Brought to you by Laois Tourism
This weekend a heroic Laois man is honoured. Colonel James Fitzmaurice co-piloted the first aeroplane to successfully across the Atlantic in a westerly direction.
On Friday Dunamaise Arts Centre hosts a reception with film screening and an exhibition to celebrate Fitzmaurice’s great achievements and find out how a Laois man became part of aviation history.
On Saturday there will be a wreath laying at County Hall with a flyby as a second tribute to this great man. There is also lots of music of all types this weekend all around the county so there is no need to go too far for great entertainment. There are some great fundraiser also this weekend, all worth supporting if you can. Laois is certainly a busy place this weekend!
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 5
Fitzmaurice & the 1st East-to-West Atlantic Flight
This Friday we celebrate a heroic Laois man Colonel James Fitzmaurice. His bravery and sense of adventure has earned him a place in history. In 1928, a crew of three; Fitzmaurice, Captain Hermann Köhl and Baron Von Huenefeld left Baldonnel Aerodrome and 36 hours later they landed in Canada, making aviation history.
The Irish airman affectionately known as ‘Fitz’, co-piloted the first aeroplane to successfully cross the Atlantic in a westerly direction. Come along to a reception and celebration in Dunamaise for an evening of archive film screenings, live music and discussion. The event is free but booking essential and begins at 7pm. For more information see here or call 057 8663355
Slieve Bloom Rambling Night
Call to Sheeran’s Pub in Coolrain for a great night of songs, music and story telling. No cover charge and music from 10pm. For more information call 057 860 6826.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 6
Historic Aircraft Fly-Past
Commemoration of historic first East West transatlantic flight, with flypast and wreath laying, in memory of Col James Fitzmaurice. A fitting way to honour a great Laois man. The event is at County Hall at 11am. For more information contact Catherine Casey, Heritage Office on 057 866 4129.
Tommy Tiernan
Funny man Tommy Tiernan returns to Portlaoise with his sell out comedy show in the Midlands Park Hotel. Always a great night of laugher and fun. Tickets are €30 and the show kicks off at 8.30pm. For more information see here.
Old Skool Disco
Ballyroan Ladies Football Club Disco is hosting an Old Skool disco featuring ’80s/’90s music. So get retro this weekend and support a good cause. Join them in Skies O’er Bar, Ballyroan from 9pm. Tickets are €15 and includes a welcome drink and door prize raffle. For more information see here.
The Contenders
More live music this weekend in Sheeran’s Pub, Coolrain. The Contenders get things going from 10pm. No cover charge. For more information call 057 860 6826.
The Fanzines play Portarlington
Don’t miss a chance to see the Franzines play The Anvil in Portarlington. This is a great band live. Event begins at 10pm and there’s no cover charge. For more information email anvilinnportarlington@gmail.com.
Slieve Bloom Guided Walk
The Slieve Bloom Walking Club’s next guided walk is at Ballykilcavan Farm, Stradbally. This walk is a 7km Grade B walk and takes 2-3 hours so it is suitable for moderate level of fitness. Meeting point is the farm entrance at 11am. €5 per walk or €20 with annual membership.
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 7
The Dubliners Tribute
The songs and tunes of Luke Kelly, Ronnie Drew, Barney Mckenna, Ciaran Burke and John Sheehan will be brought to life in the Dunamaise Arts Centre this weekend. The Irish Rover, Seven Drunken Nights, McAlpines Fusiliers will have you clapping hands, stomping feet and joining in the choruses of the well-known and much loved songs at this exciting and uplifting show. Tickets are €20 and show begins at 8pm.
Annual John Mulhall Memorial Ploughing
This annual event is held in Coolnacart, Raheen and always promises to be a great day with superb hospitality from the Mulhall family. All types of ploughs, grubbers, and vintage tillage equipment welcome to come along and work on the day. Horse and trailed ploughs and ladies ploughing welcome.
This is a great day out for all the family. All proceeds from the day will be donated to local cancer charities. Ploughing entry for adults costs €20/Juveniles €10. Ploughing commences at 10am. For more information see here.
Rosie Flanaghan – live music
Wrapping up a jam packed weekend of music in Sheeran’s is Rosie Flanaghan. Another great artist and music kicks off at 10pm. No cover charge.
Fundraiser for Laois Hospice
The Heritage Killenard are set to host a fundraiser this weekend for a very deserving cause, the Laois Hospice. Run or walk 5k around the track at the Heritage and help raise vital funds. Donations are requested and run begins at 11am.
Slieve Bloom Guided Walk
The Slieve Bloom Walking Club’s next guided walk is Buailnacaora Loop. This walk is a 9km Grade B walk and takes three hours so suitable for moderate level of fitness. Meeting point is Glenbarrow Car Park at 11am . €5 per walk or €20 annual membership.
If you would like to have something included in our What’s On Guide email us on info@laoistoday.ie or call 057 8670722
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