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The week that was: Our most read stories of the past seven days

the week that was

1 – Fundraiser launched for daughters of Laois father following aggressive Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis

A GoFundMe has been launched for Jonathan McCowen, a Portarlington dad with an aggressive form of Motor Neuron disease.

In August last year Jonathan McCowen had a good and ‘normal’ life: a secure job, a cheeky, cute 2-year-old daughter, Darcy, and he and his beautiful wife Sherie were expecting their second daughter Riley.

In less than a year, his condition has deteriorated to the point that he cannot talk or walk.

2 – Laois company purchases land from County Council for €400,000 in Portlaoise

A Laois company’s proposal to purchase a site from Laois County Council for €396,400 was approved at a meeting recently.

Oxley Electrical and Security Ltd, based in Abbeyleix, sought to buy 1.49 hectares of land at Clonminam, Portlaoise in Knockmay.

The proposal came before Laois County Councillors at a meeting last week where it was unanimously approved.

Ben Deegan Laois minor hurlers

3 – Laois forward finishes as highest scorer following conclusion of All-Ireland Minor championship

A Laois man finished as the highest scorer following the dramatic conclusion of the All-Ireland Minor Hurling championship.

The competition came to an end as Tipperary beat Offaly with a last second goal, and although not involved in the final, Camross’ Ben Deegan has topped the scoring charts.

The wing forward scored a total of 4-63 across the eight games that he played in.

4 – Keogh on form as St Joseph’s defeat Graiguecullen for first Division 1 league title since 2010

St Joseph’s claimed the Division 1A league title for the first time since 2010 following victory over Graiguecullen.

This was a hard fought win in difficult conditions and continues St Joseph’s fine start to the 2022 season.

The captured the Kelly Cup at the start of the year and will begin their quest for a treble next month when the championship starts.

5 – Gardai investigating ‘alleged incident of assault’ at retail car park in Laois

Gardai are investigating followed an alleged incident of assault that took place in a retail car park in Laois this week.

The incident occurred at around 4.20pm on Monday at a car park on the Timahoe Road in Portlaoise.

LaoisToday understands that prior to the alleged assault, two people were involved in a road traffic collision. It was alleged that as one woman approached the other, they were knocked down, assaulted and then the other drove away.

Raymond Dunne Bench

6 – In Pictures: Memorial bench for much loved Laois man unveiled on one year anniversary

Tuesday, 5th July marked the one year anniversary of Raymond Dunne’s passing and a lovely event in his memory was held last weekend.

Raymond ‘Ray’ Dunne, from The Swan in Laois, passed away suddenly on Monday, July 5 2021.

A lovely bench made entirely from recycled plastic was erected to commemorate Ray and his loving impact on the community.

7 – Remarkable run continues as Park-Ratheniska defeat Ballyfin to claim Division 2 success

Park-Ratheniska’s incredible run of form has continued as they defeated Ballyfin to claim the Division 2 title last Saturday.

Kieran Kelly’s charges scored a goal in either half to win the third successive final that they have contested in O’Moore Park.

They claimed Junior and Intermediate glory last year and have now warmed up for their first Senior championship campaign since 1997 in style.

Eileen Brennan

8 – In Pictures: Laois school open garden in honour of retired caretaker following 40 years of service

Mayo National School in Crettyard celebrated the opening of “Eileen’s Garden” with a lovely service on June 27.

The outdoor classroom is a tribute to the former caretaker and forever friend of the school.

Eileen Brennan recently retired after an amazing 40 years of service in Mayo NS.

9 – Gardai make drugs seizure and arrest following traffic stop in Laois

Gardai in Laois stopped a car and made a drugs seizure following a routine stop yesterday.

The Laois roads policing unit was on patrol when they spotted a vehicle with non conforming number plates.

They stopped the vehicle and then discovered a quantity of drugs (Cannabis) inside.

Killeshin

10 – Hand the hero as Killeshin strike in injury time to see off Stradbally for Division 1B success

Killeshin were crowned Division 1B champions following a dramatic injury time in O’Moore Park this evening.

Stradbally led by a point with 64 minutes on the clock but ended up losing by four as Killeshin scored 1-2 in the final moments.

They drew level via Eoin Lowry and then sub Cathal Brennan put them ahead before David Aston set up Kaelum Hand for the match winning goal.