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The Week that Was: Our most read stories of the past seven days

1 – Gardai set up checkpoints and patrols in Mountmellick following three nights of disturbances

Gardai brought the disturbances which plagued Mountmellick for three days around Halloween under control with increased patrols and checkpoints.

2 – Six arrested following considerable Halloween public order incidents in Mountmellick

Laois-Offaly Gardai made six arrests in Mountmellick on Saturday night following considerable public order offences in an estate in the town.

Multiple units from right across the division were called to attend as well as a number of units of Laois Fire Services. All six, five of which are juveniles, have since been released pending charges.

3 – ‘Ban’ on pheasant shooting season due to Level 5 restrictions is ‘over the top’

The government’s decision to not allow the pheasant shooting season to commence due to Level 5 restrictions has been described as ‘completely over the top’.

Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley has called on the government to revisit their position on the matter.

4 – Almost €80,000 worth of drugs seized during Portlaoise raid

As part of an intelligence led operation into the sale and supply of drugs in Laois, Gardaí attached to the Laois Divisional Drug Unit discovered cocaine and cannabis with a street value of almost €80,000 on Tuesday night.

At approximately 10.30p.m. on Tuesday, the search operation was carried out at an apartment in Portlaoise.

5 – Laois woman named as Ireland’s Inspirational Hero in second ever Gala Retail Awards

Following a nationwide search to uncover Ireland’s most inspirational people, Aisling Donoher from Ballybrittas, is celebrating after being named an Inspirational Hero in the Gala Retail and Virgin Media Inspiration Awards.

Aisling is the proud parent of Dan, who was diagnosed with a rare genetic neuromuscular disease for which there is no cure in Ireland or the rest of Europe.

6 – ‘Genius’, ‘gentleman’, ‘legend’ – tributes pour in for Laois teacher following retirement

Tributes have poured in following the retirement of a Laois teacher who spent 35 years educating pupils in the county.

Denis Hassett, from Errill, retired from Scoil Bhride in Rathdowney at the start of October after three and a half decades.

7 – Laois girl in New Zealand launches fundraiser for small businesses for support up to Christmas

With the current lockdown causing local small businesses to close down for a third time in Laois, a fundraiser has been launched to raise money for them called ‘Small Business Christmas’.

It has been established by Shannen Kearney of Portlaoise who now lives in New Zealand.

8 – Coronavirus outbreak confirmed at Midlands Prison in Portlaoise

815 prisoners and staff will now be tested. The prison had avoided any cases in the first wave.

9 – Laois man in the running for IFA South Leinster chairman role

Two candidates are in the running for the position of IFA South Leinster Chairman – and a Laois man is among them.

Francie Gorman from the Ballinakill branch has been nominated by Laois IFA. He was Chairman of Laois County Executive until last February.

10 – Fr Paddy: The 10 Spiritual Tips for Winter Lockdown 2020

10 really good tips from Fr Paddy.