Columnists
17 ways you’ll realise summer has arrived in Laois
It's been so sunny for so long now that when it inevitably goes back to normal, I'm not sure how we will cope!
But for...
Jack Nolan: Demise of Laois hurling saddens me greatly
The demise of the Laois hurling team has saddened me greatly in recent weeks.
Having closely watched it unfold I am not shocked, but I...
Leaving Cert Diary: Clonaslee girls on nerves, prayers and four exams in three days
What's better than one Leaving Cert diarist from Clonaslee? That's right, TWO!
Delighted to introduce Cecelia Flynn and Sarahjane Purcell, two Leaving Cert students from...
Leaving Cert Diary: Unfamiliar surroundings for Knockbeg exam students
Here it is. The moment I have been preparing for is just around the corner.
My brain has just reached its capacity and I...
Two Glamorous Knights: Fashion verdicts from Royal Wedding
The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was held in Saint George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018.
Like most people we...
Eoin Barry: How Laois voted, the impact of posters and urban-rural myth
The referendum in Laois turned many political assumptions on their head.
How people in certain areas voted, what issues they were concerned about and how...
Fr Paddy: Over the coming weeks pray for young people …
I recently came across this inspirational story…..
A shop owner placed a sign above his door that said: “Puppies For Sale.”
Signs like this always have...
Isabel Dwyer: The people of this town, this county and country showed the compassion...
Last week, prior to the referendum and its result, I spilled my thoughts into this piece and begged people to read, to listen, and...
Fr Paddy: Bishop Curry’s royal wedding sermon emphasised the power of love
The Most Rev. Michael Curry, born in Chicago, was selected by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, to present the sermon at their Saturday wedding...
Wired with Whelan: Politicians are great sports so now it’s time they sweetened the...
The Jacks are back,
The Jacks are back,
Let the Railway End go barmy,
‘Cause Hill 16
Has Never Seen
The likes of Heffo’s Army.
(1970s Dublin football fans chant...
Fr Paddy: Angels are gifts from God
Angel of God, my Guardian Dear,
To whom God’s love, commits me here,
Ever this night, be at my side,
To light and guard, to rule and...
Fr Paddy: Growing Older a Sacred Gift
Growing older brings its challenges ...... But this can be a time to relish and value...the following story I find inspirational...
An 87 Year Old...
The Eighth Amendment failed in its purpose: Abortion exists in Ireland
Last month, our columnist Fr Paddy Byrne used his column to urge people to vote No it the upcoming Referendum on the Eighth Amendment.
In...
Fr Paddy: Alfie Evans ‘A Sacred Life’
The world is mourning for Alfie Evans, a British two-year-old who this weekend passed away at Liverpool’s Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
Alfie had an extremely...
Fr Paddy: ‘See the light of Goodness in all people’
The month of May, brings with it great beauty and certainly uplifts our spirits. As we begin this new month, take time to enjoy...
Two Glamorous Knights: Granny Chic – Feminine and Fun
Easter is over, we indulged in more than enough chocolate and we're now counting down to one of favourite events - the Punchestown Races.
When...
Fr Paddy: A time to vote No …
The forthcoming referendum on May 25th is fast approaching. A referendum, that calls us to reflect upon issues, that are often deeply sensitive, personal...
Fr Paddy: Remove ‘any fear of holiness’
Gaudete et Exultate
The third apostolic exhortation of Pope Francis’ pontificate, published recently is a call to holiness—simple and accessible, without being watered down or...
When you suffer from Cystic Fibrosis, this is what the hospital stays are like
This week is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Week. And for the week that’s in it, I said I would share a big part of having...
Fr Paddy: ‘We all respond to warmth and welcome’
We are at our best when we feel at home and at ease. This is the great Gift of the Risen Lord, just as...
Wired with Whelan: There are three sides to every story
I got the Sky News blues
All over me
I got the Sky News blues
All over me.
Looking out my window,
Birds singing in the trees.
I believe that...
Fr Paddy: Easter – ‘All is possible’
Easter 2018 brings with it a time of hope and new beginnings. Signs of continued economic recovery, growing employment bring with it a recovery...
Fr Paddy: A Time To Hope
A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day, a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as...
Two Glamorous Knights: Great fashion the Gala Charity Ball and making the most from...
The fashion spotlight shone brightly on the Gala Charity Ball in the Heritage Hotel, Killenard, recently as fashionistas showed up in their droves.
We had...
Donnacha Phelan: There are great opportunities to win public work in Laois – but...
Earlier this month LaoisToday reported on the disappointment of councillors over the awarding of Laois County Council contracts to companies based outside of Laois.
The...
Fr Paddy: Holy Week – a new day dawns
Next Sunday, March 25th, Palm Sunday, we begin Holy Week. Seven days, filled with Religious Symbolism and Rituals, from Washing Feet to Venerating the...
Jimmy Finn: Fond memories and anecdotes from the magic mile
Roger Bannister, who was the first person to ever run a mile in less than four minutes, died last week. Jimmy Finn, a legend...
Fr Paddy: Lent – a time to pause
The cycle of liturgical seasons continues and now we find ourselves a over half way through Lent this year, days of reflection and remaking,...
Wired with Whelan: Snow Patrol in the GAA, Skid Row at ‘The Mental’ and...
It's the dance you should know
When the lights are down low
Grab your baby
Then go
Do the hucklebuck
Do the hucklebuck
If you don't know how to do...
Paddy McDonald: Indian Pale Ale is the quintessential craft beer style
If you wander in to any off licence these days you will be mesmerised by the vast array of craft beers now available.
Paddy McDonald...
