The week that was: Our most read stories of the past seven days

1 – Man named locally after tragic incident in Mountmellick on Monday evening

There is deep sadness around the town of Mountmellick after a fatal traffic incident occurred this week.

The incident occurred when a pedestrian was hit by a lorry shortly before 5pm, close to Hinches garage and filling station on the Tullamore road in Mountmellick.

2 – In Pictures: Serious style as big crowd gathers to celebrate annual Laois GAA Awards

There was serious style on display as the 2023 Laois GAA Award winners assembled to collect their trophies on Friday night.

The Midlands Park Hotel was the venue with more than 200 people in attendance.

3 – Sadness following the passing of great ‘Town Character’ Tom Scully

There is sadness in Portlaoise and in GAA plus rugby circles following the passing of Tom Scully.

Mr Scully, aged 82, passed away suddenly on Sunday following a short illness.

4 – Gardai asked to be vigilant over ‘aggressive begging’ in Portlaoise in the run up to Christmas

Gardai in Laois have been asked to make sure that elderly and vulnerable people are not put under pressure due to ‘aggressive begging’ ahead of Christmas.

Sinn Fein Councillor Caroline Dwane-Stanley said that the Lyster Square area of Portlaoise is particularly susceptible for this.

5 – Popular long-serving Laois referee hangs up the whistle

Popular Laois GAA referee Joe Brennan from Crettyard has called time on his refereeing career.

Last Sunday’s U-20 football final between Ballyroan-Abbey and St Joseph’s was his last game to take charge of.

6 – Laois County Council purchase site on former Avon factory and plan for business opportunities

Laois County Council have purchased a six-acre site of the former Avon factory in the heart of Portarlington.

The Avon Arlington factory opened in the late 1970s and formally closed in April, 2000.

7 – New CEO of Laois Partnership: ‘The overall aim is to make Laois a better place to live for all’

“The overall aim of what we do is make Laois a better place to live for all.”

That is the perspective of Caroline Lydon who was appointed CEO of Laois Partnership, in June.

8 – Leinster winner appointed in Portlaoise, Doogue returns to Graigue while Killeshin select Donegal native

The Portlaoise footballers have turned to another club legend to take the reigns of their senior team for the 2024 season.

2003 Leinster championship winner Aidan Fennelly has been appointed to succeed his former teammate Kevin Fitzpatrick.

9 – Laois student receives Naughton Scholarship worth €20,000

A Laois student has been awarded the prestigious Naughton Scholarship – worth €20,000 – to further his studies.

Portlaoise’s Zayed Abdelrazak, a past pupil of Portlaoise College, was presented with the scholarship recently.

10 – Cul Camps, farming and a love of football – How Rathdowney’s Rafter ended up in Ballyroan-Abbey and won it all

Ballyroan-Abbey were crowned Laois U-20 ‘A’ football champions for the third year running on Sunday following victory over St Joseph’s.

They were pushed all the way by St Joseph’s but came good in the second half to win by three points in the end.