Laois news

Public information meeting ahead for new Lidl store on Laois border

Lidl Ireland invites Monasterevin community to view plans for proposed new store

McDonald: Hostility towards whistleblowers in An Garda Síochána ‘as bad as ever’

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald clashed over Garda Protected Disclosures as Dáil Éireann resumed.

Death notices for Laois - Wednesday, September 16

Laois death notices and funeral arrangements

Dublin Zoo issues urgent warning as scammers target Irish families with fake giveaways

The scams advertise supposed giveaways, including free zoo tickets and ‘back-to-school’ packs

Calls for soccer pitch at Portlaoise Leisure Centre to be brought back into use

At a time when teams in all sports are crying out for playing pitches, it is a constant source of frustration in Portlaoise when one is simply taken out of use. That is the case with the pitch at the Leisure Centre in Portlaoise, which hasn’t been used since before Covid. It was a regular […] The post Calls for soccer pitch at Portlaoise Leisure Centre to be brought back into use appeared first on Laois Today.

Taoiseach rejects calls for windfall tax on energy companies profits

Micheál Martin said there is “no evidence” it would reduce prices, but added it would be kept under review.

Gardaí say missing teenager is known to frequent Laois

Aliyah Smyth Donnelly (15) is known to frequent Laois

Opposition TDs call on ROI footballers to follow Ed Sheeran acts and speak out

They have been encouraged to speak up ahead of the upcoming Nations League fixture with Israel, after Ed Sheeran’s supporting acts left his tour.

Tunnelling and station construction works for Dublin metro to begin in 2028

The cost of building the MetroLink has more than doubled in the last four years, with the estimated price now between 14.44 billion euro to 17.49bn.

Portlaoise Gardaí warn of possible Ploughing related traffic delays

Portlaoise Gardaí said traffic was very heavy on the Mountrath Road and Mountmelick Road this morning

O’Neill cannot be separated from First Minister’s responsibilities, says Swinney

The SNP leader commented after the DUP said Michelle O’neill had been ‘cosplaying’ as first minister.

‘Shocking’ rate of speeding violations on two Laois roads

A road in Borris-in-Ossory saw one car travelling 133km/h in a 50km/h zone

Gardaí issue appeal for information on missing Westmeath teen (15) amid concerns for her welfare

More support needed for exhausted Laois Carers

The lack of respite is a key issue for Carers

‘People are going to get hurt’ amid legal aid dispute, judge predicts

A judge has predicted it is ‘now inevitable that people are going to get hurt’ due to delays in court amid the dispute over criminal legal aid.

Daily Mirror publisher Reach cutting 220 jobs in editorial overhaul

The national and regional publisher is also shutting its KentLive, AberdeenLive and GalwayBeo titles.

‘We stand behind every word he said’: More Ed Sheeran supports back Macklemore

The US rapper spoke out in support of the people of Gaza and the West Bank.

PICTURES: Thousands descend on National Ploughing Championships as Day Two gets underway

Can you spot anyone you know in our gallery?

Months-long hosepipe ban lifted early in Laois

A hosepipe ban has been in effect in Laois since July

Man in his 30s killed and woman injured after two-vehicle horror collision

The female in her 30s is being treated for non-life threatening injuries

All of Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour supporting acts quit after Macklemore dropped

Aaron Rowe, Finneas, Lukas Graham and Sheeran’s tour band Beoga all posted on social media that they had withdrawn from the tour.

‘It’ll be a sea of purple’ – Memory Walk for Alzheimer's to take place in Laois this weekend

Laois chapter of annual Memory Walk will raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Laois-founded charity seeks funds to help farm families in crisis

​FRS Co-Op and Embrace FARM seek farm bereavement support scheme funding in Budget

College Open days, Higher Options and WorldSkills: how to make the most of them

It might feel as though the school year has only just begun, but the college open-day season is already getting underway. Over the next few months, universities and colleges around the country will open their doors to prospective students. For Transition Year, fifth-year and sixth-year students, these days are a really useful part of career […] The post College Open days, Higher Options and WorldSkills: how to make the most of them appeared first on Laois Today.

Major change proposed for underage Laois GAA with U-18 players to be kept separate from adult competitions

A significant change to the structure of underage GAA in Laois could be introduced for the 2027 season, with a return to even age groups and a proposal, on a one-year trial, that U-18 players would not be permitted to play adult club competitions. Currently, Laois operate underage leagues and championships at U-13, U-15 and […] The post Major change proposed for underage Laois GAA with U-18 players to be kept separate from adult competitions appeared first on Laois Today.

Huge weekend of Laois GAA action with championship places and silverware on the line

Another packed weekend of Laois GAA action lies ahead, with championship games taking place from Thursday right through to Monday and a host of county final and semi-final places up for grabs across the grades. The action begins on Thursday evening when Courtwood and Portarlington meet in the Junior C Football Championship semi-final at the […] The post Huge weekend of Laois GAA action with championship places and silverware on the line appeared first on Laois Today.

