John Whelan
John Whelan has been a journalist, commentator, columnist, political analyst, campaigner, politician and publisher ever since he was 17. Having been Editor of the Leinster Express, Offaly Express and the Leinster Leader he has also contributed extensively on a number of issues to all of the country's flagship titles and programmes including the Irish Press, The Irish Independent, the Star, the Sunday Independent, the Sunday Business Post, The Sunday Times and Prime Time. He is founder of Communicate Ireland a PR, public affairs, event management and media services company.
He is the author of the popular camping blog, Vanhalla - Camper Heaven.
Weekend Read: The Electric Picnic is great … but it needs to clean up...
So the Electric Picnic has sold out again in record time. Early-bird, loyalty, family camping, campervan tickets all gone, and once they’re gone they’re...
Campaign underway to re-open Laois train station
It will be a big ask and a hard station, but there is a campaign underway to have the railway line to Mountmellick re-opened.
Initiating...
Meet the Laois man who’s been at more All Irelands than most of us...
There is ‘Dad joke’ that does the rounds in our family. It was a personal favourite of my uncle, Billy Whelan.
It goes: ‘You know...
Make no mistake ‘The Lost Messiahs’ have arrived
It could finally be that Ollie Plunkett is about to become an overnight success … after 30 years.
The guy with that distinctive head of...
Laois woman’s healthy ambition could have global benefits
It is fair to say that while although still a young woman, Diane Cooper has devoted much of her life to helping others live...
Zach Tuohy looking forward to AFL finals in best season ever
Portlaoise GAA star Zach Tuohy is less than 24-hours away from the game of his career.
Zach’s Aussie Rules football club, Geelong, have finished top...
My Pick for the Picnic: Michael Kiwanuka the man behind the ‘Big Little Lies’...
Brought to you in association with Expert Laois
LaoisToday contributor and columnist John Whelan reminds us that there was a time when he did have...
No progress in sight for Portarlington relief road
The Portarlington relief road is a roadway that’s going nowhere fast it seems.
There is no sign of any progress whatsoever for the long awaited...
23 very helpful tips to help make you a happy camper
August is peak camping. The full house signs are up all across the country’s most popular campsites.
The summer holidays are in full flow. Families...
Slow progress at last on Laois speed limits
While some councillors felt that the review of Laois speed limits had dragged on to the point where they would soon be passing themselves...
Sinn Féin scrap over make-up of Council committees
There was a right good verbal spat at the Council over the make-up of the local authority Special Policy Committees (SPCs) for the next...
Warm tributes paid to Bill Brady ‘The Man from Laramie’
There were warm tributes paid this week to the late Billy Brady at his funeral Mass in St Michael’s Church in Portarlington. He was...
Weekend Read: Zach Tuohy on his AFL title hopes, aiming for history and his...
Just as our own All-Ireland series in both hurling and football codes reach their crescendo over the coming weeks, so too does Aussie Rules...
Cervical checks concerns emphatically laid bare by local councillor
One of the county’s newest councilors announced her arrival in convincing fashion this week when she emphatically laid bare the concerns sweeping the country...
Sofa so good, for Laois mattress amnesty
The Laois mattress amnesty is in full swing. It’s proving hugely popular.
That’s a good reflection on the county.
In other countries they are trying to...
Almost 600 complaints to Laois County Council this year over illegal dumping
Laois County Council is continuing with its carrot and stick approach to illegal dumping and waste management - and so far this year it...
Backing for Laois beef farmers crucial for rural areas, argue Laois councillors
Beef up beef prices for Laois farmers as rural communities are hugely reliant on farm family incomes for survival.
That was the clear and direct...
Praise, plaudits and even profits for Portarlington swimming pool
Running a swimming pool is no easy task.
A lot of the time it’s about trying to keep your head above water and even more...
Laois cemetery works being buried in red tape
Laois has 27 local authority cemeteries.
The ongoing delays in carrying out works at Laois cemeteries was a cause of frustration and annoyance for Laois...
E-tendering framework killing small local businesses
The rules and regulations that compel agencies like Laois County Council to put contracts out for quotes by e-tender is detrimental to Laois businesses...
Those dreaded words, ‘subject to funding’
You know the feeling.
Everyone’s been there at some stage or other.
Those dreaded words: “It’s not you, it’s me.”
Well, there is a political equivalent at...
Derelict Laois property a danger to the public
It’s been another long running saga but the danger of a derelict Laois property inflicting serious injury on an unsuspecting member of the public...
Slieve Blooms attraction the victim of its own success
One of the most popular attractions in the county is proving a victim of its own success.
Glenbarrow in the Slieve Blooms continues to attract...
Heavy traffic taking its toll on Laois bridges
Heavy traffic is taking its toll on some old bridges in rural parts of Laois this week’s meeting of the Borris-Mountmellick district was told.
The...
Behind every good man … is a Laois woman, ask Shane Lowry
The secret ingredient of super star golfer Shane Lowry’s success is revealed.
The elusive X-factor is not his caddie or dedicated training on the putting...
In Pictures: Vibrant and varied projects in store for Laois Creative programme
Wow!
The Laois Creative Ireland Programme for 2019 is impressive.
It’s exciting, it’s extensive, it’s engaging and there are events taking place between now and the...
Abbeyleix Bog project approved for next phase of surveys
The Abbeyleix Bog project has been approved for the next phase of surveys and research, which will continue to monitor its progress and shape...
UPDATED: Pool at Portlaoise Leisure Centre REOPENED but plumbing problems persist
The swimming pool at the Portlaoise Leisure Centre has re-opened to the public.
However, those wishing to use the pool will be notified that some...
Sadness following passing of pioneering Portarlington hotelier who was before his time
The death has taken place of Ray Searson.
The pioneering Portarlington hotelier was living in Kinsale in recent years. He departed Portarlington about 30 years...
No politicians on new health boards says Minister
The Minister for Health has signalled that there will be no politicians on the proposed new regional health board structures.
The return of health boards...