1 – Laois to host World Ploughing Contest later this year after venue switched following Russian invasion of Ukraine
As well as the National Ploughing Championships, Laois will play host to the World Ploughing contest later this year.
Ratheniska will host the world event which is due to take place on September 21 and 22.
This will coincide with the National Ploughing Championships which is set to begin on September 20 at the same venue. The 67th edition of the world event was due to be held in Russia this year but organisers have opted to switch venue.
2 – Changing of the guard as long serving fireman retires and his replacement makes history
There was a changing of the guard and history made all in the one swoop as a Laois fire station recently.
It was the end of an era for Justin Kavanagh as he retired from the role of station officer in Rathdowney.
Justin had more than 30 years of unbroken service and a ceremony was held in Rathdowney recently where Justin’s replacement was officially appointed.
Shusha Fitzpatrick-Killeen is the new station officer – and is the first ever woman to be appointed to the role in the county.
3 – Dublin too strong as they see off Laois minors with a bit to spare
The Laois minor footballers went down to a strong Dublin side in Parnell Park on Saturday afternoon in their second group game in the Leinster championship.
Laois had beaten Westmeath in the opening round but Dublin came into this contest with a big reputation on the back of a 25-point win over Louth in their first outing.
And the home side had too much for Laois, with a side packed with pace, power and couple of dangerous inside forwards. They were 2-15 to 0-14 winners in the end, though the two goals only came in injury time.
4 – First section of Triogue Way – a new walking and cycling link – opens in the heart of Portlaoise
This week saw the official opening of the Triogue Way (Phase 1), providing a direct walking and cycling link from the Portlaoise Southern Circular Road to the People’s Park.
The route starts at the Southern Circular Road beside the Educate Together, Maryborough and Gaelscoil primary schools.
It will eventually extend to James Fintan Lalor Avenue and later on through Linear Park and onto Greenmill Lane close to the ‘old’ Dunnes Stores.
5 – 24 Laois farmers hit with burned land penalties in 2021 Basic Payment Scheme
A total of 24 Laois farmers were hit with deductions to their 2021 Basic Payment Scheme after it was proven that land had been burned during the closed season.
In all, 169 farmers across the country were deducted payments, with the Laois figure only lower than Mayo (27) and Cork (25) and the same as Kerry.
The sum of penalties to the farmers nationally was just short of €208,000 combined, according to figures published by the Irish Famers Journal, while in Laois it was almost €25,000. The figure attributed to Kerry was over €70,000.
6 – First Laois GAA Draw as €31,500 in prize money is given out
The first Laois GAA County Board draw took place with the top prize of €10,000 being won by Noel Loughlin from Rathdowney.
In all €31,500 in prize money was handed out in what is the first of four monthly draws.
The draw is a massive fundraiser for Laois GAA clubs with €115 out of every ticket sold (after the levy) going to the club and the remainder to Laois GAA.
7 – Property Watch: Five properties currently for sale in Laois for close to €400,000
On this week’s LaoisToday Property Watch we take a look at some of the properties currently for sale around the county for around €400,000.
As well as two homes in Portlaoise, we look at houses near Abbeyleix, Graiguecullen and a former pub in Clough.
8 – Clonaslee get the better of neighbours Rosenallis while Stradbally and The Heath have big wins in Division 1B
A Niall Corbet inspired Clonaslee-St Manman’s got the better of neighbours Rosenallis in an entertaining clash in Division 1B on Sunday on a scoreline of 2-10 to 1-8.
Mark Bates’ charges started this one very well and built up a lead which they held right until the end.
In truth, only a fortuitous goal from Donnagh Callally made things look a little closer in the end with Clonaslee much the better team.
9 – In Pictures: Laois group tackle Dysart Woods as part of Climb with Charlie campaign
All over Ireland last weekend, people donned their walking boots and ‘Climbed with Charlie’, as part of a nationwide fundraiser organised by former RTE news reporter Charlie Bird.
Charlie was recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and led a massive fundraising campaign for Irish Motor Neurone Disease and Pieta House.
While the man himself climbed Croagh Patrick, the idea spread across the country with various community groups organising similar, small events in their locality.
And one such group was the Stradbally-Vicarstown-Timahoe (SVT) Activity and Wellness Hub, who tackled Dysart Woods on Saturday morning.
10 – Significant day in Stradbally as new Cosby National School is officially opened
It was a momentous day on Thursday in the picturesque setting of Cosby NS in Stradbally as their new school premises was officially opened.
Pupils, staff, parents, past and present, and members of the wider community gathered as the ribbon was officially cut on the beautiful new building, which seamlessly combines the old and the new.
The original part of the building has been the home for the school since 1872, meaning this year also marks the 150th anniversary of education on that site.