McMahon and McDonald make history with victories on new Luggacurren 10K course

Ballyroan Abbeyleix and District AC enjoyed a memorable day at the 33rd annual Luggacurren 10K as Jack McMahon and Breda McDonald claimed the men’s and women’s titles on Sunday. This year’s event marked the introduction of a new course, with organisers removing the section of the traditional route which brought competitors onto the busy N80. […] The post McMahon and McDonald make history with victories on new Luggacurren 10K course appeared first on Laois Today.

Deaths in Laois – Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Below are the recent local deaths. May they rest in peace. Moyra Murphy (née Moss) Harbour Street, Mountmellick, Laois Moyra Murphy Harbour Street, Mountmellick, Co. Laois died 13th of September 2026. Predeceased by her husband Redmond (Red), her infant son Gerard, son-in-law Timmy Young, brothers Jim, Sean, and Paddy. Deeply regretted by her family Angela, […] The post Deaths in Laois – Wednesday, September 16, 2026 appeared first on Laois Today.

‘Extremely concerned’ – Bar of Ireland calls for immediate end to pay dispute

The representative body has called for the fee structure dispute to be resolved by the new legal year on October 5.

Irish President speaks of ‘strong ties’ with Scotland as visit gets under way

Catherine Connolly is making a four-day official visit to Scotland, starting with talks with First Minister John Swinney on Wednesday.

Artists touring with Ed Sheeran quit over rapper’s removal amid Palestine row

US rapper Macklemore was removed from Sheeran Loop Tour and vocalising support for Gaza.

PICTURES: Family fun for Laois at the annual Clonaslee Show

Do you recognise anyone you know in these photos from the 2026 Clonaslee Livestock and Produce Show?

WATCH TRAILER: Laois movie makers to premiere new short film at local festival

Spooky looking new Portarlington film was shot on a local bog with a ‘professional’ Laois raven

Husband and wife admit theft from Laois store

The couple appeared before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court

Power cut in Laois as ESB pole snaps in Mountrath

ESB repair crew on scene in Mountrath

IN PICTURES: GAA President Jarlath Burns joins Ballylinan GAA for special centenary occasion

Ballylinan GAA Club is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026

New €2 million gaelscoil in Laois to get bilingual signs in village

The new building for Gaelscoil Shlí Dála in Ballaghmore is up and running

In PICTURES: Great Laois celebration in Ballyroan pub

80th celebration Scullys Skies O’er in Ballyroan

Laois Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins enters podcasting world

Rose of Tralee’s new podcast, with DIY entrepreneur Declan Buggy, will focus on their experiences in the trade industry, life in Ireland, and young people’s issues

Man with 154 previous convictions stole washing powder in Laois

The man appeared before Portlaoise District Court by video link

Laois recruitment day for new prison officers with generous salary

One of the biggest employers in Laois is recruiting people for what is literally a secure job.

Bail opposed for man accused of stealing €100,000 from Laois house

The man appeared before Portlaoise District Court

Michael O’Leary comments ‘had impact on victims’, minister says

Comments by Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary ‘had an impact on victims’ of rape, an Irish Cabinet minister has said.

No money to repair footpath endangering walkers near Laois church

Laois County Council said there is no budget for repairs to the path in Attanagh

Six gardaí to be trained in pursuit by end of year

It will take years for ‘substantial’ numbers of gardaí to receive pursuit training, a representative organisation has said.

Death notices for Laois - Tuesday, September 15

Laois death notices and funeral arrangements

‘People are entitled to protest’: Taoiseach on criticism from President’s sister

Dr Margaret Connolly criticised the Taoiseach and US President while protesting against the visit of Donald Trump.

Warning to Irish motorists as major licence changes set to come into effect

Irish drivers could be forced to retake theory test and 12 lessons under new rules

Taoiseach signals cut to tax on home heating oil in Budget

Micheál Martin said the Government is ‘conscious’ of the global impacts on fuel and on energy prices.

In Pictures: Clonaslee Produce and Livestock Show makes successful return

The Clonaslee Produce and Livestock Show made a welcome return at the weekend, bringing crowds to the village for a celebration of farming, rural life and community. The popular event took place on Sunday, September 13, and its return was particularly welcome after the 2025 show was unfortunately cancelled due to poor weather. There was […] The post In Pictures: Clonaslee Produce and Livestock Show makes successful return appeared first on Laois Today.

SF link-up with SNP and Plaid may set back cause of Irish unity, says Taoiseach

Micheal Martin said he viewed Northern Ireland and the issue of unification as ‘exceptional’ and not linked to Scottish and Welsh independence.

Garda Comissioner says focus remains on extradition of transnational criminals

The Garda Commissioner said ‘there’s certainly other people that we’re looking at’.

