpectedly.  Predeceased by his mother May.

THE annual St Stephen’s day fox hunt set off from Abbeyleix amidst a show of protest by community activists. The tradition is widespread in Ireland and is echoed by the annual wren hunt, which takes place on the same day.

Mary Fleming (née Multany) Millquarter, Monaseed, Gorey, Co. Wexford and formerly of Clonaslee, Co. Laois. Died 30th December 2025 peacefully at Gorey District Hospital. Beloved wife of David and loving sister of Jane, Margaret and the late Charlie.

A MOTORIST in Co Laois has been caught doing 167km/hr in an 80km/hr zone on the R430 road in Drumagh, Crettyard over the Christmas period.