Below are the recent local deaths.
May they rest in peace.
Ava Doran
Summerhill, Portlaoise, Laois
It is with profound sadness that Thomas and Debra Doran announce the passing of their very special daughter Ava. She was cherished and loved by her family, especially brothers Ryan and Jack. Lovingly remembered by grandparents Pat and Marion, aunts Leona and Helen, uncles Michael, JD, Philip and John. Cousins, relatives and friends of the family. Predeceased by her grandparents Toinette and Matthew.
The family would like to express their immense gratitude to all her nurses, doctors, carers, PTs, OTs and PHNs over many years.
We want to thank Dr. Farkhanda, Dr. Iro, Dr. McBrien, Dr. Daly, Elaine O’Brien-Doyle & all the nurses at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, Dr Booth & his entire team at the Cedar Clinic and Prof. Webb and Dr. Devins at CHI Crumlin as they have gone above and beyond for Ava.
They all showed true kindness, empathy, compassion and professionalism for Ava at all times.
We would like to thank Jim & his staff at Hughes Pharmacy Portlaoise for their dedicated support to Ava.
A special thank you to all the nurses who helped take care of Ava in our home – especially Valerie Scully who gave her time & care to Ava.
We would like to sincerely thank John & Denise at the Mortuary for their kindness towards Ava & dignified professional manner in managing the extremely sensitive area around Ava’s passing.
Mass of the Angels will take place at the Church of the Assumption, The Heath, Co. Laois on Friday morning October 17th at 11am. Private cremation will follow afterwards in Newlands Cross, Dublin 24 at 1.30 pm.
Jeremiah (Jerry) Wilkinson
Ballycarnan, Portlaoise, Laois
Jerry passed away peacefully in the loving care of the staff of Esker Rí Nursing Home, Clara, Co. Offaly. Predeceased by his sisters Annie, Lily, Evelyn and his brother Billy. Deeply regretted by his sister Emily (Peavoy), his brother in law Benny, his cherished nephews and nieces, Emma (Browne), Ivan (Thomas), Audrey (Jacob), Shirley (Chamney), Clive (Peavoy), Clive’s wife Susan, his adored grand-nephews Ben and Alex and his many neighbours and friends.
Funeral service will take place on Friday, 17th October 2025 at 2pm in St. Peter’s Church, Market Square, Portlaoise with burial in adjoining churchyard afterwards.
Bridie Hourigan (née Delaney)
Cloncannon, Mountmellick, Laois
The death has occurred of Bridie Hourigan (née Delaney) Cloncannon, Mountmellick, Co. Laois and formerly of Upper Forest.
In her 98th year (February 14th 1928 – October 14th 2025), peacefully, at home in the presence of her loving daughter Margaret.
Predeceased by her beloved husband Danny, her infant daughter Michelle, her brothers and sisters, Martin, Peg, Pat, Sara, Maureen, Kathleen and Lil (Sr. Elizabeth); her sisters-in-law Lally and Máire, her brothers-in-law Jim, Tom, Tommy, and Bernie.
She will be greatly missed by Margaret, by her nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces, great-grandnephews, her cousins, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Reposing at her residence in Cloncannon (Eircode R32 F380) on Wednesday October 15th from 4pm with Rosary at 7pm. Reposing on Thursday 16th from 3pm with removal at 5pm. Funeral arriving to St. Joseph’s Parish Church, Mountmellick, via O’Moore St., for 6pm.
Bridie’s long and blessed life will be celebrated at her funeral Mass on Friday 17th at 11am, followed by burial afterwards in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Acragar.
Mass will be live-streamed via the parish webcam https://www.mountmellickparish.ie
Arthur John (Charlie) Hovenden
Glenageary, Dublin/Durrow, Laois
HOVENDEN Arthur John (Charlie) (Glenageary, Co. Dublin and formerly of Durrow, Co Laois and AIB) – October 12, 2025, peacefully, in his 95th year. Beloved husband of Hilary, much loved father of Jonathan and Ross, adoring Grandad of Millie and loving brother of Harry and the late Bob, Janet and Edie. He will be mourned and missed by his family, relatives and friends.
Reposing at Colliers Funeral Home, Old Connaught Avenue, Bray on Thursday 16th October from 6.00pm to 8.00pm. Funeral Service on Friday 17th October at 11.30am in St. Paul’s Church, Silchester Road, Glenageary, followed by private cremation.
Michael (Har) Fitzgerald
Glenbarrow, Portlaoise, Laois/Ballyhale, Kilkenny
Michael (Har) Fitzgerald. Glenbarrow, Portlaoise, Co. Laois and formerly Ballytarsney, Ballyhale, Co. Kilkenny. Died 13th of October 2025 peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his parents and sisters Anne and Bernie. Deeply regretted by his loving wife Josephine, stepsons Joseph and Declan and their wives Antoinette and Lorraine, his adored grandchildren and great grandchild Connie, sisters Mary, Veronica and Helen, brother Pat, brothers-in-law John, Christy, Greg and Mick, extended family, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Reposing at Keegan’s Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 6:30pm until 8pm with prayers at 7:30pm. Requiem mass will take place at 11am on Thursday in SS Peter and Paul’s Church Portlaoise followed by interment in SS Peter and Paul Cemetery Portlaoise.
William (Willie) Donoghue
Harpurs Lane, Portlaoise, Laois, R32NWK7/Monasterevin, Kildare
William (Willie) Donoghue. Pleasant Place, Harper’s Lane Portlaoise Co. Laois and formerly Monasterevin Co. Kildare. Deeply regretted by his father Liam, mother Rose, loving sons Kyle Dante and Riley, brothers Daniel and Richard, extended family, relatives and friends.
Reposing at his residence (R32 NWK7) on Wednesday 15th of October from 5pm till 8pm with prayers at 7 pm. Funeral will arrive at SS Peter and Paul Church Monasterevin on Thursday For 11am requiem mass, followed by interment in Saint Evans Cemetery Monasterevin.
P.J (Patrick) Doogue
Carlow Town, Carlow/Laois
P.J (Patrick) Doogue, 29 Brownshill Rise, Brownshill Road, Carlow and formerly Ballintubbert, Co Laois, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on October 9th, 2025, at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin.
Beloved husband of Anne, much loved father of Nicole and Matty, adored grandfather of Isla, treasured step-father of Antoinette, Avril, Anna and Burtram, cherished brother of Derek, Angela. Kieran and Ian and dear son of Paddy and the late Teresa.
He will be sadly missed by his loving son, daughter, father, grandchild, step-grandchildren, brothers, sister, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, uncle, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Reposing at his home, 29 Brownshill Rise, Brownshill Road, Carlow (Eircode R93 K76E) on Thursday (October 16th) from 3pm concluding with Prayers at 7pm that evening. Removal on Friday morning at 9.15am to The Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow, arriving for Funeral Mass at 10am. Burial afterwards in St Mary’s Cemetery, Carlow.
SEE ALSO – Deaths in Laois – Tuesday, October 14, 2025
