1 – End of an era as long-serving teacher retires in Ballyadams NS
It was a busy week in Ballyadams NS last week where a long-serving teacher retired and another teacher moved to a new school in Wexford.
As well as that there were visits from a number of former pupils who had experienced GAA success recently, including members of the Laois ladies football team and the St Joseph’s minor side.
Mrs Martina Burke retired from Ballyadams after over 24 years of service and dedication to the school community.
2 – Full house in Portarlington as stars turn out for county final preview night
It’s hard to recall any previous Laois senior football final capturing the imagination quite like how this year’s final between O’Dempsey’s and Portarlington did.
O’Dempsey’s were seeking to win a first title since 1980; Portarlington looking to do a three-in-a-row.
The clubs are neighbours and friends and despite being rivals, there’s no massive animosity between the two.
Though Portarlington ultimately won well, a highlight of the incredible buildup was an Up for the Match style event in the Railway Bar.
3 – Classy Portarlington claim historic three-in-a-row in style
Portarlington claimed the Laois SFC title for the third year in a row, an historic success not achieved by the club since 1923.
For the third season running, Port saved their best performance of the campaign for the final. And they have achieved such a run of success by completely overwhelming Graiguecullen, Portlaoise and now O’Dempsey’s in a county final.
Port played with the wind in the first half and in a frantic opening quarter they slowly but surely made their dominance count. And in the end they were comfortable 2-13 to 0-8 winners.
4 – The story of a Laois-based couple developing their own range of hot sauces
A Portarlington-based couple is perking up palates with a range of hot sauces under the O’Mimo’s Chilli Madness brand.
Seamus and Mimo O’Flynn of the Good Globe Pantry have travelled widely and are tempting the tastebuds of Irish people with their three hot sauces, all with the same spices but different pepper combinations, to vary the heat.
“We also make an apple chilli sage jam and are in product development for a chilli, garlic and onion crunch,” said Mimo whose heritage is South Asian.
5 – Widespread shock and sadness at sudden death of highly-respected Mountmellick Credit Union manager Colm Heslin
The wider communities of Mountmellick and Clonaslee have been shocked this week at the sudden death of local Credit Union Colm Heslin.
Mr Heslin was manager of the Mountmellick and Rathangan Credit Unions, which also had an office in Clonaslee. He passed away suddenly at work on Tuesday. He was aged only in his early 50s.
6 – On his knees! Whelan’s wonder point continues the Clough-Ballacolla good times with Minor A success
The good times just keep on coming for Clough-Ballacolla as their minor hurlers claimed championship glory in thrilling circumstances in O’Moore Park on Friday night.
They were 2-13 to 0-18 winners over The Harps with the winning score an exceptional individual effort from captain Gary Whelan.
7 – National Ploughing Championships confirmed for Laois once again in 2023
The National Ploughing Championships are set to return to Ratheniska in Laois once again in 2023.
The news was confirmed on Sunday evening by managing director Anna May McHugh.
She said: “We are delighted to be staging the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co. Laois again next year.”
8 – More than $700,000 raised as fundraiser in aid of the daughters of a Laois dad nears target
A GoFundMe, launched for Jonathan McCowen, a Portarlington dad with an aggressive form of Motor Neuron disease, has raised more than $700,000.
It is a phenomenal achievement and a spokesperson for the group behind the fundraiser thanked everyone involved.
A spokesperson said: “It has taken phenomenal support from an army of people around the globe to get us this far.”
9 – Laois football club on the hunt for new manager as boss steps down after five years in charge
The Courtwood senior footballers are on the hunt for a new manager after they announced that Eddie Kinsella has decided to step down.
A former player, Kinsella led his native club to unprecedented success after five years in charge during a six-year spell.
As well as winning the 2018 intermediate title, he also guided the club to the senior semi-final in the season just finished, their first appearance at that stage of the championship since 1976.
10 – History for St Brigid’s as they defeat Camross to claim first Laois camogie title since 2004
St Brigid’s created history today in O’Moore Park on Saturday winning their first Intermediate Camogie Championship since 2004 after defeating Camross by 1-13 to 1-9.
There’s been a series of heartbreaks for St Brigid’s in the lead up to this game as they have been defeated in the last three county finals.
