1 – Shock and sadness following unexpected passing of Laois teenager
There is widespread shock and sadness in Abbeyleix this week following the passing of a teenage girl.
Emily Ellen Culhane of Boley, Abbeyleix, died in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin on Sunday, January 5 following a short illness.
2 – Coincidence and camaraderie: Two Laois women recall time in An Garda Síochána on their retirement
They joined An Garda Síochána on the same day in September 1991 and retired from Portlaoise District on the same date – October 25, 2024 – Detective Garda Maria McWey’s and Garda Ann Marie Dunphy’s paths often crossed.
Maria McWey from Spink and Ann Marie Dunphy from Cullohill entered the Garda Training College in Templemore on September 16, 1991.
3 – Laois family set to compete as new series of Ireland’s Fittest Family now underway
The brand new series of the hit RTE TV Show ‘Ireland’s Fittest Family’ got underway this week with some serious Laois involvement.
Series 12 of Ireland’s Fittest Family, which was filmed last year, will be shown on Saturday nights on RTE One at 6.30pm for the next number of weeks.
4 – ‘I couldn’t see myself in one place for too long’: Mountmellick woman recalls her travel adventures around the world
Mountmellick woman, Mona Conroy, could write a book about her globetrotting adventures.
Now 85 years of age, Mona who grew up in the Dangans and who went to The Rock National School and the Presentation Convent, Portarlington, has had a colourful career and travelled to and driven in far-flung destinations.
5 – Camross turn to Cuddy once again as he returns to manager’s role
Camross have appointed David Cuddy as their senior hurling manager for the 2025 season.
Cuddy was over the club from 2021 to 2023, and guided them to their 27th senior title in his last season.
6 – Laois barman continues his role as First Dates Ireland returns
It is one of the most popular shows on Irish TV and First Dates Ireland has a Laois man in a very prominent role.
The acclaimed dating show returns to our screens for a brand new season as the show celebrates its milestone tenth anniversary and Durrow native Neil Kenna will once again be the man behind the bar.
7 – Kerry man appointed as new Graiguecullen football manager for 2025 season
Kerry man Maurice Brown has been appointed as the new Graiguecullen senior football manager for the 2025 season.
He replaces Kevin Doogue who was in charge in 2024, where he guided the club to Senior and Junior ‘A’ semi-finals as well as the U-20 ‘A’ final.
8 – Borris-Kilcotton dominate on our Premier IHC Team of the Year for 2024
Borris-Kilcotton were very worthy champions of the 2024 Premier IHC and it will come as no surprise that they dominate proceeding in the LaoisToday Premier IHC Team of the Year.
The title winners have no less than 10 players in the team while runners up and fellow senior club for 2025, Ballinakill, have four; with the team completed by a Camross man.
9 – Massive Tractor and Truck run set for Stradbally in aid of new facility at local school
Tractors and trucks making their way through the Little Town of Stradbally is a regular sight – but they’ll be doing so in much larger numbers on Sunday, February 2.
A Tractor and Truck Run will take place in aid of the local school, St Colman’s NS, organised by the Parents Council as they seek to raise the funds to put the finishing touches on its wonderful new astroturf facility.
10 – Mountmellick lead the way as four clubs represented on IHC Team of the Year for 2024
The 2024 Intermediate Hurling Championship is one that won’t be forgotten in a hurry, particularly by champions Mountmellick.
And they deservedly lead the way in our 2024 IHC Team of the Year selection with eight players on the team.
