Alan Hartnett
Stradbally native Alan Hartnett is a graduate of Knockbeg College who has worked in the local and national media since 2008. Alan has a BA in Economics, Politics and Law and an MA in Journalism from DCU. His happiest moment was when Jody Dillon scored THAT goal in the Laois senior football final in 2016.
In Pictures: History made as first ever ‘toy swap’ in Laois a big success
The first-ever Toy Swap in Laois was held on Saturday, 20 December 2025 in St Mary Hall in Portlaoise.
Families from across the county attended...
In Pictures: Laois PPN presents Climate Action Project at IEN Winter Conference
Laois PPN were honoured to present on the Laois PPN Climate Action Project at the recent Irish Environmental Network (IEN) Winter Conference.
This took place...
In Pictures: Creative painting project ‘Through Our Eyes’ launched at Portlaoise Library
A unique creative painting project titled “Through Our Eyes” was officially launched at Portlaoise Library on December 18.
This brought together education, healthcare, and industry...
Workshop for Midlands eco and wellness tourism businesses to take place in Laois
Midlands based eco and wellness tourism businesses are invited to attend an exciting networking and development event at Bloom HQ in Mountrath, on January...
Draws made for Leinster football and hurling championships at U-20 and minor
The draws for the Leinster football and hurling championships at U-20 and minor have been made.
In football, both Laois teams have been drawn in...
New planning exemptions will ‘cut red tape and reduce costs for farmers’ says Laois...
Laois Fine Gael TD and Leas Cathaoirleach of the Committee on Agriculture, Willie Aird, has welcomed the introduction of new planning exemption regulations, which...
Laois County Council sells final industrial enterprise site in Portarlington for €170,000
Laois County Council have decided to sell the final of four industrial enterprise sites in Portarlington for a sum of €170,000.
The site, measuring 0.476...
Portlaoise woman chosen to represent Polish community in the ‘Beyond Borders’ campaign
Kasjana Jatkowska from Portlaoise has been selected from the 125,000 members of the Polish diaspora in Ireland to represent the community in a national...
TG4 set to show three Electric Picnic 2025 highlights programmes over Christmas
TG4 have announced that they will show highlights from the 2025 edition of Electric Picnic in three episodes over Christmas.
For the very first time...
€465,000 available for community climate action projects in Laois but deadline fast approaching
€465,000 has been approved for Community Action Projects in Laois - so says Fianna Fail TD Sean Fleming.
These grants are available to organisations such...
Leinster Colleges SFC: Dramatic Knockbeg comeback falls short as they lose controversial quarter final...
Knockbeg College 1-14 Ardee CS (Louth) 1-15
Leinster Colleges SFC Quarter Final
There was heartbreak for Knockbeg College in SETU Carlow this afternoon as they were...
Tributes paid as Laois County Council official retires following 40 years of service
Tributes have been paid by politicians and colleagues following the retirement of a Laois County Council official after 40 years of service.
Evelyn Reddin, from...
Laois farmers to benefit from Straw Incorporation Measure and schools to be added to...
Farmers in Laois will receive €294,340.30 under the Straw Incorporation Measure which delivers real benefits to farming families, said Fine Gael TD, Willie Aird.
Deputy...
In Pictures: Water Safety Ireland Laois hosts annual Water Safety Awards ceremony
Laois County Council, in partnership with Water Safety Ireland – Laois, hosted the presentation of certificates and awards to participants of the Water Safety...
Science and innovation the winners as Colaiste Iosagain host annual Sci-Fest event
Coláiste Íosagáin hosted their annual SciFest@School competition earlier this month and it proved a big success once again.
Transition year students displayed with pride and...
Clonaslee High Nelly club announce plans for BUMBLEance fundraiser and open day
Clonaslee High Nelly Club have a very special festive day planned in Clonaslee this Friday, December 19.
The boys and girls in the playschool have...
In Pictures: Maryborough NS host Christmas craft fair and raffle plus performance
Maryborough NS has been a hive of Christmas flurry and excitement in the last few weeks.
On December 5, the children and families of Maryborough...
Laois Councillors vote to add extra 202 houses to housing development by rezoning
Laois County Councillors have voted to rezone land that allows for an extra 202 houses to be added to an ongoing development.
The issue of...
Young Laois man’s Lourdes parish fundraising song raises more than €2,000
A beautiful rendition of a much loved Christmas classic has raised more than €2,000 for a very worthy cause.
20-year-old Ross Molloy recorded and released...
Laois Senator calls for immediate reversal of ‘cruel’ blister-pack decision
Senator Maria McCormack has called on the government to urgently reverse its decision to withdraw funding for medication blister packs.
Senator McCormack has warned that...
Former Laois footballer leads Kildare club Grangenolvin to Leinster Junior title
Grangenolvin of Kildare were crowned Leinster Junior club champions yesterday in SETU Carlow.
They got the better of Carlow side The Fighting Cocks by 1-12...
Laois IFA President and his son set off by tractor for Brussels protest
IFA President Francie Gorman, accompanied by his son Tom (11), will depart on a tractor from the Irish Farm Centre this morning to arrive...
‘Jungle Joe’ set for O’Moore Park return following appearance with 2 Johnnies at 3...
'Jungle' Joe Phelan is set to return to O'Moore Park in 2026 following an appearance on the stage at the 3 Arena last night...
Students at Laois secondary school go global with Irish and English podcasting
Dunamase College/Coláiste Dhún Másc continues to lead the way in innovative teaching, digital creativity and student voice with its rapidly expanding bilingual podcasting programme.
As...
Laois students to be equipped with hands-on skills in virtual reality, filmmaking, and podcasting
A new partnership has been launched for Transition Year students in nine schools across Laois and Offaly - the LOETB TY Digital Arts Programme.
This...
In Pictures: Portlaoise College TY students shine at annual SciFest showcase
Portlaoise College was a hub of innovation and excitement this week as Transition Year students took part in SciFest, the annual celebration of science,...
Call made for river and bridge in Laois village to be cleaned as ‘three...
Laois County Council has been called upon to carry out works on the bridge in Castletown as it is almost fully blocked with silt.
The...
In Pictures: Individuals and community groups benefit as Raheen Vintage Club celebrate another successful...
Raheen Vintage Club held their annual presentation night recently, celebrating another hugely successful year for the club and community.
A total of €9,600 was donated...
Laois TD presses Minister for Public Expenditure for update on new school for Colaiste...
Independent Republican TD Brian Stanley has called on the Government to 'honour the Commitments in the Programme for Government on the school building projects...
In Pictures: Mountrath Community School host carol service and TY market
Mountrath Community School held its annual Christmas Carol Service, bringing students, staff, and families together to celebrate the festive season in a warm and...