Below are the recent local deaths.
May they rest in peace.
John O`Shea
Birchgrove, Portlaoise, Laois
John O’Shea Birchgrove Portlaoise and formerly St Johns Sq.
Died 18th January 2026 at Portlaoise Regional Hospital surrounded by his partner and family after a brief illness.
Remembered by his loving partner Holly, Daughters Denise, Janette, Katie, son John and his Grandchildren Ada, Dale, Leon, Anna, Rossa, Kit, & Ivy.
He will be sorely missed by his sisters Mary, Lucy, Anne, brother Joe, Nephews, nieces. extended family, neighbours, and many friends.
Reposing at Keegans Funeral home on this Wednesday evening from 6.30 pm until 8 pm with Rosary at 7.30 pm.
Removal on Thursday morning to arrive at SS Peter and Pauls Church for 11 am requiem Mass. Interment will follow in SS Peter and Pauls cemetery in family plot.
Dan Murphy
Abbey Cresent Ballyroan Road, Abbeyleix, Laois, R32VOH6
Peacefully at home surrounded by his family after a short illness. Beloved husband to the late Betty, devoted father to Daniel and Gemma, Daniel’s partner Jen and adoring grandfather to Max. Dear brother of Jonny, Margaret, Willie, Nancy and the late Emily. Sadly missed by brothers and sisters in law, nieces ,nephews and his many relatives, neighbours and friends.
Reposing at his home 9 Abbey Crescent on Tuesday from 4pm with prayers at 7pm. Removal to the Church of the Most Holy Rosary, Abbeyleix on Wednesday for 11am. Requiem Mass. Burial afterwards in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Family Flowers only. House private Wednesday morning.
Thomas Francis (Frank) Harding
Vesey Close, Abbeyleix, Laois
Peacefully at Lourdesville Nursing Home, surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his parents Jack and Liz Harding. Sadly missed by his loving wife Dolly, children John, Tim, Avril and Emer and sister Pat, daughters -in- law, Rosie and Lara, sons-in-law, Michael and Thor, grandchildren Jill, Ella, Abbey, Sean, Amy, Harry and Erin, sisters-in-law Mary and Rena and nieces and nephews.
Reposing in The Chapel of Rest adjoining the Church Of The Most Holy Rosary, Abbeyleix on Tuesday evening from 5pm. to 7.30pm with prayers at 7.30. Requiem Mass on Wednesday at 2pm. in The Church Of The Most Holy Rosary, Abbeyleix. Burial afterwards in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
No flowers by request donations in lieu to the Alzheimer’s Society.
Stephen Bergin
Glencondra, Camross, Laois
Stephen passed away peacefully on the 19th January 2026, at home. Predeceased by his son Ultan, his brothers Paddy, Joe, Jack, and Martin, sister Mary (Saunders).
Stephen will be very sadly missed by his wife Margaret, his daughters Majella, Julie and Stephanie, his grandson Conor, his in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Reposing at Burke’s Funeral Home, Mountrath (eircode R32 Y661) on Tuesday evening, 20th January, from 5.30 p.m., concluding with Rosary at 7.0’clock.
Removal from his home on Wednesday morning, 21st January, to St. Fergal’s Church, Camross (eircode R32 VY79) for Requiem Mass at 11.0’clock, followed by Burial in the adjoining Cemetery.
Stephen’s Requiem Mass will be live streamed on: –
https://www.facebook.com/Camross-Pastoral-Council-102465442386310/
House private on Wednesday morning please
Family flowers only, donations in lieu of flowers to the Irish Wheelchair Association
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.
SEE ALSO – Deaths in Laois – Tuesday, January 20, 2026
