Laois news

Fr Paddy: Karma – do we really have to pay for everything we do?

Faith and instinct both give us a sense of what Hindus and Buddhists call the law of karma. Simply put, we have a gut-feeling that our actions, good and bad, have consequences that come back to either bless or haunt us. But is this true? Do we really have to way pay for everything we […] The post Fr Paddy: Karma – do we really have to pay for everything we do? appeared first on Laois Today.

Deaths in Laois – Sunday, November 1, 2026

Below are the recent local deaths. May they rest in peace. Agnes Gillooly (née Fitzpatrick) Culleen, Kilteevan, Roscommon/Ballyroan, Laois AGNES GILLOOLY (née Fitzpatrick) Culleen, Kilteevan, Co Roscommon and formerly of Ballyroan, Portlaoise, Co Laois. October 29th, 2026, peacefully, while in the devoted care of the staff at Portiuncula University Hospital. Predeceased by her beloved son […] The post Deaths in Laois – Sunday, November 1, 2026 appeared first on Laois Today.

The Harps hit top gear to see off Clann na Gael in Laois U-20 Hurling Championship

Goals from Justin Duggan (2), Eoin Delaney and Ross Deegan helped The Harps to a comfortable win

In Pictures Memory Lane: Ballymaloe legend comes home to Laois to cook

Ballymaloe’s Darina Allen demonstrates culinary craft in Laois at The Heritage in Portlaoise

PICTURES: Retirement party of Laois Arts Officer Muireann Ní Chonaill

Artists, musicians and writers from Laois and around Ireland gathered for the retirement of Muireann Ní Chonaill.

PICTURES: Six bed Laois home with ‘huge potential’ on market for under €300k

The property, between Stradbally and Portlaoise, is on the market for €295,000

Leinster Club Camogie: Boyhan leads the way as Clough-Ballacolla book final place

Clough/Ballacolla 0-13 Ballinamere/Durrow (Offaly) 0-10 Leinster Junior Club Camogie Semi-final Clough/Ballacolla have a Leinster Club Junior ‘A’ Camogie Championship final to look forward to after a superb win away to Ballinamere/Durrow near Tullamore on Saturday afternoon. The club, in their first-ever Leinster Club Championship campaign after winning their first adult championship two weeks ago, are […] The post Leinster Club Camogie: Boyhan leads the way as Clough-Ballacolla book...

Brilliant second half sends Clough/Ballacolla into Leinster Club Camogie final

The Laois champions produced a superb second half display to overcome Ballinamere/Durrow in Ballinamere

Kilcavan suffer heartbreaking Leinster Club exit after Dunlavin comeback

Kilcavan led by 15 minutes remaining, but Dunlavin hit 2-1 late on

Leinster Club IFC: Dunlavin leave it late as Kilcavan bow out in dramatic circumstances

Dunlavin (Wicklow) 2-13 Kilcavan 1-14 Leinster Club IFC Round 1 Talk about a tough way to lose a game. Kilcavan’s magical 2026 season is at an end after they were beaten in heart-breaking circumstances by Wicklow champions Dunlavin in O’Moore Park this afternoon. Kilcavan had led from the fourth minute to the 59th they only […] The post Leinster Club IFC: Dunlavin leave it late as Kilcavan bow out in dramatic circumstances appeared first on Laois Today.

‘We were lucky to be loved by this beautiful man’ Dónal Lunny’s funeral hears

Tributes were paid to the Irish traditional musician at his funeral on Saturday.

‘Firearm’ aimed at gardai in Dublin

It came as a cyclist was being pursued by two gardai in Dublin city centre in the early hours of Saturday.

Call for independent group for pay talks after impasse reached

It comes after 10 days of intensive talks on public sector pay, and threats of further strike action.

WATCH: Tánaiste Simon Harris on Laois jobs, roads, courthouse and soccer

The Tánaiste, Minister for Finance and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris discusses big issues in Laois

Pensioner dies following road accident in Co Kilkenny

The man, aged in his 70s, was a pedestrian.

Celebrity chef in Laois for festive feast

Laois Festive Feast - A Taste of the Midlands is coming to Portlaoise

Man dies after attack at centre housing migrants in Ireland

A second man was also injured during the incident in Tralee, Co Kerry, while a man in his 40s has been arrested.

