If you’re looking forward to an action-packed holiday season look no further than Laois this Christmas.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22
Timahoe – Carol singing
The Timahoe Folk Choir are hosting an evening of carol singing in Timahoe Heritage Centre at 7.30pm.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23
Stradbally – Christmas Party
Stradbally Town soccer club will hold their Christmas Draw and Party in Napper Tandy’s. There will be a live band and food on the night. Tickets are on sale from all players, committee members and Napper Tandy’s.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 (CHRISTMAS EVE)
MONDAY, DECEMBER 25 (CHRISTMAS DAY)
Stradbally – GOAL mile
The annual GOAL mile will be held in Oakvale Woods, Stradbally from 10am to 12 noon. You can run, walk or jog a mile for the charity.
Portarlington – GOAL mile
Another GOAL mile is taking place in Portarlington GAA on Christmas Day. You can walk, jog or run to raise funds for GOAL.
No registration is needed, people are just asked to donate what they can.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26 (ST STEPHEN’S DAY)
Abbeyleix – Up for the Match
Abbeyleix GAA Club is hosting a charity hurling game in aid of the Cuisle Palliative Care.
The two teams taking part are the 2007 legends v 2017 All-Stars in Fr Breen Park at 11am.
Abbeyleix – Laois Hunt
The famous Laois hunt meets again in Abbeyleix on St Stephen’s Day at 12 noon.
Timahoe – Over 35s versus under 35s football
A football match with a difference will be played in Timahoe at 2.30pm, when the goldie oldies take on the young elites.
All funds raised from the match will go towards the Early Intervention school for children with Autism in Timahoe.
Portlaoise – Portlaoise Run
The Portlaoise Athletics Club St Stephen’s Day run starts off between 10.30am and 11am at St Fintan’s Hospital, Portlaoise.
Entrants can complete one or two loops of the church block, walk, run or jog!
All donations on the day will go to The Cuisle Centre.
Clonaslee – St Stephen’s Day Walk
The 25th annual St Stephen’s Day walk in Clonaslee in aid of Laois Hospice is being celebrated with a long walk beginning at 12 noon and short walk beginning at 1pm.
Both walks start from Clonasle Community Centre.
To date this walk has raised almost €900,000 for hospice care in Laois.
Durrow – Leafy Loop Walk
The Annual Leafy Loop St. Stephen’s Day Walk will start at 11am from the Castle Arms Hotel, Durrow. Registration will take place at the Hotel from 10.30am. This is a 10km walk and all proceeds raised goes to Laois Hospice Service.
Vicarstown – St Stephen’s Day Match
An Annanough GAA St Stephen’s Day game will take place at 12.30pm. Match from 1pm to 2.15pm. Creans from 3pm and home by 5pm, is the promise! All current, former and future players welcome along with anyone else who can draw a breath.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27
Athy – Charity football match
Barrowhouse will take on Athy in a charity football match in Geraldine Park, Athy. Entry is €5 with all proceeds to a local charity. Both male and female player representation will be required on the field. The clubhouse and bar will be open with refreshments and live music. For further details contact any committee member.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28
Ballacolla – Manor Stone Mulled Wine Evening and Artisan Food Market
Manor Stone are holding their annual Mulled Wine evening filled with food, wine and music from 2pm to 10pm.
Also, as a special treat, the “connect2laois Christmas Market” will be there on the evening.
There will be lots of stalls selling Artisan food and treats to tempt your taste buds.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30
Vicarstown – parkrun
The Vicarstown park run is beginning from 9.30am. For more information see here.
Laois hurlers
The Laois hurlers are playing Kildare at 2pm in Newbridge in the Walsh Cup.
Laois footballers
The Laois footballers are also away – to Westmeath in the O’Byrne Cup at 2pm.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 (NEW YEAR’S EVE)
Cullohill – 5k road race
The Harps Camogie Club will host a 5k road race today. Registration takes place at Cullohill Community Centre at 11am.
MONDAY, JANUARY 1 (NEW YEAR’S DAY)
Ballacolla – Annual Richard Moynan Memorial Walk and Vintage run
The Vintage run will take a 15k route starting in Ballacolla village at 2.00pm. It will travel by Grantstown, Coolacurragh, Cannonswood, Woodenbridge and return to the finish by Lalor’s Farm Ballygague where the usual Christmas cheer will be served.
Registration is at 1.00pm. The annual walk will have its 6.5k route and start at 2.00pm. A monster raffle with refreshments will be held at the finish at finish in St. Patrick’s Hall followed by entertainment in all hostelries. For more information contact 0872395357.
Timahoe – Timahoe Walk
The annual Timahoe walk in aid of the Irish Wheelchair Association and Fatima fund takes place on New Year’s Day at 1pm. For more information contact 087 9073323.
SEE ALSO – In Pictures: Santa Claus makes visit to T&S United
The LaoisToday 2017 Annual is now on sale in bookshops and newsagents around the county – this is where you can buy it