Columnists
Home Columnists
Martina Mulhall: CAO opens this week – here’s what you need to know
The CAO opens for applications this Wednesday, November 5, at 12 noon, marking the official start of the 2026 college application cycle.
For thousands of...
Fr Paddy: Peace of Mind is a most important gift that we must never...
November for many is a challenging month. Winter darkness brings a change of mood, winter makes us all somewhat vulnerable.
Nature seems to have...
Fr Paddy: Remembering loved ones gone before us
This week we begin the new month of November. Traditionally this is the time of year, in the Christian liturgical calendar, when we remember...
Martina Mulhall: Nine from Laois in the running for National Apprentice of the Year
Nine outstanding apprentices from Laois have been shortlisted for the Fourth National Apprentice of the Year Awards, which will take place on Tuesday, October...
Fr Paddy: Those who care for the vulnerable
In all our communities, often silently and heroically, are people who voluntarily care for a vulnerable loved one.
For me personally, those who care for...
Martina Mulhall: Don’t dismiss the idea of studying in the UK
Irish students continue to look to Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales for university opportunities, and for good reason.
More than 5,000 students from the...
Fr Paddy: Time to pray for Palestine
It is utterly distressing to watch news reports of the war in Gaza and the West Bank.
Like so many others, the feelings of outrage...
Fr Paddy: Reflecting on Pope Leo’s first 100 days – filled with calmness and...
Pope Leo’s, first 100 days in the Petrine Office recently took place. His ministry is fuelled with deep discernment and prayer.
Two qualities stand out:...
Martina Mulhall: Choosing what’s next – how students can make college open days count
This week kicks off a brand-new season of CAO college open days, with events running across campuses nationwide from October to December.
For Senior Cycle...
Fr Paddy: The value of learning to slow things down
This week marks the beginning of October. I really love the colours associated with October, nature as it bids farewell to foliage and fruits...
Martina Mulhall: From Portlaoise to global stardom – The Umbrella Academy star Robert Sheehan
This summer, through the Gold Star Careers series, 16 remarkable Laois people generously shared the stories behind their success.
From early career choices to pivotal...
Martina Mulhall: CAO Handbook 2026 – Don’t fear it, start using it
The CAO 2026 Handbook has landed, and with it, the next stage of the Leaving Cert journey.
For many students, that handbook can trigger...
Fr Paddy: Saint Pier Giorgio Michelangelo Frassati – becoming acquainted with the ‘less known’...
Recently, Pope Leo XIV declared Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young Italian from the 20th century who died at the age of 24, and Carlo...
Martina Mulhall: Shaping futures – Kathryn Corbett on careers, challenges, and change
In this series, we speak to high-profile figures across a range of industries to explore the stories behind their success.
From early career choices...
Fr Paddy: Daniel O’Connell, the Great Liberator
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Daniel O’Connell, the “Great Liberator”.
Daniel O'Connell (1775–1847) changed the face of Irish history....
Martina Mulhall: From AFL star to GPA Leader – Colm Begley’s journey in sport...
In this series, we speak to high-profile figures across a range of industries to explore the stories behind their success.
From early career choices...
Martina Mulhall: Don’t miss out – It’s not too late to apply for SUSI
Many students, and their parents, believe it’s too late to apply for the SUSI student grant once the college year has started.
But the...
Fr Paddy: ‘It’s important to remember to let go of your stresses and worries’
September brings a rich feast for our senses.
Autumnal colours are very beautiful. In many ways’ autumn is a season of letting go. harvest...
Martina Mulhall: From Portlaoise to the red carpet – the journey of Stevie Blake
In this careers series, Martina Mulhall, Gold Star Careers, speaks with high-profile figures across a range of industries to explore the stories behind their...
Martina Mulhall: CAO week – Decisions, deadlines and new beginnings
Martina Mulhall, Gold Star Careers offers one-to-one or small group career advice, in-person or online, to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
Follow on Instagram for...
Fr Paddy: Monsignor John Byrne – 25 years as Parish Priest of Portlaoise
Often in life, we only get the opportunity to speak well of someone we highly regard and respect, after they have physically gone from...
Martina Mulhall: From boyband to boardroom – The unstoppable journey of Damien Bowe
In this careers series, Martina Mulhall, Gold Star Careers, speaks with high-profile figures across a range of industries to explore the stories behind their...
Fr Paddy: The Good Samaritan and what story Jesus might tell us today…
It was a lawyer who asked Jesus in the Gospel, ‘Who is my neighbour?’ He was probably expecting a definition that would determine the...
Martina Mulhall: Meet the adopted Laois man who has made a massive impact on...
In this careers series, Martina Mulhall, Gold Star Careers, speaks with high-profile figures across a range of industries to explore the stories behind their...
Martina Mulhall: Leaving Cert results 2025 – What you need to know!
The long wait for Leaving Cert results is almost over as results are released on Friday, August 22.
It is important to know what to...
Fr Paddy: When did you last say your prayers?
When did you last say your prayers? This question makes all kinds of presumptions. Not least that people don’t pray.
Or that prayer has any...
Martina Mulhall: From rucks to rounds – Meet the Laois doctor in Ireland’s second...
In this careers series, Martina Mulhall, Gold Star Careers, speaks with high-profile figures across a range of industries to explore the stories behind their...
Martina Mulhall: Traineeships – alternative pathways series Part 3
Over the past two articles in this series, we’ve looked at Post Leaving Cert (PLC) courses and Apprenticeships as strong alternatives to the CAO...
Fr Paddy: Saint John Henry Newman – Doctor of The Church
Pope Leo XIV has declared Saint John Henry Newman a 'Doctor' of the church, bestowing one of the Catholic Church’s highest honours on the...
Martina Mulhall: ‘Trust your vision’ – Heidi Higgins on building a career in Irish...
In this careers series, Martina Mulhall, Gold Star Careers, speaks with high-profile figures across a range of industries to explore the stories behind their...
