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The week that was – our most read stories of the last seven days

1 – Shock and sadness as Laois dad tragically killed following workplace accident

There was shock and sadness in Laois today following the news that a Laois dad has died after a workplace accident.

Mark Walsh, who was originally from Offaly but lived in Portlaoise, died following an incident in Rochfortbridge, Westmeath, on Monday morning.

2 – Laois residents suffer harrowing dog attack while walking in Portlaoise

Three Laois residents and their dogs were the victims of a frenzied dog-attack while out walking in Portlaoise town this week.

The harrowing experience took place when friends, who were each walking their dogs, were set upon by two Alsatian / German Shepherd dogs on the old Knockmay Road.

3 – Young Laois girl’s organ donation helps save four people’s lives

Hannah Kealy from Cremorgan, Timahoe, passed away in July 2022 at the tender age of just two years old following an accident.

Hannah’s family made the brave decision to allow for organ donation, which helped to save the lives of four people.

This week, Hannah’s mother Marie gave an incredible speech about her daughter at an organ donation event in Dublin.

4 – Sadness at death of popular local pharmacist Liam Adams

The death occurred this week of Liam Adams in Portlaoise, a well-known local pharmacist who was highly regarded in the area.

Liam and his wife Roisin were behind the Adams Pharmacy business, which had shops in Tullamore and Portlaoise for a long number of years.

5 – In Pictures: Friends of Portlaoise Hospital Gala Fundraising Ball a huge success

There was serious style on show at the Midlands Park Hotel last weekend as the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital hosted a Gala Fundraising Ball.

There was a huge crowd in attendance as the ball began with a drinks reception serving prosecco, with music.

6 – Local Elections: Sinn Féin set out their stall in bid to take record number of council seats

The 2024 Local Elections loom large on the horizon and the launch of Sinn Féin’s campaign in Portlaoise last night is as good a sign as any that the countdown to polling day is well and truly underway.

While there have been a handful of individual campaign launches – of both independent and political party candidates – this was the first collective party event ahead of the election on June 7.

7 – ‘Significant milestone’ for Laois school as works commence on new AstroTurf pitch

Portlaoise College is abuzz with anticipation as the commencement of works on its new astroturf pitch marks a significant milestone for the school and the wider community.

This state-of-the-art facility promises to “enhance curricular and extracurricular activities,” providing a “dynamic space for students to develop their skills and hone their sporting talents.”

8 – In Pictures: Portlaoise Rotary Club hosted concert in aid of Kolbe Special School

Karla and Eric Damjanic

A fundraising concert in aid of Kolbe Special School took place in Portlaoise last week, with Portlaoise Rotary Club behind the concert which was hosted at St Peter’s Church of Ireland.

All proceeds raised from the concert went towards providing a new interactive programme, MultiBall Pro, for the gym in the new Kolbe Special school.

9 – Independent Ireland announces second Laois candidate for 2024 Local Elections

Independent Ireland, one of the country’s newest political parties, has announced that they will have a second candidate in Laois for the 2024 Local Elections.

Ballinakill woman Colette Byrne has declared that she will run for the newly formed Independent Ireland party.

10 – Fianna Fail add candidate to ticket as 19-year-old steps forward to contest 2024 Local Elections

Fianna Fail have added a third candidate to contest the 2024 Local Elections in the Graiguecullen-Portarlington area.

Sitting Councillors Padraig Fleming and Paschal McEvoy were selected at a convention last year, and now Joey Kennedy has announced that he will also run for the party.