€171,000 funding for Laois heritage and historic structures projects
€171,000 has been earmarked for Laois heritage and historic structures projects, through the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF).
The funding is divided across the following projects:
- €45,000 – Newtown Mill
- €39,250 – Woodbrook House
- €35,000 – Vicarstown Old National School
- €14,000 – Preston House, Abbeyleix
- €14,000 – Church of St Michael and All Angels, Abbeyleix
- €12,172 – Thatched Cottage, Jamestown Cross, Ballybrittas
- €5,770 – St Fintan’s Church, Durrow
- €3,058 – Thatched Cottage, Garrymore, Mountmellick
- €2,750 – Fisherman’s Inn, Fisherstown
Laois Fianna Fáil TD Sean Fleming, Minister of State welcomed the funding, saying:
“Conserving these buildings can bring a sense of pride to local communities.
“It can also be a great benefit to Laois communities for local tourism.
“I look forward to seeing these projects commence and works finishing on renovating and rejuvenating these buildings.
Mountrath CS goes ‘Back to the 80s’
Mountrath Community School is excited to present their Transition Year musical extravaganza for 2024 – ‘Back to the 80s’.
This year’s musical takes place from the March 20 to 22 in St Philomena’s Hall, Mountrath.
Back to the 80s is produced by Ms Evelyn Geary, with Ms Anne-Marie Lawlor as Musical Director, Mr Paul Norton as the show’s Director, and Ms Julianne McNamara as choreographer.
An original Musical Adaptation by Scott Copeman, Back to the 80’s follows the main character Corey Palmer in a trip down memory lane about his experiences in his Senior Year at William Ocean High School.
He tells the story of he and his friend’s run for senior class president and vice-president.
Back to the 80’s is a heart-warming, hilarious musical filled with many iconic hits including Footloose, Kids in America, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and many more.
Students and teachers have been rehearsing and practising for months.
An Easter Treat for Rathdowney
It may seem unusual to have a pantomime at Easter, but that is what is happening in Rathdowney this year.
There already has been several successful stage events in The Donaghmore Workhouse and the hugely successful inaugural musical, ‘Beauty and The Beast’ from St Fergal’s College in Feb.
The bar has been set high. With 35 shows behind them, Rathdowney Pantomime Group have the experience and talent to continue the trend.
This year’s show is called ‘Beauties, Bows and Beanstalks,’ an original story written by Joe Hyde and Karen Holohan.
It tells the story of ladies, not too dissimilar to The Golden Girls, looking for love. They meet a few merry men, and a strange beanstalk grows in Sherwood Forest.
It promises to be another family fun night out. It is on in The Rathdowney Community Centre at 8pm from Thursday March 28 to Saturday 30, and at 5:30pm on Easter Sunday, March 31.
With schools closed that week, you won’t have to worry about getting the children up for school the following morning.
Tickets go on sale at the Rathdowney Community Centre from Thursday, March 21 to Wednesday, 27 on between 10am and 2pm and from 6pm to 9pm by calling 0879153569.
Book early to avoid disappointment.
The cast of over 80, from 3rd class up to adults, have been rehearsing non-stop and are really excited about brining that energy and fun to the stage.
SEE ALSO – University of Limerick unveils journalism competition in memory of late Laois student