'The soul of the house really is stamped all over the movie' – Laois horror-comedy film hits Irish cinemas

The Restoration at Grayson Manor, starring Glee star Chris Colfer and shot at Stradbally Hall over the summer of 2024, is set for Irish release next weekend. Director Glenn McQuaid spoke with the Leinster Express / Laois Live about finding Stradbally Hall, changes to the script inspired by the house’s features, and how a hand actor casting led him to young Laois composer Reuben Harvey.

Has Kia cracked an affordable EV?

Kia EV2: Hugh Maguire gives his verdict on this practical vehicle on the market for €33,800​

Man dies after assault in Tralee

Gardaí are appealing for information that may assist their investigation.

PREVIEWS: Kilcavan and Clough/Ballacolla in Leinster Club Championship action

Kilcavan face Wicklow champions Dunlavin while Clough/Ballacolla meet Ballinamere/Durrow

Warm welcome as new school for Colaiste Iosagain in Portarlington goes to tender

It’s never a quick process to get a new school but there has been a warm welcome for the news that tender documents for the new Coláiste Íosagáin Secondary School in Portarlington have been issued. “The news today that our new school can now proceed to tender is an exciting and important milestone,” said principal […] The post Warm welcome as new school for Colaiste Iosagain in Portarlington goes to tender appeared first on Laois Today.

Ghosts, ghouls and banshees: Read the ghost stories recorded across Laois in the 1930s

Deaths in Laois – Saturday, October 31, 2026

Below are the recent local deaths. May they rest in peace. Billy Carroll Borris Little, Portlaoise, Laois Billy Carroll, Borris Little, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, died peacefully on 29th October 2026, in the tender care of the staff at Droimnín Nursing Home, Stradbally, surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his parents, Mary and Michael Carroll, […] The post Deaths in Laois – Saturday, October 31, 2026 appeared first on Laois Today.

Climate Changemakers: ‘Most of Ireland’s agricultural grassland is composed of just one species – it’s important that we diversify’

Researcher Zoe McKay on how Ireland’s grass-based agriculture system can be made more resilient in the face of shifting weather patterns

Funeral of Irish traditional musician Dónal Lunny to take place

His funeral is scheduled for St Conleth’s Parish Church in Newbridge, Co Kildare.

Unions consider new strike after public sector pay talks adjourned without deal

Hundreds of thousands of public sector workers participated in a nationwide strike in October.

Leinster Club JFC: End of the road for Timahoe as Offaly champions on a different level

St Brigid’s (Offaly) 1-20 Timahoe 2-4 Leinster Club JFC Round 1 Timahoe’s long season came to an end in O’Moore Park this evening as they were no match for Offaly Intermediate champions St Brigid’s in the opening round of the Leinster Junior club football championship. With a Senior ‘B’ in Offaly, Intermediate is their third-tier […] The post Leinster Club JFC: End of the road for Timahoe as Offaly champions on a different level appeared first on Laois...

Offaly champions St Brigid's run riot as Timahoe bow out of Leinster

St Brigid's dominate from start to finish to bring Timahoe's campaign to an end

Laois teenager chasing 2026 Apprentice Jockey Championship glory at the Curragh

Mountrath’s Reese Holohan has four rides on Sunday as he bids to overhaul the championship leader Sam Coen

Laois courthouse has 'very detrimental effect' -Tánaiste Simon Harris

Fine Gael leader Simon Harris visits Portlaoise, Mountmellick and Abbeyleix with Laois TD Willie Aird

‘Excellent news’ - Big step for new Laois secondary school

Coláiste Iosagáin’s brand-new secondary school building which will accommodate 1,300 students in Portarlington

Tribute to Laois man who 'embodied all that is great about volunteering'

People First Credit Union pays tribute to the late Har Fingleton

LIVE UPDATES: Timahoe v St Brigid's Leinster Club Junior Football

Timahoe are back in action three weeks after losing the Junior final to St Joseph’s

In PICTURES: Epic day in Errill for Laois tractor fans

Huge turnout for annual Errill Charity Tractor Run

Laois town confirmed to get new fire station instead of planned upgrade

New building now planned to replace Mountmellick fire station says Laois County Council

Solar power for Portlaoise church

Mass next weekend set to run on clean energy with completion of solar panels on St Peter & Paul’s Church

My Chemical Romance’s The Black Parade tops album chart 20 years after release

The record has been reissued to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Three men who planned to bomb mosque jailed in Dublin

The three men all entered guilty pleas earlier this year.

