1 – Full details of new wind farm and substation between Mountmellick and Portarlington
Statkraft Ireland have been awarded provisional planning permission to construct a new wind farm, substation and underground line along part of the Laois/Offaly border.
The two local County Councillors in the area – Independent Councillor Aidan Mullins and Fianna Fáil Councillor Paddy Bracken – each raised concerns over the proposed development.
2 – Caroline Dwane-Stanley: ‘I’ve no announcement today to make about my resignation. I’m going nowhere until I get answers’
Sinn Féin councillor Caroline Dwane-Stanley this week launched a blistering attack on the party following the election of her husband Brian as an Independent TD.
Brian resigned from Sinn Féin, with whom he was a member for 40 years, back in October, hitting out at what he called a ‘Kangaroo Court’ style inquiry.
3 – Laois GAA record a surplus of over €250,000 – but spending on county teams breaks €1.1 million barrier
Laois GAA recorded a significant surplus for the fourth year running, according to the recent set of accounts which will be presented to annual convention in the Midlands Park Hotel next week.
A surplus of €254,136 is detailed in the accounts, as prepared by Laois GAA treasurer Paschal McEvoy and audited by Forvis Mazaars.
4 – Ballyfin Demesne announce appointment of new Managing Director
Ballyfin Demesne, the luxurious Laois hotel, has announcement the appointment of Seamus Crotty as Managing Director.
Mr Crotty, who is from Tipperary, has extensive experience in luxury hospitality as Group General Manager and Company Director of the Mayrange Hospitality Group in Ireland.
5 – ELECTED: Willie Aird becomes the first TD elected for Laois in the 2024 General Election
Willie Aird became the first TD from the Laois constituency to be elected at the 2024 General Election.
The Fine Gael TD was elected after the Fifth Count following the elimination of Rosie Palmer (Green Party).
6 – ELECTED: Brian Stanley returns to the Dáil as Independent Republican as Laois count concludes
Brian Stanley was re-elected to the Dáil after Count 8 in the Laois Constituency at the General Election.
The former Sinn Fein man, now an Independent Republican, took one of the three available seats behind Willie Aird (Fine Gael) and Sean Fleming (Fianna Fail).
7 – ELECTED: Sean Fleming elected to the Dail for the seventh time for Fianna Fail
Sean Fleming was elected to the Dáil for the seventh time following the conclusion of counting in the Laois constituency.
The Fianna Fail TD is now one of longest serving politicians in Leinster House.
8 – In Pictures: Serious style as Laois GAA stars celebrate at annual awards night
There was serious style on display as the 2024 Laois GAA Award winners assembled to collect their trophies.
The Midlands Park Hotel was the venue with more than 200 people in attendance. 17 awards were handed out in total to an array of winners from different categories.
9 – Former Laois footballer appointed as new Stradbally manager for 2025 season
A former Laois footballer has been appointed as the manager of Stradbally ahead of the 2025 season.
Timahoe native Padraig Clancy will take charge of his neighbouring club following the departure of Kerry native Karl O’Dwyer.
10 – Timahoe appoint former great ahead of 2025 season while Park-Ratheniska turn to former Tipperary minor boss
The Timahoe footballers will have former Laois player Brendan Quigley in charge for the 2025 season.
Quigley replaces Tom McKittrick, who had been over Timahoe for the past number of seasons.
