Kevin Gray, Rahanavannagh, Ballyroan, Laois and formerly Co Armagh died peacefully on 4 December, surrounded by his loving family, at the Regional Hospital Portlaoise.

AN ABANDONED half-built school for children with special needs was described as “absolutely scandalous” at a council meeting.

A LAOIS motor business has been awarded with a prestigious national ‘Employer of the Year’ award in a superb awards ceremony coordinated by the National Apprenticeship Office at Dublin’s Gibson Hotel.

William O’Shea, 20 O'Moore Place, Portlaoise, Laois passed away unexpectedly on 5 December.  Predeceased by his father William, brother Joseph and nephew Jamie Lee.

TWO friends who share a passion for the protection of nature and the environment have won a national Climate Ambassador award for outstanding achievement.

THE only pub in Rosenallis village will reopen this evening with new owners and a new name, nearly six years after it closed down.

A DEFENCE position that was proffered by a solicitor at Portlaoise District Court last week was described by a judge as sounding “a bit far-fetched.

THE Midlands Prison in Portlaoise will have space for 250 more inmates, with the fast-tracking of two separate expansion projects.

James (Paddy) Drury, Bride Street, Ballinakill, Laois died peacefully at Brookhaven Nursing Home, Ballyragget, in his 95th year. Formerly of Church Street, Ballinakill.

The death has occurred of Derek Alcorn, Cappanarrow, Camross, Laois and recently Beech Park Nursing Home, Kildare (2024). Derek died peacefully on 4 December at Naas General Hospital, in the presence of his loving family.

MOUNTMELLICK nursing graduate, Ellen Horan had double cause for celebration after achieving ‘top of her class’ status at the 25th annual Hibernia College conferring ceremony, held at Dublin’s Convention Centre recently.

A POPULAR Chinese restaurant and takeaway in Portlaoise is to close down after 40 years in business. Run by the Tsang family, Portlaoise Chinese on Church Avenue sadly announced today that it will close its doors in January.

FIREFIGHTERS and their families were honoured at a heartwarming event in Portarlington, to recognise the dedication of local heroes.

Joe (Josie) Carroll, New Row, Abbeyleix, Laois passed away peacefully on 3 December in the care of the staff of Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise. Predeceased by his brother Gerard.

Laois fishmonger, Alan Mitchell, owner of Al’s Fish Shop in Portarlington reeled in a major honour this week in being awarded ‘Advanced Fishmonger’ standard, a top-tier UK certification that recognises exceptional skill, knowledge, and commitment ...

Patrick (Pad) Kirwan, Woodview, Killeaney, Kilbricken, Mountrath, Laois/Shanahoe, Laois passed away peacefully on 2 December at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

See more photos from the event in the next edition of the Laois Nationalist, in shops and online on Tuesday 9 December  THE vibrant Filipino community gathered for a colourful Christmas celebration in Portlaoise with traditional ...

A 21-year-old man has died in what is understood to be an accidental shooting in Co Carlow. The incident occurred close to the village of Leighlinbridge at around 11 pm on Tuesday. The man has been named locally as Paul Fitzpatrick.

Portarlington Lions Club Christmas collection will be taking place in both Supervalu and Centra, Main Street on Friday 12 December and Saturday 13 December ,2025.

Mary Ryan (née Kildea), The Forge, Swan Road, Durrow, Laois passed away peacefully on 3 December, surrounded by her loving family, while under the medical care of the staff of St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny.