1 – In Pictures: Fond farewell to Pat Galvin as Portarlington primary school principal calls time on teaching career
The fondness that the community of Portarlington has for Pat Galvin was very much evident on Friday afternoon as he attended his last day of school.
It marked the end a 35-year working career in the town’s boys primary school.
2 – Sadness at death of Fintan Walsh, former Laois football great
The death occurred this week of Fintan Walsh from Ballylinan, roundly regarded as one of the finest Laois footballers of all time.
Aged in his mid 80s, he had been living in Butterfield in Rathfarnham in Dublin since the mid 1960s, where he was a much-loved local primary school teacher in St Mary’s BNS.
3 – Laois U-20 HC: Clough-Ballacolla break new ground – and record impressive win over Abbeyleix
The small village of Clough hosted its first competitive hurling game of modern times this week.
The home side recorded an impressive win to book their place in the semi-final of this year’s Laois U-20 championship.
4 – In Pictures: Serious effort for Abbeyleix fundraising Fancy Dress party
Morrissey’s of Abbeyleix hosted their annual Halloween Fancy Dress event on Sunday night – and those in attendance went above and beyond, in embracing the occasion.
There were all sorts of wonderful costumes, from goblins to ghosts, bank robbers, bandits, fairies, witches, clowns and everything in between.
5 – Keegan’s Cobh Ramblers keep League of Ireland Premier Division promotion dream alive with Wexford win
Shane Keegan’s Cobh Ramblers remained on course for a place in the League of Ireland Premier Division following aggregate victory over Wexford FC last night.
The Rathdowney native took charge of the Cork outfit last year when they were struggling towards the basement of the First Division.
6 – Clubs encouraged to nominate footballers of county standard for 2024 season
New Laois senior football manager Justin McNulty has contacted all the clubs in Laois, asking them to send forward players they believe have the potential to be senior inter-county standard ahead of the 2024 season.
The Armagh native was recently ratified as the Laois manager on a three-year term, having previously been in charge from 2011 to 2013.
7 – Artist Aileen Donovan unveils painting of Dysart Enos old Church
Artist, Aileen Donavan, is inspired by her surroundings and environment.
She paints with a glue gun to give her paintings a 3D affect. Her works are very much in demand and is currently exhibiting at Mountmellick Library.
8 – Weekend Read: New Laois Chamber Alliance president James McElwee on the potential of Laois
People regularly calling to the house for prescriptions and in one case, for lipstick late at night, are among the memories of the recently elected president of Laois Chamber Alliance, James McElwee.
“In a service industry that’s what we were accustomed to. It was always busy and dad used to work seven days a week.
9 – From the Archives – Pat Critchley: Remembering the Portlaoise Fire Brigade from back in the day
A piece by Pat Critchley, originally published in his book Hungry Hill and later on LaoisToday in July 2017.
“Dad and Uncle Jack, the Barbender, were in Portlaoise Fire Brigade back in the day. The story is that Jack got his nickname from bending pipes for plumbing with his bare hands. The Brigade were part-time, somewhat like a Reserve Unit in military terms.”
10 – Talking Sport Podcast: Enda Rowland on his role as Laois Hire ambassador, county final disappointment, looking forward to 2024 and his own gym business
Enda Rowland has another busy season with his club, county and country. He was the special guest on this week’s LaoisToday Talking Sport Podcast.
He spoke about his new role as Laois Hire brand ambassador, his own new gym business, and much more besides.