Jailed mosque bomb plotter from Laois brought 'shame' on the Irish people

Darren Gorman from Portlaoise jailed for eight years for plotting to bomb Galway mosque

Death notices for Laois - Friday, October 30

Laois death notices and funeral arrangements

Just like a book library … the Portlaoise Bike Library is officially launched

The Portlaoise Bike Library was officially launched in Portlaoise recently. This initiative works much like a book library, but instead of borrowing books, locals are given the opportunity to trial a range of e-bikes and cargo bikes before deciding on what option suits best when deciding to purchase their own. The initiative is spearheaded by […] The post Just like a book library … the Portlaoise Bike Library is officially launched appeared first on Laois Today.

Not ‘going to be easy’ for Ireland to return to Eurovision, RTÉ boss says

RTÉ boss Kevin Bakhurst also said he does not believe it will be possible for organisers to remove Israel from the competition.

‘Very significant’ increase in CUH workforce has to be ‘tempered’

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said the south west region is ‘substantially over budget’.

RTÉ boss ‘careful about trampling’ on competitors

Kevin Bakhurst said he was annoyed that ‘unfair criticism’ had been thrown at RTÉ.

BUSTED: RTE's new three-part documentary dives deep into Ireland's biggest drug busts

An exciting new in-depth RTE documentary into Ireland’s biggest drug busts is set to air very soon

Public sector unions say ‘no alternative’ to another strike if pay talks fail

The proposed date of the next nationwide walkout would be Wednesday November 11.

Laois businesses shortlisted for Good Food Ireland awards

Ballyfin Demesne and G’s Gourmet Jams recognised for excellence

Two Laois rugby players selected for Ireland U-18 team

Two Laois rugby players have been selected for the Ireland U-18 clubs team to play Italy this afternoon. Portlaoise’s Ciaran Dunne has been named in the second row while Portarlington’s Killian James is at openside flanker for tomorrow’s game against Italy in Rovigo. Dunne, who is from Stradbally, is a student in Portlaoise CBS. He […] The post Two Laois rugby players selected for Ireland U-18 team appeared first on Laois Today.

Electric Picnic organiser should finance public lighting in Stradbally, say Laois councillors

Laois councillors call for an extension of permanent public lighting in Stradbally to be financed by Electric Picnic organiser, Festival Republic

Garda work-to-rule highlights ‘increase in chaos’ in justice system – Sinn Féin

Matt Carthy also cited the criminal legal aid dispute and prison overcrowding ‘on Jim O’Callaghan’s watch’.

Communication boards for children with disabilities to be installed in Laois playgrounds

Communication boards to be installed in six Laois playgrounds by the end of November

Met Éireann reveals Halloween 2026 weather forecast with good news for most counties

Good news for most trick-or-treaters this Halloween with a promising Met Eireann weather forecast

Police investigate report of ‘assault’ against cleric in Armagh

It comes following an incident involving Enoch Burke.

In Pictures: Merry Mill showcases farming and nature in action

‘Our Climate, Our Future, Our Action’ at The Merry Mill, an event as part of the 2026 Laois Climate Action Festival, highlighted practical and inspiring examples of how farming and nature can work together for the benefit of the environment and farm businesses. The Merry Mill is a family-run organic oat farm near Vicarstown. During the […] The post In Pictures: Merry Mill showcases farming and nature in action appeared first on Laois Today.

Homeless figures not published because of industrial action – department

Public sector workers are engaged in a work-to-rule action and also participated in a nationwide strike earlier this month.

Irish learner drivers warned over major new rule change coming into place very soon

These major changes will soon apply to learner permit holders in Ireland

End of an era as Killeshin Stores closes for final time

Nothing lasts forever. There is a real end of an era vibe in Killeshin following the decision of Jim and Dora Fennell to close the much-loved shop, Killeshin Stores, have more than 30 years in business. “Since opening the shop in 1994, Jim and Dora have been much more than shopkeepers,” said the parish newspaper. […] The post End of an era as Killeshin Stores closes for final time appeared first on Laois Today.

20 Questions with Ronan Gorry (Kilcavan)

Ronan Gorry, who captained Kilcavan to an historic first intermediate football title last month, is the first subject of our new 20 Questions interview, which will be a regular weekly feature going forward. Kilcavan play Wicklow champions Dunlavin in the opening round of the Leinster club intermediate football championship this Saturday in O’Moore Park at […] The post 20 Questions with Ronan Gorry (Kilcavan) appeared first on Laois Today.

