ATTANAGH man Walter Phelan will be in the House of Lords next month where he will be recognised as a regional champion in the Countryside Alliance Awards.

‘DON’T stop believing’ and ‘lessons learned’ are highlighted on the walls of the new extension of Clonaslee College and these words were emphasised by Olympic gold medal winning boxer, Michael Carruth as he performed the official opening of the new extension of Clonaslee College last week.

THIS year’s St Patrick’s Day parade in Portlaoise will be all about colour, as the committee have decided to hold a major charity fundraising event in conjunction with the autism support group, LOFFA, by launching thousands of coloured balloons into the skies above the town to celebrate the national holiday.

anyone with sewing or painting skills is asked to call into Portarlington Enterprise centre to help with the “people’s parade” on St Patrick’s Day.

Offaly County Council were unable to comment on the situation regarding the unfinished Riverside Estate in Portarlington.

Plans to develop of the square in Durrow are on in display in the village’s library until the end of February.

The relaunched Doonane and Mayo Community Alert Scheme has prioritised the elderly in its effort to prevent crime.

Portarlington Swimming Pool Association paid a ‘surprise’ special tribute to their longest serving member, Niall McElwaine, at their weekly bingo session last Tuesday.

AN AMBITIOUS project is underway in Portlaoise which it his hoped will see every estate working together to improve community spirit, tackle crime and other issues.

Money for road safety, maintenance and improvement measures to key locations in the county reduce dangers for motorists, acccording to Cllr Mary Sweeney.

Alison Holmes brought national recognition to Camross Macra when she was awarded a prestigious prize for her leadership skills last week.

Abbeyleix Gardai are urging homeowners to be extra vigilant following a spate of burglaries by the same gang in the last fortnight.