A BRIGHT spark from Laois has won the national Apprentice of the Year title in the electrical category. Emma McCann from Mountmellick, an electrical apprentice with Microsoft, received the award at a ceremony in Dublin’s Mansion House.

Teresa (Tess) Lalor (née Phelan), Gash, Castletown, Laois passed away peacefully on 25 October in Brookhaven Nursing Home, Ballyragget, under the loving care of the staff, with her loving son Kieran at her side.

A REMARKABLE event that attracted more than 2,000 people to Portlaoise has won a national award. Laois Co Council's Live Well Expo received the ‘Active and Healthy Ageing’ award, at the National Age Friendly Awards ceremony on 23 October.

A LENGTHY, robust and at times heated exchange of views took place between the presiding judge and a solicitor at Portlaoise District Court last week.

THIS week we begin the new month of November.  Traditionally this is the time of year, in the Christian liturgical calendar, when we remember the souls of the faithful departed.

Nancy Frawley, Borris Little, Portlaoise, Laois died peacefully on 25 October, surrounded her loving family. Predeceased by her husband Tom and son Peter.

Christy O'Brien, Chapel Street, Mountmellick and formerly O'Moore Place, Portlaoise died peacefully on 23 October at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise.

THE Last Irish Wolf, written by Carlow-based author John MacKenna and illustrated by artist Faye Tucker, was launched at Carlow library on 14 October.

A MOTORIST caught driving a dangerously defective car was described as a ‘limbo’ contestant by gardaí. The car’s suspension was so low that it was hitting the tarmac and sending out sparks, before it was pulled in today by Laois gardaí.

Ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, the HSE Midlands wants to remind Laois people of their treatment options before attending the Emergency Department (ED) at the hospital.

A HEROIC Laois garda has received a Scott Medal for bravery, after he and a colleague rescued a woman from a house fire.

LAOIS has won an amazing three gold medals at the national 2025 Tidy Towns awards ceremony. The glittering hat-trick was scored in Croke Park today by Portlaoise, Durrow and former Ireland's Tidiest Town title winner Abbeyleix.

Christy O'Brien, Chapel Street, Mountmellick and formerly O'Moore Place, Portlaoise died peacefully on 23 October at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise.

Fifteen people have appeared before Dublin District Court on public order charges in connection with disturbances on Wednesday night in Saggart, Co Dublin. A sixteenth appeared on a charge of violent disorder in the same area.

A FOMER pupil of The Rock NS has turned her passion into an inspiring educational project with the launch of her first children’s book he World is in our Hands.

A DEFENDANT who had 100 previous convictions and who is already serving a prison sentence had his term extended when he pleaded guilty last week in Carlow District Court to stealing from a local branch of Boots Pharmacy.

A LAOIS man who allegedly assaulted his partner of 15 years was granted bail at Portlaoise Family Law Court this week.

Bernadette (Bernie) Tynan (née Carroll), Fr O'Connor Crescent, Mountrath, Laois/Portlaoise, Laois It is with deep sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Bernadette (Bernie) Tynan, Fr O’Connor Crescent, Mountrath, Laois, on 23 October.

Evelyn O'Rourke (née O'Keeffe), Bonton Villa, Ballyfin Rd, Portlaoise, Laois passed away peacefully on 23 October, surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife of Seamus and loving mother to Eamonn (Archie), Geraldine, Anne, Claire and Gillian.

Joey Tuohy, London, England and formerly Lakeglen and Marian Ave. , Portlaoise, Laois, passed away peacefully on 17 October in the care of the North London Hospice.