'Nicest woman you’d meet' - Funeral announced for much-loved Irish mother killed in Australia

Annmarie O’Reilly who was killed in Australia last month will be laid to rest in Kilkenny

Garda Commissioner says resources are ‘being thrown’ at policing burglary gangs

Speaking at the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Co Offaly, he said specialised units are in place to deal with the issue.

Big changes planned for McDonald’s drive-thru and restaurant in Laois

McDonald’s in Portlaoise are seeking planning permission for upgrade works

Details of the planned one-way system in Laois town revealed

The proposed one-way system in Durrow has progressed to the planning stages

Calls for improved bus service as thousands of Graiguecullen residents ‘left without’ public transport

Concerns have been raised over the provision of public transport in Graiguecullen, with Laois TD Brian Stanley claiming the vast majority of residents are not adequately served by the existing local bus route. The Independent Republican TD says the current service between Carlow town and Graiguecullen travels along Sleaty Road, but does not serve several […] The post Calls for improved bus service as thousands of Graiguecullen residents ‘left without’ public transport appeared first on...

Social Democrats say Eoin Hayes not in hiding from constituency press conference

Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes is not in hiding, the party said.

PICTURES: Thousands arrive for Day One of the National Ploughing Championships

An estimated 80,000 people are due to attend the three day event in Screggan, Co Offaly

Two dead following separate horror collisions as Gardaí urge witnesses to come forward

Two men aged in their 50s and 60s have passed away

Cats, Teddy Bears and Antarctica – Science Week in the Midlands

Science week events in Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath

Tickets on sale for Fatima pilgrimage concert

Concert in aid of Portlaoise Fatima Pilgrimage Group will feature double World Dancing champion Bobby Kinsella

Laois hurlers off to the Caribbean as reward for winning Joe McDonagh Cup

The Laois hurlers are set for a holiday in the Caribbean next month as a reward for winning the Joe McDonagh Cup earlier this year. A travelling party of about 70 – made up of 30 players, 11 backroom personnel and 29 partners – are set to make the trip to the idyllic Punta Cana […] The post Laois hurlers off to the Caribbean as reward for winning Joe McDonagh Cup appeared first on Laois Today.

More than 40 attend business Lunch & Learn event in Portarlington

More than 40 business owners, entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners attended a recent Lunch & Learn event in Portarlington. The event, held in Market House on Thursday, September 10, was organised by Local Enterprise Office Laois in collaboration with Local Enterprise Office Offaly. It gave those in attendance an opportunity to learn more about the […] The post More than 40 attend business Lunch & Learn event in Portarlington appeared first on Laois Today.

Laois Football Podcast: Kilcavan and Ballyfin power on | Mountmellick and Ballylinan get stuck | Junior matters

It was busy weekend of Intermediate and Junior ‘A’ football championship action also, with semi-final, quarter-final and relegation games down for decision. Kilcavan’s intensity Mountmellick’s deja vu Ballyfin’s extra time heroics Ballylinan die a death High-scoring Junior ‘A’ Junior ‘B’ headaches Any Podcast listeners who want to receive the private feed to listen on Apple […] The post Laois Football Podcast: Kilcavan and Ballyfin...

Deaths in Laois – Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Below are the recent local deaths. May they rest in peace. Martin Barry Chapel Street, Ballyroan, Laois Martin Barry of Barnet, London late of Chapel Street, Ballyroan, Co Laois. has passed away at his residence. Deeply mourned by his brother Padraig, nephew Aidan, niece Emma, their mother Anna, Aunts, Uncles, cousins and friends. Funeral arriving […] The post Deaths in Laois – Tuesday, September 15, 2026 appeared first on Laois Today.

Seven in 10 drivers underestimated annual motoring costs

The study was funded by the Department of Transport

Extra rail services for Offaly and Laois towns for Ploughing

Combined rail and bus tickets available to get to the ploughing in Tullamore

Major update on Justin McNulty’s future as Laois GAA senior football manager

Arles-Kilcruise’s Chris Conway is also set to go before the Laois clubs for ratification as minor football manager

PICTURES: All smiles from Laois locals at the annual Clonaslee Show

Spot any familiar faces at the 2026 Clonaslee Livestock and Produce Show?

‘It was time to show my colours’ - Laois musician wins major international award

Mountmellick-based singer Damien Cain won an ICMA

IN PICTURES: GAA President Jarlath Burns opens new Rosenallis GAA clubhouse

The event took place on Friday, September 11

Relatives of Laois volunteers call for 1916 medals to be awarded posthumously

Are ​Civil War divisions to blame for the inconsistent allocation of 1916 medals?

