THE FIRST art exhibition in Laois for 2025 was launched on Saturday 4 January in The Gallery of Divine Inspiration at Bloom HQ Mountrath with the unveiling of a vibrant collection of paintings by Anna Kupper in her first solo show in Ireland.

LAOIS Heritage Society launched its 11th issue of its local history journal in the Midland Park Hotel recently. The launch was held as part of the annual Laois Heritage Seminar which was also organised by Laois Heritage Office.

Sean (John) Shortall, Bracklone Street, Portarlington passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at the Cardiac Care Unit of the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise on Monday 23 December.

Deirdre Quinn (née McNamara) formerly of Corbally House, Quin County Clare, Blackhill House, Abbeyleix and Killenard, Portarlington died peacefully at home Saturday 21 December. Dearly beloved wife of the late Dr. John (Jack).

You are invited along to join in the festive fun, food, beverages and musical entertainment to enjoy on both days

"I hope this will be prioritised and fast-tracked because it’s badly needed,” said one councillor.

Agatha (Aggie) Meehan (née Lambe), Bracklone Street, Portarlington and formerly of Roscore, Blueball Tullamore, Offaly, passed away peacefully on Tuesday 3 December in the tender care of the staff of Beechpark Nursing Home, Kildare Town.

William (Billy) Deverell, Kilmore, Wexford/Geashill, Offaly and formerly of Portarlington died peacefully on Sunday 1 December. William was the loving son of the late William and Maud.

Fencing will not improve the playing experience of the platers said the council official.

OUR Journalist Joe Barrett has reported on every town commission, town council, county council, general election and referendum count that have been held in either Laois or in Offaly over the past 25-years.

The court heard that the couple had engaged in the illegal activity because one of them had accrued a debt of €8,500.

A PORTARLINGTON member of the Irish defence forces received two top accolades at the Global Undergraduate Awards 2024 (GUA) in Dublin recently.

Ann Kennelly (née Moran), Watergate, Tallaght and late of Portarlington passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at home on Saturday 16 November. Ann was the beloved wife of Seamus and loving mam to Michelle, Sandra and Susan.

The Indeopendent candidate has urged all candidates and their campaign teams “to show respect for one another’s materials to ensure a fair election.”

Claims of wrongdoing are roundly denied by all, while the facts alleged are also in dispute.

The successful groups each received a share of the total funding of €229,213

This Government have sat on their hands for the past seven years, while at the time the people of Mountmellick looked out their windows in dread every time it rained heavily.

Cllr Mullins is supporting Sinn Féin in its bid to take a seat in Laois in the upcoming general election

The work involve the conversion of over 230km of the overhead network, in addition to timber cutting and the replacement of poles and transformers.

'I am prepared to stand on my record of work of over four decades of political activism and let the good people of Laois judge for themselves whether I should represent them in the 34th Dáil' - Deputy Brian Stanley.