The book bags are available in both Irish and English.

A LAOIS primary school has been recognised on the national stage for its efforts at promoting the growing of vegetables among its pupils.

LOCAL TD Sean Fleming has announced that a €20,000 grant has been approved to upgrade the playground in Mountrath to include a major biodiversity element.

Margaret passed away peacefully on 4th May 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Predeceased by her brother Jim. Beloved wife of Michael, and dear mother to Julie, David and Anita.

Paddy Lowry, Kiln Lane, Mountrath, a former employee of Bord Na Mona, died peacefully on Friday 2 May at Beaumont Hospital Dublin, surrounded by his loving family after an illness bravely borne. Paddy was predeceased by son Jason (died in infancy).

Marie Murphy (née Delaney), Clonadacasey, Mountrath passed away peacefully on Thursday 1 May at home surrounded by her loving family. Marie was predeceased by her husband Ned and son Brian.

The housing shortage in Laois will not be fixed by a Housing Tsar said the Laois TD

The annual reunion of Brigidine Convents past pupils will take place on Sunday 27 April in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise. The event will get underway at 12. 45pm for the Past Pupils of Tullow, Abbeyleix, Mountrath and Goresbridge.

THE Independent Republican TD in Laois Brian Stanley spoke in the Dáil last week on affordable and Social Housing.

TWO woodland growers in Laois have been shortlisted in the RDS Forestry Awards. The awards recognise and reward farmers and woodland owners that have adopted climate-smart agricultural practices on their properties.

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

The event takes place at Bloom HQ in Mountrath.

MORE THAN 1,000 people took part in a peaceful demonstration in Mountrath on Sunday in support of the late Joe Drennan’s family’s call for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to review the sentence imposed on the man who killed him.

JUDGE Susan Fay cancelled a fine and a six-month driving disqualification at a recent sitting of Portlaoise District Court.

Gardaí in Portlaoise are investigating an incident of criminal damage that occurred at a residence in the Ard Erin housing estate in Mountrath shortly after midnight on Friday 7 February.

Public lighting is badly needed said the TD.

Multiple power outages across Laois ESB Networks is reporting that there are thousands of premises around Laois without electrical supply due to damage caused by Storm Éowyn.

Richard Maybury, Fr. O’Connor Crescent, Mountrath passed away unexpectedly on Friday 10 January at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise. Richard was predeceased by his father John.

Richard Maybury, Fr O’ Connor Crescent, Mountrath, Co. Laois. Richard passed away unexpectedly on the 10th January 2025, at the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise. Predeceased by his father John.

John McDermott, Trumera, Mountrath passed away on Thursday 9 January in the care of staff at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise.