Archery, a night at the opera or a whole host of sports available in Portlaoise this week

TOASTMASTERS

At Toastmasters Portlaoise, we can help you achieve your goals to deliver many types of speeches, e.g. accepting awards, giving sales pitches, introducing speakers, presenting awards and speaking to diverse audiences.

You will also learn about the use of gestures and body language, as well as visual aids and props, most of which can enhance speeches. Why not join our team at Portlaoise Toastmasters club and take advantage of the benefits of membership and let your journey begin. We meet on the second and fourth Monday of every month, September through to May, at 8pm in Kavanagh's Bar and Venue, 28 Main Street, Portlaoise (R32 EPK2). Alternatively, email toastmastersportlaoise@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook at Portlaoise Toastmasters for more details. Guests are always welcome.

ARCHERY

Join us in St Mary’s bingo hall on Saturday from 7.30-8.30pm and try out archery, €5 per person. The club is open to anyone over the age of eight years and there’s no experience required. You can learn more about the club and find directions to the hall at this link. 

EVENING OF MUSIC AND SONG

Experience an evening of Italian opera and Irish songs in Portlaoise library on a magical night of music with the Drawing Room Opera Company. Enjoy the incredible talents of Paul Linehan (tenor) and Mary Flaherty (soprano), accompanied by David Wray on piano. They’ll captivate you with a delightful mix of popular opera, Neapolitan favourites and timeless Irish classics. Register at https://tinyurl.com/3r39wpyw. Takes place on Friday 20 September at 6.30pm.

‘LAOIS CONNECTS’

The week takes place from 7-13 October and we are working with various organisations and bodies to promote activities which support mental health and wellbeing. If you are a community group, sports club, an organisation who provides events and activities that support mental health and wellbeing, then maybe we can help you to promote it. To find out more, contact Tom at tcurran@laoiscoco.ie or on 057-8664150/086-0363426.

PORTLAOISE AFC ACADEMY

We return in the first week of September: U6/U7 – born 2018/19, Thursday, 4.30-5.30pm and Saturday, 11am to noon; U8 – born 2017, Tuesday, 4.30-5.30pm and Saturday, 12.15-1.15pm; U9 – born 2016, Thursday, 5.45-6.45pm and Saturday, 1.30-2.30pm; fun soccer – born 2015/14/13/12/11, Tuesday, 5.45-6.45pm and Saturday, 2.45-3.45pm. New members are asked to fill in details on https://forms.gle/UBwMxoMG9rnp1ptCA.

ST JOSEPH’S EMBROIDERY

The group meets on Tuesdays in the parish centre from 7.30-9.30pm.

GOLF DAY

The hugely popular Laois Chamber Alliance golf day takes place tomorrow (Wednesday) at 2pm. Round of golf at the award-winning Heritage Golf club. Relaxed networking with Laois business owners and leaders. Chance to win fantastic prizes for winning teams plus prizes for nearest the pin and longest drive. The top team takes home the Gerry Browne Jewellers perpetual trophy. The winning team will represent Laois Chamber Alliance at the Chambers Ireland golf classic on 17 October at the K Club, €500 for a team of four, includes

light lunch at the 9th and a delicious evening meal. To enter or sponsor, contact 085 8498383 oradmin@laoischamber.ie.

COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT

Repair and maintenance operative, age 21 years plus, in receipt of welfare payment for over 12 months. Ability to work 19.5 hours a week. For more information, email lisaoreilly@laoispartnership.ie.

CLOTHES SWAP

The next clothes swap date is Saturday 28 September, facilitated by Rebecca Deegan, artist, €3 entry.

MARLINS SWIM CLUB NEWS

Are you 18-80 plus years old? Do you want to improve your swim technique and stamina? Do you want to be trained by talented experienced coaches? Do you want to be part of an active friendly swim team? Do you swim for fun/leisure/fitness or competitively? If the answer is yes to any of the above questions, Laois Marlins Masters is the place for you. The club was established in 2009 and is growing from strength to strength. Our masters team ranges from swimmers who swim for fun to swimmers who swim in competitions/triathlons or open water swimming. Whichever category you are in, we have the lane/coach for you. If you would like to find out more about joining us for the 24/25 season, contact our head coach Padraic at coach@laoismarlins.ie or complete the below expression of interest form here. 

