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

1 – In Pictures: Late Late Show host pays a visit to popular Laois restaurant

Ryan Tubridy made a surprise appearance in Laois today as he popped in to a popular local restaurant.

There are some lovely pictures from Stradbally Fayre, who welcomed the RTE TV and radio presenter.

2 – Extreme sadness at the death of the hugely popular Will Sherlock

There was huge sadness around Laois this week with the death of Will Sherlock, a young man aged only in his mid 40s.

From Eyne outside Portlaoise, Will had been battling illness for the past couple of years.

3 – A Laois village with plenty going on – CCTV, defibrillators, new footpaths and tree planting

Donaghmore Community Alert Group and Donaghmore Tidy Towns joined forces to express thanks to those who contributed to the small historic village over the past couple of years.

Recent major improvements locally included the installation of CCTV cameras and the funding of two defibrillators.

4 – Hanlon Kitchens acquires Cuddy Kitchens and Carpentry

Well-known Laois business Hanlon Kitchens has recently expanded with the acquisition of Cuddy Kitchens and Carpentry.

Hanlon Kitchens, which is based in Aghaboe, Ballacolla, was set up by Danny Hanlon in 2001 and has grown considerably over the years.

5 – Council intend to remove 65 metres of trees in Portlaoise estate

It was announced that Laois County Council intend to remove 65 metres of trees in St Brigid’s Place in Portlaoise this autumn.

The trees are at the boundary adjacent to the railway line and will be taken out after the wildlife restrictions are lifted.

6 – A Laois County Councillor has called for proper signage towards 200-year-old site

Councillor Seamus McDonald has called on Laois County Council to erect signage for the old Castlebrack graveyard close to the Clonaghadoo church and school.

Cllr McDonald was speaking at the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District meeting, where stressed the importance of maintaing a connection with the site.

7 – ‘Sanctions for spurious refusals need to be tougher’ as one in six people refuse Laois Council house offer

A Laois County Councillor called for tougher penalties to be imposed upon those who refuse social housing for ‘spurious reasons’.

Sinn Fein Councill Aidan Mullins was speaking after figures he requested showed that one in six offers are being refused.

8 – Ballinakill land sells at online auction for over €23,000 per acre

Ballinakill land sells at online auction

A 25-acre block of land in Ballinakill sold recently for €585,000 or €23,400 per acre at an online auction.

Hennessey Auctioneers were the agents for the block of land which is located down a cul-de-sac road at the back of Heywood College and accessed via a right of way laneway.

9 – Laois footballers let six point lead slip as Offaly comeback for Tailteann Cup draw

The Laois senior footballers let a six point lead slip as they drew with Offaly in O’Moore Park this week.

Billy Sheehan’s charges led 1-11 to 0-8 with 67 minutes on the clock but Offaly scored 1-3 in the time that remained to comeback and draw.

10 – In Pictures: Portlaoise College celebrates academic excellence with award ceremonies

portlaoise College award winners 2023

Portlaoise College held an award ceremony this week, honouring students who have demonstrated outstanding academic excellence.

The ceremonies took place outdoors in the lovely sunshine. Because of the growth of the school in recent years, there was an individual award ceremony for each year group.