1 – In Pictures: All smiles as Laois mam and daughter among graduates in IT Carlow

A Laois mam and daughter were among the many men and women who graduated from IT Carlow recently.

Mother and daughter Kathy and Niamh Sims from Spink lifted their hats and donned their scrolls.

Kathy graduated with a Batchelor of Arts in Applied Early Childhood Studies and Care.

While daughter Niamh graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Professional Social Care Practice, at last week’s conferring ceremony of graduates from the Institute’s Department of Humanities.

2 – Garda appeal for information after antique water pump stolen from garden in Laois

Gardai in Laois are appealing for information following the theft of an antique water pump from a garden.

The antique water pump reported stolen from a garden in Knockanina, Mountrath between Christmas Day and Saturday January 8.

Gardai are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

3 – WATCH: Laois farmer’s brand new lake set to feature on popular RTE show tonight

A Laois farm featured on a popular RTE One TV show this week.

The latest episode of Ear To The Ground saw the show come to Ballyfin.

Presenter Darragh McCullough will travel down to Laois to meet David Kerr who put in a lake on his farm in memory of his father who died last year.

4 – Wexford too strong as Laois footballers begin O’Byrne Cup with heavy defeat

The Laois footballers began the 2022 season with a heavy 6-10 to 0-13 loss to Wexford in the Shelmaliers GAA grounds last Saturday.

It was a disappointing start for new manager Billy Sheehan whose side conceded three goals in the opening quarter and trailed by 3-8 to 0-6 at half time.

Using a host of new players, they eventually were defeated by 15 points.

5 – Government set to introduce ‘double’ Bank Holiday this year and extra permanent one in 2023

The Government are set to introduce a ‘double’ Bank Holiday this year and add an extra permanent one in 2023.

So said Tanaiste Leo Varadkar who was speaking to RTE this afternoon.

According to the Fine Gael leader, the government is working on a proposal that would see St Patrick’s Day, March 17, and March 18 become Bank Holidays this year.

While then in 2023, it is proposed that St Brigid’s Day on February 1 would become a permanent extra Bank Holiday.

6 – Ghost estate in Laois village set to be completed as permission granted for 26 new homes

Laois County Council have confirmed that planning permission has been granted for 26 new houses in Borris-In-Ossory.

Private developer M&M Holdings has been granted permission to proceed with their plan on the Rathdowney Road in the village.

This estate, formerly known as ‘Deanswood’, has been vacant and derelict for 10 years, leaving the estate as a ghost estate.

7 – County Council place nine sites for new homes in Laois village up for sale

Nine new sites will be for sale so people can build their own homes in Castletown village – according to Laois TD Sean Fleming.

Laois County Council have prepared an outline plan for the land in Castletown, which is in public ownership, opposite Churchfield Heights and beside Ard Edmond in Castletown.

A number of years ago Laois County Council acquired a significant amount of land in Castletown.

8 – Strong first half sees hard-working Laois footballers claim first win of 2022

It is only the O’Byrne Cup in the middle of January but when you’ve just been hammered by Wexford four days previous and haven’t won a match in more than a year – this was exactly what the Laois footballers needed.

Billy Sheehan’s charges were thorn asunder in Shelmaliers on Saturday but they were brilliant in Stradbally on Wednesday night – running out six-point winners over Andy McEntee’s Meath.

9 – Sadness following the passing of Laois cycling enthusiast and hurley maker

There is deep sadness in Borris-In-Ossory following the news of the passing of Pat ‘Paddy’ Campion.

Mr Campion died peacefully at the Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise on Saturday January 8.

Mr Campion was a hurley maker at Campion Hurleys in Borris-In-Ossory.

10 – In Pictures: Well-wishes paid as long serving Laois teacher retires

A Laois school has paid tribute to one of their longest serving teachers following his retirement recently.

Michael Scully, a construction studies teacher, retired from Portlaoise CBS after 36 years of service.

Originally from Roscrea, Scully captained Tipperary to All-Ireland U-21 glory in 1985 – the year he started in the CBS.