TEAMS from two Laois schools took the bull by the horns with ambitious projects, in a bid to win a renowned national calf-rearing contest.

A SCHOOL principal who briefly fell asleep while driving and crashed into a parked van on the hard shoulder of the M9 has been fined €400 at Carlow District Court.

Communities are gearing up for fantastic parades in towns and villages across Laois this weekend.

CORK-BASED artist Nadia Rice returned to her Slieve Bloom roots for her first solo art exhibition in the Gallery of Divine Inspiration at Bloom HQ in Mountrath. Nadia’s artwork is inspired by the natural world and she primarily works with ink pens.

Jake Malone, Cuan Bhride, Rathdowney passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family and caring staff at Milford Care Centre, Limerick. Jake started her Dharma spiritual journey on Saturday 15 March.

James Delaney, Wolf Tone Court, Mountmellick and formerly of 5 Vicarstown Road, Stradbally died on Friday 14 March. James was predeceased by his dear parents Larry and Annie.

AS I WRITE this article, taoiseach Micheál Martin is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House as part of the traditional St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

James Delaney, Wolf Tone Court, Mountmellick, Laois/ Stradbally, Laois James Delaney, Wolfe Tone Court, Mountmellick and formerly 5 Vicarstown Road, Stradbally died on 14 March. Predeceased by his dear parents Larry and Annie.

A non-EV driver who hogged two charging bays in Mountrath was slapped with a fine by local gardaí. The vehicle was parked across two EV charging spaces, preventing access to the charging point.

 The court was told that the defendant had 19 previous convictions.

MATTRESSES were set on fire by ‘yobs’ in the latest episode of menacing behaviour on ground near a local cemetery and school.

PORTLAOISE based Independent county councillor Tommy Mulligan is calling for “the inadequacies of the operational systems in which paramedics (ambulance crews) are compelled to carry out their daily duties,” to be addressed.

John (Johnny) Maher, Ballymorris Heights, Portarlington died suddenly at his residence on Thursday 13 March. Johnny was predeceased by his mother Moll, brother Ritchie and his baby daughter June.

AN eggceptional granny hand-knitted 600 Easter chicks to raise funds for the school attended by her beloved grandson. With a Cadbury’s Crème Egg nestling in each colourful chick, the cracking gifts are a huge hit at Mountrath Community School.

"We all have personal experiences but, they’re not facts," challenged the councillor.

The 'Greatest Show' will be performed from Wednesday 19 to Saturday 22 March.

The man was found to be four times over the drug-driving limit.

AFTER 18 months of darkness, a road in Portarlington has seen the light at last. The Ballymorris Road had become notorious, with a line of 21 street lights out of action since September 2023.

A verdict of unlawful killing has been returned at an inquest into the death of journalism student Joe Drennan, who was fatally injured in a hit and run in Limerick two years ago.

The St Patrick’s Day parade in Abbeyleix has been cancelled, less than a week before the big day. Traditionally one of the best parades in the county, the event will not go ahead as planned next Monday 17 March.