GAA TOWN ALL-STARS

The All-Stars are getting back together and they wonder if anyone has any old helmets/hurls lying around at home that are of no use. They would be grateful for them as they would like to give hurling a try this year without adding too much expense to people. The kids would it, so if anyone is able to donate or loan, it would be appreciated. Get in touch with Sal if you can help on 086 2037779 or salodwyer89@gmail.com. Gear can also be dropped to Rathleague and marked ‘Town All-Stars.’

We are also looking for an extra coach/helper or two this year. Numbers have increased, which is great, but some extra help is needed from people who are genuinely interested in helping out with these special kids. Contact Sal if this is something you would like help.

Portlaoise town all-stars is an inclusive GAA team for primary school pupils aged 4-12 years, welcoming children of all abilities. The programme includes GAA skills and drills, interactive games, communication activities and more, all co-ordinated to foster a fun and secure environment. We invite both returning and new young players to join us this year. Sessions are held every Sunday from 10.30-11.30am at Rathleague GAA grounds. Interested in signing up your child? Contact Sal on 086 2037779.

‘GAELIC FOR MOTHERS AND OTHERS’

Portlaoise Gaelic for mothers and others indoor training sessions take place in St Mary’s hall on Mondays at 9pm. Open to all, €3 per person. Private message their Facebook page for more information.

FUNDRAISER

Portlaoise Panthers Basketball club new fundraiser Split the Pot for €2 per entry. Tickets available from Pitstop during games.

SOCCER TOTS

Takes place on Saturdays from 9.30-10.15am at Rossleighan Park. For more information, contact Rachel on 089 2481671 with name and date of birth of child, €20 for block of four sessions.

LIBRARY

Parenting support programme, Thursday, 6.30pm.

We know that our teenagers are more lonely, anxious, and depressed than ever before. We don’t fully understand all the reasons for this, but we think it starts in younger years. Changes in parenting, attitudes towards risk and safety and limited opportunities for free play may well play a part. In this session, Mary explores how we can step back and reframe risk. Register here. 

Furniture upcycling with Revamp Tramp, Saturday, 11am. Join us in the library for an inspiring furniture upcycling demonstration, perfect for anyone passionate about home furnishings, upcycling and sustainability. This event will guide you through the creative process of transforming an ordinary piece of furniture into a stunning work of art. Marianne will showcase essential techniques, including prepping, priming, painting, decoupaging, stencilling and more. Register at this l ink. 

If you have an interest in the history of Laois and would like to learn more about the county, come along and meet like-minded adults of all ages to listen and share local stories of the past, ancient and recent times in a relaxed setting. All are welcome.

Make your home a nature reserve, 28 September, 2pm. Discover how to transform your home into a thriving nature reserve with Donna Mullen, author of

Make Your Home a Nature Reserve. Drawing from her personal experience of turning her own home into a sanctuary for wildlife, Donna will share practical advice and creative ideas for welcoming nature into any space. Register at this link. 

Culture night at the library Friday 20 September, 6.30pm.

We will host a magical evening of music and entertainment with the Drawing Room Opera Company’s enchanting performance. Singers include Paul Linehan (tenor) and Mary Flaherty (soprano), accompanied on piano by David Wray in a delightful programme of popular opera, Neapolitan songs and beloved Irish classics. Register here.

Local studies coffee morning, Saturday 21 September, from 11am to 1pm.

Age Friendly homes, information stand, Monday 30 September, 11am to 1pm. Age Friendly Ireland’s vision is to make Ireland a great country in which to grow older.

The Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme aims to help you stay in your home for longer, avoiding long-term residential care. The aim is about providing alternative supports that keep you at home for longer.

Age Friendly quiet time, Wednesdays, 10-11.30am. Library staff will observe a quiet time each Wednesday as part of a plan to make the library a more inclusive, comfortable and more relaxed environment for you to enjoy your library experience. All are welcome.