‘Great news for the town’ - €7.5 million for Fort Protector welcomed in Laois

€7.5 million was granted for the major project to redevelop the Fort Protector in Portlaoise

New Laois Bishops uses the Bull McCabe to urge people to release 'rigid grip'

Cleric uses the famous movie The Field in his homily at his installation Mass as Bishop of Ossory

Sisters critically injured in M9 crash 'getting stronger' as they share recovery update

A GoFundMe page for the Carlow family has raised over €822,000 since its launch last month

Laois trucker calls for hedge-cutting campaign on roads

Rosenallis-based Ger Hyland is president of the Irish Road Hauliers Association

Woman with ‘brain fog’ stole from Aldi in Portarlington

The woman appeared before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court

Noel Gallagher rules out new Oasis music after Live 27 tour announcement

The band, led by Noel and his brother Liam, will return to Knebworth, more than 30 years after their initial gigs at the Hertfordshire park.

First ministers predict imminent breakup of UK at ‘landmark’ summit

The first ministers of the UK’s three devolved nations met in Cardiff on Monday morning.

Laois graduates join ESB development programme

The programme gives graduates a chance to work on major projects

Death notices for Laois - Monday, September 14

Laois death notices and funeral arrangements

Oasis to play Slane Castle in September next year

Fans must register before Thursday at 4pm for a chance to buy tickets.

Oasis return to Knebworth 30 years on from beloved gigs as part of 38-show tour

The band played two fan favourite concerts at the venue on August 10 and 11 1996.

Sisters injured in Kildare's M9 crash issue new statement

The family were travelling to Dublin Airport for an early morning flight to England

O’Neill accused of ‘cosplaying’ as First Minister at Cardiff independence summit

The DUP has made clear that the Sinn Féin vice president had no authority to attend the event as a representative of the NI Executive.

Donald Trump’s support of Irish unity ‘should come as no surprise to unionists’

The US president made his comments in support of Irish unity during his two-day visit to Ireland.

DUP never ‘hitched wagon’ to Donald Trump, Robinson says

The DUP leader said his party’s past engagement with Mr Trump should not be misinterpreted as support for the US president.

Irish ferry passengers warned as major passport rule change to come into effect this month

The rules will come into effect from September 28, 2026

'Avoid the satnav' - National Ploughing Championship punters urged to follow official routes

Gardaí have urged those attending to avoid certain roads

€7.65 million funding boost for major regeneration projects in Portlaoise and Portarlington

Two major regeneration projects in Portlaoise and Portarlington are set to benefit from a combined €7.65 million in Government funding, with Laois TDs Willie Aird and Sean Fleming welcoming the announcement. The vast majority of the funding – €7.5 million – has been allocated to the Fort Museum and Event Centre in Portlaoise, while a […] The post €7.65 million funding boost for major regeneration projects in Portlaoise and Portarlington appeared first on Laois Today.

Former Laois senior captain set to be appointed minor football manager for 2027 season

Former Laois footballer and captain Chris Conway has been appointed as the county’s new minor football manager for the 2027 season. Conway’s appointment is set to be ratified at a Laois County Board meeting on Monday night, with the highly-regarded coach stepping up from his involvement with the county U-15 footballers this year. He will […] The post Former Laois senior captain set to be appointed minor football manager for 2027 season appeared first on Laois Today.

Laois Football Podcast: Killeshin’s ‘day in the sun’ | Bonnie Blue | Portarlington struggling? | Relegation showdowns

One of the busiest and most significant weekends of senior football championship has come to a conclusion with plenty to talk about once again. – Killeshin’s day in the sun again – Portlaoise so poor – Courtwood advance – Missed chance for Stradbally? – St Joseph’s turn on the style – O’Dempsey’s game plan – […] The post Laois Football Podcast: Killeshin’s ‘day in the sun’ | Bonnie Blue | Portarlington...

Court gives gardai more time in Laois criminal organisation charge case

Accused in connection with 'fitting sophisticated concealed compartments in motor vehicles' and alleged drug possession in Mountmellick

Men need to ‘cop on’ – Taoiseach reacts to O’Leary’s rape comments

But Micheál Martin refused to say whether the Ryanair boss should apologise for the remarks about rape.

Taoiseach ‘planted a seed’ when he raised US tariffs on whiskey with Trump

The US president brought his two-day visit to Ireland to a close on Sunday.

€7.5 million secured for development of museum at historic Laois site

Funding has been awarded to develop the Fort Museum and Event Centre in Portlaoise

Irish Revolut customers warned as fraudsters obtain passport and driving licence scans

ESET Ireland has warned that ‘leaked passports do not expire’

Trump comments on Irish unity show debate is ‘very much alive’: Michelle O’Neill

The leaders of Sinn Fein, SNP and Plaid Cymru signed a joint memorandum of understanding at a meeting in Cardiff.

Trump’s support of Irish unity ‘should come as no surprise to unionists’

The US president made his comments in support of Irish unity during his two-day visit to Ireland.