1 – Death occurs of Hazel Allen, the Laois woman who was a leading figure in the renowned Ballymaloe House Hotel dynasty
The death has occurred of Hazel Allen, the Laois woman who was a driving force in the phenomenon that is Ballymaloe House Hotel, a renowned premises near Midleton in East Cork.
Though she began working in Ballymaloe more than 50 years ago, Hazel Allen (nee Lalor) grew up in Ballacolla. Her family remain very well known and active in the area and it was the Lalor farm that played host to the National Ploughing Championships in 1995 and again in the early 2000s.
Hazel began working in Ballymaloe in 1969 and married Rory Allen, son of Myrtle, the matriarch of the establishment.
2 – Car damaged and clubhouse smashed at Laois GAA club following Bank Holiday weekend attack
A Laois GAA club was the victim of vandalism following an attack at their premises on Bank Holiday Sunday.
Graiguecullen GAA club shared details of the incident on their social media channels this evening.
From pictures shared on social media, two windows in the clubhouse were smashed.
3 – ESB operations in Laois branded ‘a disgrace’ by local County Councillor
A Laois County Councillor has hit out at the ESB, describing some recent actions by the company as “a disgrace”.
Fianna Fáil Cllr Paddy Bracken was speaking during the May monthly meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory-Mountmellick Municipal District – the District’s final meeting before the June 7 Local Elections.
Cllr Bracken said works done by ESB at the junction of Lord Edward Street and Connolly Street in Mountmellick were “a disgrace.”
4 – New candidate hoping to become Laois’s first ever Aontú County Councillor
One of the newest political parties in Ireland will have a candidate in Laois in the Local Elections, which are set to take place on June 7.
Martha Ryan, who lives in Portlaoise, has declared that she will run as an Aontú candidate in the Portlaoise Municipal District.
Ms Ryan is a mental health nurse with over 20 years experience in the field, as well as being a qualified psychotherapist.
5 – Brand new ‘off leash’ dog park set to open outside Portlaoise this weekend
Calling all dog lovers – a brand new ‘off leash’ dog park is set to open its doors outside Portlaoise this weekend.
Woofland Dog Park is currently the only multi–locational dog park in Ireland with another Woofland Dog Park located in Claremorris, Mayo.
Their newest location is outside Morette and those wishing to see it can get there by taking the R445 towards Emo until you come to a crossroads for Morette.
6 – Three in and two out as Laois senior footballers get set for Tailteann Cup challenge
The 2024 edition of the Tailteann Cup will get underway this weekend with Laois entering the fray on Sunday.
Carlow will come to O’Moore Park at 3pm where Laois will be hoping to make a winning start to their group.
It is almost a month since Laois last played a competitive game and there has been changes to the panel since.
7 – In Pictures: All smiles as Abbeyleix Tidy Towns recognised for All-Ireland success
Laois County Council hosted a Civic Reception for Abbeyleix Tidy Towns following the town’s All-Ireland victory last year.
The group, led by chairperson Robbie Quinn, were welcomed to the chamber on Thursday, May 2.
Back in October, Abbeyleix beat off competition from 886 other towns and villages to be crowned Ireland’s Tidiest Town.
8 – Leinster MHC: Offaly break Laois hearts with two goals in last two minutes
Offaly brought an end to Laois’s Minor Hurling Championship after a breathless clash this evening.
Laois were four points clear with two minutes of normal time remaining, but two goals in as many minutes saw Offaly somehow come away with the win.
The home side had also scored two goals in two minutes late in the first half, and these two brief moments turned out to be the difference between the teams.
9 – In Pictures: LOETB music learners shine in debut performance in Portlaoise
The vibrant atmosphere of Kavanagh’s Bar and Venue in Portlaoise was infused with the tunes of a new musical ensemble, The Resonators.
The group, formed by learners completing QQI Level 5 and 6 Music at Portlaoise FET Centre, made their debut in the local music scene, captivating the audience with a blend of well-known tracks and original compositions.
Alzbeta Bundova, Evan Byrne, Angela Byrne, Lucy Hood, Stevie Buckley, Patrick Tunga and Aimee Tynan, showcased their musical talent and ability at this fantastic event.
10 – Palmer Cup: Glory for Castletown as they see off Rathdowney-Errill following mammoth day
Castletown have been crowned Palmer Cup champions following victory over Rathdowney-Errill in the new 11-aside format this evening.
Six teams entered the competition today, with all proceeds going to Laois Hospice, but only five competed as Rosenallis withdrew prior to the commencement of the tournament.
It was an excellent day of action with some very entertaining displays given the format and it culminated in an exciting final with an intense finish.
