Record crowds attend talk on Hidden Portlaoise

THERE was a record attendance at an evening of music, photographs and history in Portlaoise Library when local historian John Dunne gave an interesting presentation on Hidden Portlaoise during Heritage Week. Throughout his talk, John told many unknown stories from the town’s history and revealed several images never before shown in public.

John, in conjunction with Laois Heritage Society, has now turned his attention to the history of music in the town from 1880 to 1950.

His multimedia talk 'Music in Maryborough/Portlaoise 1880-1950' takes place in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise on Thursday 24 October and will feature lots of information, pictures and what he describes as “loads of great music”.

Whether you have an academic interest in the subject or are simply curious about where/when/what sort of music was enjoyed by earlier generations of townies, this is a night not to be missed.

Entry fee is €5 per person. Admission is free to members of Laois Heritage Society.