Portlaoise women’s shed meets on Friday at 10am. The genealogy club will meet on Wednesday 18 September at 7pm.

English Learners’ book club, Monday 23

September, 11am to noon.

Looking to improve your English reading and conversational skills? Join our new English Learners book club for adult members who are learning English as a second language and will run once a month after that. Suitable for high-beginner to low-intermediate reading levels. Registration required at portlaoiselibrary@laoiscoco.ie. Literature at Eleven, Thursday 26 September, 11am.

Featuring poetry and prose readings by staff members with tea, coffee and chat.

Chapter One book club, Friday 27

September, 11am. Book club members gather for a monthly meet up on Fridays to discuss books and different genres and to share their passion for books and reading.

Call or email the library for more details. New members welcome.

Adult evening book club, Wednesday 2

October, 6.30pm.

Book club members gather for a monthly meet-up on Wednesdays to discuss books and different genres and to share their passion for books and reading.

Call or email the library for more details. New members welcome.

The knitting circle meets every Wednesday from 11am to 1pm, all skill levels are welcome. 

Ciorcal comhrá

Come along for some Irish conversation and chat every Wednesday at 5.30pm – for all levels, from beginners to advanced.

Age Action runs free, one-on-one computer classes for people over the age of 55 who have little or no experience with their personal device. Classes run for two hours each week over five weeks. To register your interest, contact the Age Action team directly on 0818 911 109.

Children’s events ? tales and adventures storytime every Wednesday at 4pm. Suitable for ages 3-8 years. No booking needed.

Children’s Lego free play sessions every Saturday from 11am to 1pm (except bank holiday weekends). All are welcome.

Baby book club, Thursday, 10.30am.

The group uses songs, stories, books and rhymes to build a foundation to literacy in your baby and toddler through sound awareness, for ages 0-3 years. All are welcome. Meetings fortnightly.

Radioactive Readers book club for 7-9 years, Tuesday 24

September, 4pm.

Join us in the library for a new interactive book club where you will discuss a different book, followed by a craft. Recommended for ages 7-9 years, booking advised.

Young Adult book club, Wednesday 25

September, 4.30pm. Recommended for ages 13-16 years, booking advised.

Tweens book club for ages 10-12 years, Thursday 26

September, 4pm, booking advised. Sensory toy resource collection

is a service for parents of children with additional needs who live in Co Laois. The toys are designed to support the development of gross motor skills, fine motor skills and communication skills.

For further information on any of the above, email portlaoiselibrary@laoiscoco.ie.

OLD FORT CELTIC ‘SPLIT THE POT’

Tickets cost €2 each or three for €5. Revolut 085 2302313. Weekly draw on Sundays.

CRAFTY LADIES

Do you have unfinished craft projects. If anyone else relates to this, why not come and join the crafty ladies on Mondays from 10am to noon in the Treo Nua building on Harpurs Lane.

BINGO

In St Mary s hall on Fridays at 8pm. Bus pick-ups at usual points at 7.30pm.

MEN’S SHED

Open Tuesday and Thursday 11am to 4pm at the old equestrian centre, Timahoe road.

WHIST

Takes place in the parish centre (church grounds, Portlaoise) on Tuesdays at 7.30pm. The premises has to be vacated by 9.30pm, so arrive early. Contact Breda Cooley on 086 8812228.

MIDLANDS LIVING LINKS

Suicide support group monthly coffee morning on the first Friday of the month at Portlaoise Family Resource Centre. All are welcome.

GROW GROUP

Portlaoise Grow group meets on Thursdays at 7pm in Portlaoise parish centre. For further details, contact Michelle on 086 4183805.

ST PETER AND PAUL’S CHILDREN’S CHOIR

Now open to new members. Rehearsals on Friday from 3.15-4.30pm. All primary school children welcome. For more information, email

portlaoisechildrenschoir@gmail.com.

PANTHERS

Mothers and others social basketball in Portlaoise College on Wednesdays from 7-8pm, €3 per session. Join us for fun, friendship and an enjoyable way to learn to play basketball. Send a message on Facebook for more information.