MEMBERS of a local family whose 150-year-old home was destroyed in a devastating fire have been left picking up the pieces, as their local community rallies to support them.

Peter Fitzpatrick, Ballycarnan, Portlaoise, died peacefully on 2 September at Portlaoise Regional Hospital. Son of the late James and Margaret Fitzpatrick.

WHILE gardaí were on mobile patrol, they came across an intoxicated woman staggering along the road, pulling a wheelie bin with a TV on top of it. According to gardaí, the encounter happened on the Mountrath Road in Portlaoise on 2 August 2025.

Ann Maher (née Dalton), Abbey Crescent, Abbeyleix, Laois/Rathcoole, Dublin died peacefully at Lisheen Nursing Home, Rathcoole, surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife of the late Michael.

Winifred (Winnie) Scully (née Goulding), Coolagh, Clonaslee, Laois passed away peacefully on 2 September at her residence, surrounded by her loving family.

Caroline Deady Bergin, Canada and formerly of High Street, Tralee, Kerry Laois/Kilkenny /Galway died peacefully on 24 August in Canada. Predeceased by her parents Maureen and Denis, brothers Timothy and John.

SPEED vans raked in over €430,000 in Laois within 30 months, working out at over €14,000 a month in fines. Figures revealed today show that €435,440 was collected in Laois, between 1 January 2023 and 8 June 2025.

A MEETING regarding a proposed wind turbine development on Cullohill Mountain will be held at 8pm tonight in Cullohill Community Centre.

Colm Phelan, Hill View Drive, Tralee, Kerry and formerly Portlaoise, Laois, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on 31 August.

Wayne Smyth, Hillview, Ballycoolan, Stradbally, Laois died suddenly at home on 29 August, alongside his beloved wife Andrea. Predeceased by his cherished mother, Maire.

Rita Brady (née Kenny), Beechlawn, Portlaoise, Laois died peacefully on 31 August, surrounded by her loving family. Predeceased by her husband Tony and her recently deceased son Larry.

Wayne Smyth, Hillview, Ballycoolan, Stradbally, Laois died suddenly at home on 29 August, alongside his beloved wife Andrea. Predeceased by his cherished mother, Maire.

A MAN accused of stealing mobile phones at the 2025 Electric Picnic festival was brought before Portlaoise District Court today.

A LONG stretch of the N80 in Laois will remain closed until 4pm today, as crowds travel home from Electric Picnic. The N80 between Bloomfield Roundabout in Portlaoise and Simmonsmill Cross on the Carlow road is closed on Monday between 10am and 4pm.

Kay (Teenie) Casserly (née Kelly), Cedarwood Avenue, Loughboy, Kilkenny and formerly of Abbeyleix, Laois passed away peacefully on 30 August in her 93rd year, surrounded by family, in the wonderful care of the staff at Tinnypark Nursing Home, ...

GARDAI have issued an urgent appeal for a 15-year-old girl who may have travelled to Portlaoise.

THE years are flying by for Portlaoise primary school pupil Alex Fogarty, who marked his first day in third class last week. The nine-year-old was delighted to rejoin his classmates at Holy Family Senior School.

Mary Kathleen Kearney (née Davey), formerly of 24 Erkindale Drive, Durrow; Brockley Park, Stradbally and Newcastle Upon Tyne, passed away peacefully on 30 August, surrounded by her loving family, in the loving care of the doctors, nurses and staff ...

KNEECAP are officially THE knockout stars of Electric Picnic 2025. ‘Out of this World’, ‘Epic’ and ‘Amazing’ are just some of the comments from fans after an incredible performance before a capacity crowd at the main stage this afternoon.

Portlaoise College welcomed 192 new first-year students through its doors on 22 August, marking a significant milestone in the school’s history.