John Whelan
John Whelan has been a journalist, commentator, columnist, political analyst, campaigner, politician and publisher ever since he was 17. Having been Editor of the Leinster Express, Offaly Express and the Leinster Leader he has also contributed extensively on a number of issues to all of the country's flagship titles and programmes including the Irish Press, The Irish Independent, the Star, the Sunday Independent, the Sunday Business Post and Prime Time. He is now part-owner of Communicate Ireland.
No politicians on new health boards says Minister
The Minister for Health has signalled that there will be no politicians on the proposed new regional health board structures.
The return of health boards...
Laois man at the heart of the action in West Cork
Laois is no stranger to people who arrive in the county to work and who for one reason or another decide to stay and...
New CEO appointed to relaunched Laois Chamber of Commerce
A vastly experienced businesswoman has been appointed to head up the recently relaunched Laois Chamber of Commerce.
The new CEO of the Laois Chamber is...
‘It can’t happen soon enough’ – imminent return of health boards welcomed
In a major reversal of policy the Government is anticipated this week to announce the return of regional health boards.
This is a significant U-turn...
Last orders as Laois man sells famous Washington pub
Sláinte! Cheers!
They raised a glass to the Whelan family in Washington this weekend and wished them well.
The occasion was to mark closing time for...
In Pictures: Scaling new heights this summer at Emo Court
Take a classic piece of literature; have it directed, produced and performed by a classically trained Shakespearean touring company; staged against the backdrop of...
Ambitious plans and timeframe for new Laois secondary school
All going well and all going to plan Laois’ newest secondary school will be up-and-running in its permanent location in 2021.
That might seem like...
Laois priest and nun honoured for decades of dedicated service
Sister Rosarii retired in 1992. Well, sort of retired.
She retired from teaching back in 1992 after completing what was by any standards a full...
A powerful new festival in the pipeline for Laois
The Power of Words Festival is a brand-new festival celebrating words, language and literature in all their shapes and forms, written, spoken, acted and...
Town Team collaborate to put Portlaoise on the map
If you want to know where you’re going, it’s always best to have a plan. A road map.
Well that’s precisely what the Downtown Traders...
Deep sadness as much beloved Laois school principal passes away
The death has taken place of Ted Laffey from Irishtown, Mountmellick. He was 62 years of age.
Ted was the much beloved and highly respected...
Laois family to the fore of successful bluegrass jamboree
Tony O’ Brien is probably better known to most as a footballer.
That’s perfectly understandable as he was a fairly nifty forward in his day...
Closing date nears for tenth anniversary community and unsung hero awards
The closing date for receipt of applications for the 2019 Laois Community and Voluntary Awards is fast approaching.
The closing date for nominations is this...
Monasterevin mourns local man who died in mountaineering tragedy
The tightly knit communities of Monasterevin and Kildangan are in a state of shock and still trying to come to terms with the tragic...
Rocketing rents sees Laois added to control zones but auctioneers are not impressed
Spiralling rent costs has seen Laois added to new control zones announced last night by the Government.
Large urban areas of Laois are among 19...
Enjoyable and engaging summer arts programme in store for Laois children
An array of arts and music workshops are available for young people to enjoy over the month of July and into August as part...
Brendan Phelan out for the count and fairly sore with Fianna Fáil
Brought to you in association with People First Credit Union
Brendan Phelan from Rathdowney will long remember the 10th count in the Borris-in-Ossory electoral area...
ELECTED: Thomasina secures major gain for Fine Gael in Portlaoise with final seat
Brought to you in association with People First Credit Union
Thomasina Connell has secured a Council seat on her first attempt.
She was elected on 796...
Full recount underway in Borris-Mountmellick area
Brought to you in association with People First Credit Union
A full recount of the Borris-Mountmellick electoral area is now firmly underway in the Portlaoise...
John Whelan: The battle of Borris and the scrap for Portlaoise will leave casualties
Brought to you in association with People First Credit Union
As the count in Portlaoise grinds on the final outcome still remains elusive and inconclusive.
However,...
John Whelan: Savage scrap in store for final seat in Portlaoise
Brought to you in association with People First Credit Union
There is a savage scrap in store in the Portlaoise electoral area for the last...
Portarlington councillor Eddie Fitzpatrick back on top in Offaly
Brought to you in association with People First Credit Union
The roller-coaster political career of Portarlington councillor, Eddie Fitzpatrick hit a high note this weekend...
New candidates Bergin and Clooney in the mix in Borris-Mountmellick as Goodwin under pressure
Brought to you in association with People First Credit Union
Two new first-time candidates have put the cat among the pigeons in the Borris-Mountmellick Municipal...
1979 Election Memories: The men in suits, the dealing in Donoghues, and Charlie McDonald...
Forty years ago in 1979 the first ever direct elections to the European Parliament were held in tandem with the local elections on June...
Retiring councillors leave a gap of opportunity in Castlecomer
Brought to you in association with People First Credit Union
If there is any such thing as a handy Council seat, well then there’s one...
Ground hurling, the GAA vote and the Rosenallis factor all in play in Borris-Mountmellick
Brought to you in association with People First Credit Union
One of the puzzling anomalies of Laois-Offaly politics is how villages like Ballacolla and Bracknagh...
‘Lovely Laois’ being blighted by rubbish
Laois County Council is being inundated with complaints and reports of littering, fly tipping and illegal dumping around the county.
It is costing the Council...
Loan deposits demand compounding ‘housing crisis’ in Laois
For the umpteenth time this year Laois County Councillors have expressed their frustration and dismay over the protracted housing crisis.
Speaking at the final meeting...
Laois will sign up to Pollinator Plan to help bees
Laois County Council has confirmed that it plans to sign up to the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan. The news will be welcomed in a week...
Pause button pressed on School of Music proposal
A recommendation from the local authority management to divest the governance of the Laois School of Music from the Council to the Laois-Offaly Education...
