Caroline Allen
Caroline Allen is a freelance journalist based in Portlaoise. She has written for numerous local and national publications and lives outside Portlaoise with her husband Martin and sons Evan and Colin
Mountmellick folk artist all set for Culture Night concert performance
Mountmellick’s Emer Dunne describes herself as a folk artist with a nod to both the traditional and the contemporary.
And she will perform in the...
Richard gets on his bike for Tour de Picnic for three very worthy causes
Every year once Electric Picnic comes around it’s been a case of ‘On your bike’ for Richard Dunne from Stradbally.
Since 2009 he has been...
Vicarstown artist draws on family farm for inspiration
A Laois artist has captured her experience of living and growing up on a sheep farm in the county.
Emily Miller from Vicarstown, currently has...
An ‘original’ talent for Electric Picnic as Laois girl set to perform three times...
When she last played at Electric Picnic in 2019, 22-year-old Alice Laffan from Stradbally just did cover versions. “It’s amazing to be back this...
The Lost Messiahs find themselves back at Electric Picnic and ready to entertain
Having played Electric Picnic in 2014 and last year, indie rock band, The Lost Messiahs, is thrilled to find themselves back at Stradbally Hall.
“We...
Laois band Cua set to take six as they get ready to take on...
As it gears up for its Electric Picnic performance, Laois-based trio, Cua which comprises Shane Booth, John Davidson and Ros O’Meara, has started work...
Meet the Ottawa Rose who has strong Portarlington connections
While the Laois flag will be proudly flown by Sinead Dowd in Tralee next week, she isn't the only O'Moore interest in the competition.
Ottawa...
‘I think people are just surprised to see a young priest’: Fr David Vard...
As a 31-year-old who is an avid Munster rugby fan, is savvy on social media, enjoys travel and dotes on his nephew and nieces,...
‘The experience has been unreal’ – Laois Rose Sinead Dowd ahead of Tralee TV...
While many teenagers hanker after life in the Big Apple, Laois Rose, Sinéad Dowd, found herself going in the opposite direction, leaving behind New...
Laois lads all set to tend to their Roses in Tralee next week
Two Laois lads are reveling in the chance to be escorts at this year’s Rose of Tralee international festival.
Colin Palmer (25) from Camross and...
Well known Laois man recalls ‘Lord of the Dance’ that saw him go viral...
Twenty years ago, he took the Dome in Tralee by storm with his display of Irish dancing.
For this year’s Rose of Tralee, Paul Dargan...
‘We do not carry out door-to-door collections’ – Laois Hospice clarify collector issue
"If someone calls to you door stating they are collecting on behalf of Laois Hospice Foundation, you should notify Gardai immediately."
Laois Hospice Foundation has...
New Heywood principal is on home territory
With four young children, GAA playing and coaching commitments and a new job as principal of Heywood Community School, Eamon Jackman has a packed...
Gortnalee House Gardens to raise hospice funds with first open day since Covid
A Donaghmore garden will open to the public on Sunday, July 30 to raise funds for Laois Hospice. Hazel Luskin’s idyllic creation at Gortnalee...
End of an era as Heywood CS principal Philip Bowe retires
Going to school with the Salesian Brothers in Ballinakilll had a lasting impact on him, according to the outgoing principal of Heywood Community School,...
In Pictures: Tributes paid to retiring Laois school principal following 25 years at the...
The principal of Ballyfin National School, Michael Moloney, retired after 25 years at the helm, at the end of this school year.
A native of...
Celebrations on the double for centenarian Sr Mary Tighe of Errill
June is a momentous month for Sr Mary Tighe from Kylemelawn, Errill. For hot on the heels of her 100th birthday celebrations, she marked...
Laois bogs inspire artist as selection of paintings and sculptures unveiled
The bogs of Laois, Offaly and North Tipperary inspired a selection of paintings and sculptures by visual artist Bridget Flannery which were officially opened...
Growing friendship sees Daniel and Majella O’Donnell open Rathdowney community gardens
A friendship that flourished over 35 years between the parish priest of Rathdowney Fr Martin Delaney, and Daniel O’Donnell, will see the renowned singer...
Laois jewellery maker picked for and making big waves at Bloom in Dublin
Emo-based jewellery designer Yvonne Bolger is at Bloom this June bank holiday weekend, showcasing her designs, many of which are fittingly inspired by flowers...
In Pictures: Laois schoolchildren a class act for Music Generation Laois premiere
A total of 120 children aged between seven and 12 from Cloneyhurke, Rath and Paddock national schools were on song as they raised the...
Watch: Aghaboe Abbey the setting for new Drops of Green video ‘Sail on Jimmy’
Three Laois lad are among the line-up for the band Drops of Green which chose Aghaboe Abbey as the spectacular backdrop for their performance...
A Laois village with plenty going on – CCTV, defibrillators, new footpaths and tree...
Donaghmore Community Alert Group and Donaghmore Tidy Towns joined forces on Monday night last to express thanks to those who contributed to the projects...
Vintage run fundraises for Castletown memorial to honour the many young people from the...
The newly formed Castletown Vintage Club will hold a tractor and car run this Saturday, May 20, to fundraise for a new memorial marking...
‘Number of unwanted dogs in Laois is at crisis point’
The number of unwanted dogs in the county is currently at crisis point, according to the Laois Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to...
In Pictures: Sightless Cinema Network provides ‘reel’ benefits
Laois County Council’s arts office, along with South Dublin and Meath arts offices, have formed a partnership to establish the Sightless Cinema Network.
This is...
Tales from 100 Days of Paddling: Michael G publishes book on the Erkina
Community activist and river enthusiast Michael G Phelan is set to launch a new book, 'The Erkina River - from Source to Sea, Tales...
Portarlington woman is Laois ambassador for Marie Keating fundraiser
A Portarlington-based mother of two is the Laois ambassador for the 100k in 30 days event in June which will raise funds for the...
Portlaoise woman selected to take part in European film mentoring programme
A Portlaoise woman was recently selected to take part in a prestigious mentoring programme which aims to support upcoming producers in managing their careers...
Portlaoise singer hits a high note as she wins prestigious classical music competition in...
Portlaoise mezzo-soprano Anna Bergin, who has contralto range, hit a high note at the recent annual Feis Ceoil classical music competition held in Dublin’s...