Deaths in Laois – Friday, October 30, 2026

Below are the recent local deaths. May they rest in peace. Anthony (Tony) Lally Kilkenny/Stradbally, Laois The death has occurred of Anthony (Tony) Lally, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny/Villaines-la-Juhel, France, formerly of Stradbally, Co. Laois and Croydon, UK. Unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, October 20th. Beloved husband of Kirsten. Dearly missed by his daughters Ali and […] The post Deaths in Laois – Friday, October 30, 2026 appeared first on Laois Today.

Shoe insole could ease pain for those living with skin condition

People with the most common variant of epidermolysis bullosa endure severe blisters on their feet, even after short walks.

Laois fire station gets shipping container for toilet facilities

Mountmellick gets temporary toilets while Stradbally and Rathdowney fire stations await new stations.

Laois born chef Darina Allen leads Bord Bia promotion week in India

Darina Allen and Bord Bia showcase best of Irish food and drink to Indian consumers

PICTURES: Young musicians shine at harp and pipes festival in Laois

Internationally acclaimed musician performs concert in Castletown

Long-time friend of Leonard Cohen to host tenth anniversary celebration in Laois

John MacKenna, long-time friend of Leonard Cohen, and actor Shane Sullivan present Absent Friend, a celebration marking the tenth anniversary of the Cohen’s death

IN PICTURES: Laois GAA club and community centre bring Hollywood to Killenard

Seven iconic productions were recreated locally as part of the joint fundraiser between Killenard Community Centre and O'Dempsey's GFC

Portlaoise pals raise €11,500 for Lauralynn children's hospice

Laois runners take on Dublin challenge in thanks for Lauralynn care

Commissioner to meet Horkan family

Commissioner Justin Kelly has committed to meeting the family of murdered Detective Garda Colm Horkan.

Garda work-to-rule directed for major EU Presidency events

Rank-and-file gardaí are to engage in a work-to-rule action during the biggest days of the EU Presidency.

Wedding bells for Laois born Ballymaloe chef Rory O'Connell

Famous friends Clodagh McKenna, Richard E. Grant and Imelda May amongst well wishers for happy couple

Portlaoise Comhaltas mark year of success

The Annual General Meeting of Comhaltas, Portlaoise branch reflected on the last twelve months

'Demand massively outstripping resources' Laois Sports Partnership pleads for more council funding

Laois Sports Partnership with hubs in Abbeyleix, Mountrath, Stradbally and elsewhere, runs on an annual deficit

‘Significant deterioration’ of Laois road causing safety concerns

Call for Laois County Council to resurface road in Mountrath

DUP ‘blocked’ Michelle O’Neill from engaging with Irish president

It has also been claimed that the meeting with Catherine Connolly in October was just postponed.

Sinn Féin TDs interviewed by police over Garvaghy Road protest

Pearse Doherty and Matt Carthy attended a police station in Belfast for interview on Thursday afternoon.

Macklemore says he has ‘endless love’ for supporters of Free Palestine tour

The rapper said he ‘couldn’t have imagined a better place to begin this tour’.

Death notices for Laois - Thursday, October 29

Laois death notices and funeral arrangements

Gardaí say reported drug-related intimidation just ‘tip of the iceberg’

Commissioner Justin Kelly said drug-related intimidation has ‘been around for a long time’ and has led to death.

‘Dead wedding’ Halloween theme transforms Dublin home

The display draws scores of people to the area including schoolchildren and this year is in aid of Breast Cancer Ireland.

Warm welcome as 25 Laois Tidy Towns groups to share €35,000 in funding

Laois Fianna Fáil TD Sean Fleming has welcomed the allocation of €35,000 funding for 25 Tidy Towns groups in Laois to support them in their work in their local communities. The funding granted is based on population with 18 villages receiving €1,000 each, five towns receiving €2,000 each, Portarlington receiving €4,000 and Portlaoise €3,000. This […] The post Warm welcome as 25 Laois Tidy Towns groups to share €35,000 in funding appeared first on Laois Today.

Gardaí ‘dealing with more mental health interventions than ever’

Commissioner Justin Kelly said mental health interventions are taking gardaí away from frontline policing.

Social Democrat TD Whitmore calls for data centre public register

Jennifer Whitmore said the growth of the centres had been ‘shrouded in secrecy’.

U2 announce two London gigs next summer on Greatest Show On Earth tour

They will play Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 18 and 19.

Burke banned from going within 100 metres of school

The High Court in Dublin also heard that he now owes 238,268.18 euro in fines.

