A PORTLAOISE band is to feature on the final series of RTÉ’s hugely popular An Ghig Mhór. The TV series follows young bands as they plan and organise their first big hometown gig.

Richard Brophy, Upper Sconce, Ballyfin/Mountrath, Laois died suddenly at his home on 9 July, surrounded by his loving family and neighbours. Predeceased by his granddaughter Georgia Levi.

FUNERAL arrangements have been announced for a young motorcyclist who died in a road crash in Laois on Tuesday night.

THE chips were down for a learner driver who encountered Laois gardaí on the M7 motorway. The driver tested positive for cocaine and there was a stash of cannabis in the glove compartment, while gardaí also uncovered a series of traffic offences.

SHOPS in Portlaoise, Portarlington and in Mountmellick were signalled out for special attention at this year’s SPAR 365 Retailing Standards awards.

Patrick Mahon, Lower Meelick, Rosenallis passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday 9 July. Patrick was predeceased by his parents Michael and Catherine (Nyra, Rosenallis).

May Liam rest in peace.

GARDAÍ investigating a fatal crash in Laois last night are particularly seeking information from two drivers. The motorcycle crash in Abbeyleix claimed the life of Dawid ‘Davy’ Kluz from Westmeath, who was aged in his 20s.

A FAMILY-RUN bakery and café in Portlaoise is to close down, after only six months in business. R32 Artisan Bakery and Coffee Shop, on the ground floor of Dunamaise Arts Centre, opened in early January with a strong focus on local produce.

Richard’s funeral arrangements are to be announced later.

A YOUNG motorcyclist who died in a horrific crash in Laois last night has been named locally as Dawid ‘Davy’ Kluz from Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath.

“These families were told they’d be in by January or February of this year," said the Senator.

The  scholarships are valued at up to €1,100 and include a range of benefits.

A MAN who has over 130 previous convictions and who is currently in prison got a three-month jail sentence, after he pleaded guilty to stealing a bicycle.

A TEENAGER who was missing from his home in Laois for more than three weeks has been located. Gardaí confirmed this morning that Jake Cunningham Burke (16) who was reported missing from Mountmellick since 16 June, has been found safe and well.

Towns in three counties currently have water conservation orders in place:  Westmeath, Donegal and Meath.

Pride yourself on having a refined palate?

THE main route from Abbeyleix to Portlaoise has reopened, following a fatal crash that claimed the life of a young man last night. In an update just after 9am today, gardaí said: ‘Road reopened.

Pizza chain seeking permission to locate in Portlaoise Shopping Centre

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.