1 – The full list of properties sold in Laois during February as local market sees huge upsurge
There were 95 residential properties sold in Laois during February according to the Property Price Register, an massive increase of 42% on the 2024 figure.
This represents a sharp shift in the market, which had seen a year-on-year decline in four of the last five months, including an 11% in January.
2 – ‘Encouraging’ early numbers prompt calls for extension to Portlaoise Bus Service
The new Portlaoise Bus Service has been roundly praised this week following the first month of operations in the town.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) were on hand to launch the long-awaited service in mid-February and it’s early success has been used as evidence that the bus’s routes should be extended.
3 – In Pictures: Ballyfin’s Dash to 44 – a wonderful, novel, community event and brilliant fundraiser for local school
Given the glorious weather we’ve been having the past couple of weeks, it was a real stroke of bad luck for the participants in the Ballyfin Dash to 44 fundraiser on Saturday that the heavens opened and it essentially rained for the day.
But as it turned out that couldn’t dampen their spirits. Starting out at 5am on Saturday morning, a group of almost 50 hardy souls were bussed around Laois to run a lap of every GAA club in the county.
4 – Laois builder featuring in new TG4 series focusing on the Irish construction sector
A Laois builder is featuring on a new TG4 series which is focusing on the Irish construction sector.
Dave Fingleton, from Ratheniska, is one of many independent builders contributing to ‘Na Builders’ which airs on Thursday evenings at 9.30pm.
5 – Road safety in Portlaoise under increased scrutiny following several recent ‘horrifying tragedies’
Road safety in Portlaoise is under increased scrutiny in recent weeks, following a number of tragic fatalities on the town’s roads.
Independent Councillor Caroline Dwane Stanley raised the matter at the meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District this week.
6 – Tributes paid following passing of ‘generous, well-respected, and admired’ former Laois Garda
There is deep sadness in Mountmellick and the wider community this week following the passing of a beloved former Garda Jim Griffin.
Mr Griffin’s funeral took place in St Joseph’s Church, Mountmellick, with the service was presided over by Parish Parish Fr Mícheál Murphy, who described Mr Griffin as a “hero.”
7 – Sadness in Mountmellick and USA following passing of beloved priest Fr Patrick Mooney
The Mountmellick areais also reeling following the sad passing of Fr Patrick Mooney, 88, originally from Clonaslee.
Fr Mooney graduated was ordained as a priest in 1966 in the USA where he served his parishioners for almost half a century.
8 – Laois GAA propose further change to SHC format to avoid repeat pairings
Laois GAA is proposing a change to the new structure of the senior hurling championship before it begins.
A new ten team format has been approved and the draw for this, two groups of five, has already been made.
9 – LaoisToday in New York Podcast: Crettyard man Shane Buggy on pub scene, missing home and incredible McSorley’s history
A big feature of our recent trip to New York alongside the Timahoe Male Choir was meeting two Laois publicans who are based in the iconic US city.
Shane Buggy from Crettyard is living in New York for almost 20 years and works in McSorley’s Old Irish Ale House, the oldest Irish bar in New York.
10 – Laois teenager shines in unique Abbey Theatre performance for Laura Lynn
A Laois teenage boy shone as he took part in a unique production at Dublin’s Abbey Theatre recently.
The performance, entitled The March of the Goldendoodles, highlighted the individual personalities and interests of five children who use the services at Laura Lynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice.
