1 – Former Taoiseach Brian Cowen speaks about health, hobbies, housing and more
Former Taoiseach Brian Cowen joined Will Faulkner for a 40-minute chat on Midlands 103 this week where the former Laois-Offaly Fianna Fáil TD discussed health, hobbies, and of course, politics.
The Clara man spent a year in hospital after suffering a bleed on the brain four years ago, but says his recovery is going well.
2 – Sixteen possible candidates to be appointed as the next Laois senior football manager
Laois GAA must begin the process of appointing a new senior football manager following the confirmation that Billy Sheehan’s two-year term has come to an end.
We looked at the likely successors to the role.
3 – Laois café announces decision to close after 13 years in business
A popular Laois coffee shop has announced it will be closing its doors for the final time on Saturday, July 15.
Sinéad Cooper, owner of the Cosy Café in Mountrath, announced on July 1st.
4 – Laois businesses among the winners at Midlands 103 awards
A number of Laois businesses were among the winners at the Midlands 103 Customer Service Awards held in the Mullingar Park Hotel on Monday night.
Over 500 people attended the gala event, where over 60 awards were presented across a range of sectors.
5 – Local Councillor calls for invasive Japanese Knotweed to be brought under control
Cllr Seamus McDonald has called on Laois County Council to inspect and treat Japanese knotweed at Cavan Street, Ballyfin.
The Fianna Fáil Cllr was speaking at the Borris-in-Ossory-Mountmellick Municipal District Committee meeting last week.
6 – Shock and sadness at death of former Laois county councillor and General Election candidate John Moran
The death occurred earlier this week of former Laois county councillor, Cathaoirleach and General Election candidate John Moran.
Mr Moran, who was a Fine Gael councillor in Laois from 1991 to 2019, passed away in hospital in Dublin, was aged 74.
7 – Changes in Kildare & Leighlin diocese see Portlaoise priest set to move to Stradbally Parish
Changes in the Kildare & Leighlin diocese will see a priest, currently in Portlaoise, move to help out in the parish of Stradbally.
The changes were announced by Bishop Denis Nulty and will come into effect on Friday, August 4.
8 – Mountmellick art exhibition – local artist leans into the mountain for inspiration
Born in the 1960s at the foot of the Slieve Blooms in Deerpark,
Mountrath, Antoinette Breen has been painting all her life.
The artist held a wonderful exhibition in Mountmellick Library this week.
9 – Rory Deegan – ‘Always young, always loved’
Rory Deegan (22), who tragically passed away in Greece last week, was described as “a bubbly, good humoured person, who simply made others feel special”.
Mourners gathered in St Tighearnach’s Church, Cullohill, this week for Rory’s requiem mass.
10 – Portlaoise could be in line for a new drive through café if all goes according to plan
MBCC Foods (Ireland) Ltd have applied for planning permission at their site in Portlaoise Retail Park.
The application is to develop a drive-through at their Costa Coffee premises in the heart of the retail park.
