Toastmasters, golf day, crafts and clothes swap in Portlaoise 

TOASTMASTERS NEWS

Do you want to learn how to deliver a speech like a pro or gain leadership skills to advance in your career? By joining Toastmasters Portlaoise, you will gain the skills to become a more confident public speaker and a stronger leader in every area of your life.

The club is in existence for 27 years and growing annually. We were recently awarded the ‘distinguished Toastmasters club’ award by Toastmasters International, which was an amazing achievement. We meet the second and fourth Monday of every month, September through to May, and our first meeting of the new season is on Monday 9September at 8pm in Kavanagh’s Bar and Venue, 28 Main Street, Portlaoise (R32 EPK2). 

Alternatively, email Toastmasters Portlaoise or follow them on Facebook at Portlaoise Toastmasters for more details. Guests are welcome.

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 here.

ST JOSEPH’S EMBROIDERY

The group recommences today (Tuesday) in the parish centre from 7.30-9.30pm.

GOLF DAY

Our hugely popular Laois Chamber Alliance golf day takes place on 11 September 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 or admin@laoischamber.ie.

COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT

Repair and maintenance operative CE vacancies, 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 on 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.

GAA TOWN ALL-STARS

The All-Stars are getting back together and they are wondering 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

Age Friendly quiet time, Wednesdays, 10-11.30am. Portlaoise library staff will observe a

quiet time each Wednesday part of a plan to make the library a more inclusive and comfortable and relaxed environment for you to enjoy your library experience. All are welcome.

The knitting circle meets every Wednesday from 11am to 1pm, all skill levels are welcome. Come along for 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 in the library for people over the age of 55 who have little or no experience with their device. Classes run for two hours each week over five weeks. To register your interest, contact the Age Action team on 0818 911 109.

Tales and adventures storytime – a weekly children’s storytime takes place every Wednesday at 4pm. Suitable for ages 3-8 years. No booking needed.

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

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.

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.