From sky diving to bowling and the National Ploughing Championships, here's what's on in Stradbally

THE LATE ANNE MARIE WILSON

The death occurred of Annemarie Wilson (née McEvoy), Cambridgeshire, UK and formerly Timahoe on 16 August in the UK. She is mourned by her family and friends.

CULTURE NIGHT

Laois culture night will take place on Friday 20 September. Entry to all events is free to the public. From 6.30-8pm at the Laois Arthouse and Stradbally library, experience Anseo – a group exhibition by Laois Art Studios artists; 8.30-9.30pm, the library will host music by Liarnan and storytelling by Michelle Quirke. A performance on uilleann pipes, harp and fiddle by the Liarnan, who blend trad and new music, followed by Michelle Quirke, who will share local stories and folklore.

Ballykilcavan Brewery will host events at 7.30pm with folk music with Emer Dunne and her band. Visit culturenight.ietarget="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> for more details on event times and further information or visit laois.ie and download the Laois programme of events.

BORD BIA NATIONAL ORGANIC AWARDS

A family-run business in Laois has been shortlisted for two Bord Bia national organic Awards. The Merry Mill at Marymount, Vicarstown is run by the Scully family and produces a range of premium organic, gluten-free foods, including Irish organic gluten free oats, organic gluten free flour and organic produce. From growing and harvesting, to milling and packing, the Scullys control every aspect of the production process to ensure the highest quality, gluten-free food.

The Merry Mill was shortlisted in the direct-to-consumer excellence award category and the best Irish organic product award section for their regular and gluten-free porridge oats. The winners of the national organic awards will be revealed at an awards ceremony that takes place on Thursday 17 October.

STRADBALLY TOWN AFC

The new season is almost upon us. New players are still welcome to join. A and B team preseason training continues every Wednesday at T&S Grounds, Timahoe at 8.15pm. Phone 085 1303284 for further information.

One of our young players, Anthony Skelly, won €250 last week in Ramsbottom’s, while Anna Lally, c/o Noel Power won the €50 bonus.

COMMUNITY CHOIR

Exciting times ahead as we launch our own community choir. All are welcome to join this exciting new initiative. The aim is to hold a Christmas concert in December. The choir is open to ages 16 years plus with no upper age limit. First rehearsal tomorrow (Wednesday) at 8pm in St Colman’s NS.

MONDAY EVENING PRAYER GROUP

The group meets at 8pm. All are welcome.

TOUR DE PICNIC

While Tour de Picnic was not at this year’s Electric Picnic, nonetheless the challenges facing special needs children and their fundraising requirements are ongoing. Kolbe Special School, Portlaoise has made huge efforts to secure a new school build, which is underway. This is a huge success story for the children, staff and families of Kolbe and the wider Laois community.

The school’s main fundraiser will take place at the national ploughing championships, where they will raffle a quad bike. Lines are €10 or three for €20. There is also an opportunity for local businesses to contribute with your logo/brand displayed at the Kolbe stand for the three days of the championships as a thank you.

REACH FOR THE SKIES

We are getting close to the big jump. Support our fundraiser to help us improve our churches and support our brave parishioners who are sky diving on 6 October. Thank you to everyone who has already supported us. Every little helps us to reach our target.

PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA

From 12-19 June 2025. Booking forms are available. For more details, contact Maura O’Brien on 087-210263 or John Colton 087-9874944.

STRADBALLY GAA

The lotto draw takes place every Tuesday night. Thanks to all who purchase tickets.

PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS

The national ploughing championships return to the central and scenic location of Ratheniska from 17-19 September for the third year in a row. Laois Co Council is providing a marquee for local businesses, food, craft, service providers and community and voluntary groups to exhibit at Europe’s largest outdoor event.

BOWLING

Vicarstown indoor bowling resumes on Wednesday 25 September at 7.30pm. All are welcome.

WELCOME

We welcome to the parish Diarmuid Brady, who is on a placement until Christmas. Diarmuid is discerning the priesthood and we wish him every blessing as he continues his discernment among us.

EIST GOLF SCRAMBLE

Eist cancer support centre is delighted to announce that the annual Colm Hutton golf scramble, ‘commemorating 100 years,’ takes place on 21 September at Castlecomer Golf club. The cost is €200 per team or €50 individual, which includes dinner in the clubhouse and goody bags. Presentation of prizes will be held in Carpenters at 7pm. Music, finger food and raffle also. Contact Bernard Dowling on 087 2700638 or Castlecomer Golf club 056 4441139 (Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday) to reserve a tee time.

CHURCH PLOUGHING ON

The Church of Ireland stand will be present at the national ploughing championships again this year, block 2, row 11, stand 168. There will be clergy there each day to meet and greet and answer any questions that visitors have. Diocesan communications officer Shane Reynolds will attend the three-day event to get all the coverage for our social media platforms, so if you happen to call to the stand make sure to get in for some pictures. Many helpers are needed each day to help with the teas and the meeting and greeting of those visiting the tent, so putting your name on the roster for a two-hour stint on any of the three days would be appreciated.

Email archdeacon Mark Hayden at

hayd mark@gmail.com, archdeacon Alec Purser at

ale purser@gmail.com,

janetpfinlay@gmail.com

or Liz at the diocesan office at palacecoachhouse@gmail.com.