Work-ready nurses 'sidelined' due to HSE hiring restrictions, says Laois Senator

‘Newly qualified nurses who should be, and want to be, part of the solution, are being sidelined by recruitment restrictions’ – Senator Maria McCormack

Laois businessman given two-year driving ban for having no car insurance

Timahoe resident was before Portlaoise District Court over offence

Laois Volunteer Centre to host World Café event and want to hear from you

Laois community invited to have their say in how the Laois Volunteer Centre can advance volunteering across the county

In Pictures: New book launched on Joseph Dowling, the Portlaoise man who tried to arm the nation in 1918

A new book, Joseph Dowling: In Casement’s Wake, which tells the incredible and little-known story of the Portlaoise Volunteer’s 1918 mission to arm the nation for revolution, was officially launched in Portlaoise Library last week.  Penned by renowned local historian Teddy Fennelly, the book was launched by Cormac Moore, the Emo native who is one […] The post In Pictures: New book launched on Joseph Dowling, the Portlaoise man who tried to arm the nation in 1918 appeared first on Laois...

Ireland is capable and prepared to protect EU leaders at Dublin summits – Harris

The city will host two major events in two days next month as part of Ireland’s ongoing presidency of the EU Council.

Graiguecullen residents continue to be left without access to Carlow bus service that ‘operates right on their doorstep’

Simon Harris rejects ‘characterisation’ of phone call with Patrick O’Donovan

The Tánaiste confirmed he spoke to the culture minister shortly before Mr O’Donovan fell ill at a conference in Limerick and was taken to hospital.

Triple Lock ‘is not a small change’ says Stanley | ‘This should be a referendum’ – McCormack

Independent Republican TD Brian Stanley said that the Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael Bill to remove the Triple Lock is a complete change of our position as a neutral state. The Dáil voted last week in favour of removing the Triple Lock, a mechanism that requires UN approval for any Irish peacekeeping missions. However, opposition parties and […] The post Triple Lock ‘is not a small change’ says Stanley | ‘This should be a referendum’ – McCormack appeared first on...

Mountmellick museum to unveil commemorative embroidery piece marking 200th anniversary

Marking the culmination of a year-long bicentennial celebration, Mountmellick Embroidery and Heritage Museum will officially launch and unveil a special 200th Anniversary Mountmellick Embroidery piece on Saturday, November 7. Mountmellick embroidery is a unique craft – a distinctive form of white-on-white needlework that originated in Mountmellick in the early 19th century. Officially recognized on Ireland’s […] The post Mountmellick museum to unveil commemorative embroidery piece...

McNulty set to take on O’Dempsey’s manager role

Malachy McNulty is set to be the new O’Dempsey’s senior football manager, taking over from Eoin Kearns who stepped down at the end of this season. McNulty, who has managed Portlaoise to senior championship successes, as well as Rhode in Offaly, was most recently involved as a coach with Timahoe, alongside manager Brendan Quigley. They […] The post McNulty set to take on O’Dempsey’s manager role appeared first on Laois Today.

Pick and Mix Podcast: Leinster club chat and manager gossip with special guest Damien Carter

It’s a real No Man’s Land time of the season,  a couple of weeks after the excitement of the county finals but no provincial run yet to excite us. With Alan away on his holidays we have called in our old friend Damien Carter of Clubber fame as a more than able substitution. We discuss […] The post Pick and Mix Podcast: Leinster club chat and manager gossip with special guest Damien Carter appeared first on Laois Today.

Deaths in Laois – Thursday, October 29, 2026

Below are the recent local deaths. May they rest in peace. Anthony (Tony) Lally Kilkenny/Stradbally, Laois The death has occurred of Anthony (Tony) Lally, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny/Villaines-la-Juhel, France, formerly of Stradbally, Co. Laois and Croydon, UK. Unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, October 20th. Beloved husband of Kirsten. Dearly missed by his daughters Ali and […] The post Deaths in Laois – Thursday, October 29, 2026 appeared first on Laois Today.

Celebrity Traitors to reveal who has been banished as series finale approaches

Friday’s episode concluded before revealing who had been eliminated.

More than a quarter of adults have experienced sexual violence – report

Women, younger adults, bisexual individuals and gay men face significantly higher risks, while most perpetrators are known to victims, it found.

Laois artist opens edgy exhibition centering darkness and youth

In Liminal Lines, painter Sarah Quick depicts the transitional, blurring quality of darkness, using darkness itself and her own children as subjects

IN PICTURES: Talent on show at Laois GAA Scór na nÓg

U17 members from across Laois took part in a range of Scór na nÓg competitions in Clonaghadoo