Below are the recent local deaths.
May they rest in peace.
John Fitzpatrick
The Heath, Portlaoise, Laois
Late of The Heath, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
Cherished brother of Liam and Bridie.
Deeply regretted by his nephew Kieran, relatives, friends and neighbours.
Reposing at his home (Eircode R32 HK09) on Tuesday 20th January from 5pm- 8pm, with Rosary Recital at 8pm.
Requiem Mass will take place on Wednesday 21st January at 12pm in St. Paul’s Church Emo, Co. Laois followed by interment in Emo New Cemetery, Co Laois
House private on Wednesday morning please
Sylvia Mary Mathews (née Kellett)
Station Road, Portarlington, Laois
Sylvia Mary Mathews late of Station Road Portarlington and of Wilton, Main Street Portarlington County Laois who passed away on the 13th January 2026 in her 108th year peacefully in the loving and wonderful care of the staff of St Martha’s Ward at St Vincent’s Community Nursing Unit Mountmellick. Beloved wife of the late Cecil G. Mathews and mother of Stuart and Susan, grandmother of Amanda, Nicola, Charles and Nicholas, great-grandmother to Willow, Isla, William, Imogen, Anders and Theodore.
Funeral arriving St Paul’s Church, Portarlington on Thursday 22nd January for Funeral Service at 2pm. Burial afterwards in the adjoining Churchyard.
Dick Downey
Clondarrig, Portlaoise, Laois
Downey, Clondarrig, Portlaoise – 17th January 2026
Passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Kathleen, and dearly loved father to Elaine, Caitriona, John and Richard, and cherished grandfather to all his grandchildren.
Deeply regretted by his loving family; sisters Lucy and Eileen; sons-in-law Jim and Noel; daughters-in-law Karen and Martina; in-laws, neighbours, relatives and friends. Predeceased by his parents Ellen and John, his brothers Michael and Johnny, and his sister Mary.
Reposing at Keegan’s Funeral Home, Portlaoise, on Monday from 6.pm until 8 pm. with rosary at 7.30 pm. On Tuesday funeral arriving at St Fintans church Ballyfin for 11 am requiem mass. Interment will follow in Clondarrig Cemetery.
Mass may be viewed on Ballyfin Parish webcam https://www.mountrathparish.ie/Profile/ballyfin
House private please.
Elizabeth Bennett (née Creane)
Askea House, Vicarstown, Laois/Gorey, Wexford
Formerly of Ballycanew, Gorey, County Wexford. Peacefully in the loving care of the staff of Carnew Nursing Home County Wicklow. Predeceased by her husband Peter, her father Thomas and mother Eileen. Deeply regretted by her loving son Adrian, sisters Patricia and Mary, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
Reposing at Mahers Chapel of Rest, Portarlington (eircode R32 X5XV) on Sunday evening from 4pm with Rosary at 7pm. Removal on Monday morning at 10:15am arriving The Church of The Assumption, Vicarstown (eircode R32 N803) for Requiem Mass at 11am. Funeral afterwards to Moyanna Cemetery.
SEE ALSO – Deaths in Laois – Monday, January 19, 2026
