Death Notices for Laois - Thursday, April 9

John Blanchfield - Wolfhill

The death has occurred of John Blanchfield Modubeagh, Wolfhill, Athy, Kildare / Laois and formerly of Pacifica, San Francisco, passed away on April 5th, following a short illness, at St James’s Hospital, Dublin.

Predeceased by his parents Ray and Jenny and his sister Jane.

Sadly missed by his wife Angie, son Kyle and his wife Erica, stepchildren Debbie and Alan and his adored granddaughters Kylie, Kaelani and Kiera.

Deeply loved by his sister Bernadette, brother James, brother-in-law Michael, sister-in-law Siani, Aunt Rose, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, neighbours, and a wide circle of friends.

May John Rest in Peace.

Funeral arrangements later.

Elizabeth Kirby - Cullohill

The death has occurred of Elizabeth (Betty) Kirby (née Bergin), Gurteen, Cullohill, peacefully at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, surrounded by her loving family, on 9th April.

Predeceased by her beloved husband Billy, infant son Kieran, sister Judy, brothers Dan and Seán.

Deeply regretted by her loving family, daughter Anna, Sons John, Pat and Noel, her cherished and adored grandchildren Jim, Dan, Lisa, Aoife, Liam, Catherine, Sinead, Ben, Conor and Pauric, daughters-in-law Dolores, Mary and Christine, Anna's partner Eamon, sister-in-law Betty, brother-in-law Mick, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Reposing at her residence (R32XA97) on Friday 10th April from 3pm, pausing for prayers at 8pm. Removal from her home on Saturday, 11th April to arrive at St. Tighearnach's Church, Cullohill (R32EV76), for Funeral Mass at 2pm, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Betty's funeral can be viewed live by clicking on the link HERE.

Elizabeth O'Hara - Abbeyleix

The death has occurred of Elizabeth O'Hara (née Hession), Ballyroan Road, Abbeyleix, formerly of High Street Tuam, Co Galway.

Passed away peacefully at her home on April 8 following a short illness, surrounded by her loving and caring family.predeceased by her sister Frances, her mother Doreen, and her father Frank.

Cherished by her husband Gerry, daughter Sheena, son Feargal, grandchildren Anna, Conor, Eoghan and Jack, daughter-in-law Claudine, siblings Laria, John,Rosemary and Paddy, nieces and nephews, extended family neighbours and friends.

Reposing in the Chapel Of Rest adjoining the Church Of The Most Holy Rosary Abbeyleix R32KN53 on Friday 10th, from 5pm with prayers at 7 pm. Requiem Mass on Saturday at 10.30 am in the Church Of The Most Holy Rosary Abbeyleix followed by private cremation.

The family wish to extend sincere gratitude to the wonderful care provided to Elizabeth by the Irish Cancer Society nurses and the pallative care team,the primary care community team, the carers, and the medical staff at Portlaoise General Hospital.

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to the Irish Cancer Society.

Rest in Peace.

Joseph O'Brien - Abbeyleix

The death occurred of Joseph O’Brien, Portlaoise Road, Abbeyleix, Laois on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. 

Predeceased by his parents, his two children Ann and Mary, and his brothers. Joseph will be dearly missed by his loving wife Mary, his children Eva, Deirdrea, Sharon, Joanne, Jackie, Geraldine,Julie and Debbie. Lawson and Declan his adored grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters, his sons-in-law Daithi, Derek, Shane, Rory and Lar. May Joseph Rest in Peace.

Joseph's family would like to extend sincere gratitude to the Laois Palliative Care Team, Dr. Kemple, Dr. Corry, P H N Services Abbeyleix, and Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore.

Reposing at his residence on Thursday the 9th from 4pm to 6pm with Rosary at 6pm. Removal to The Church Of The Most Holy Rosary, Abbeyleix for 11am Requiem Mass on Friday. Burial afterwards in the adjoining Cemetery.

Family flowers only. Donations if desired to the Laois Palliative Care Team. House private on Wednesday please. 

Cecilia Baxter - Portlaoise

The death has occurred of Cecilia Baxter (née Whelan) St. Stephen’s Terrace, Cork Road, Waterford, formerly of Portlaoise and late of Signa Care, Ferrybank, Waterford. Died April 7th, 2026. 

Predeceased by her beloved husband Paddy, and son-in-law Robbie (Bible) Cecilia will be sadly missed by her daughters Bridhge, Siobhán and Gwen,  sons Declan and Aidan, grandchildren Amy, Robbie, Dylan, Josh, Ava, Sarah, Briona and Carrie, great-grandchildren, son-in-law Shamie, daughter-in-law Lorna, sisters-in-law Chris, Lily and Monica, nieces, nephews,  extended family, neighbours and friends. May Cecilia Rest in Peace

Reposing in Tom Hennessy’s Funeral Home, 45A Johnstown, Waterford (X91FW4A), on Thursday April from 5 pm to 7pm. Funeral walking to St John’s Church, Parnell Street, on Friday April 10th at 11.40am arriving for Requiem Mass at 12 o’clock.

Burial afterwards in St. Otteran’s Cemetery, Ballinaneeshagh.

Jacek Konefal - Graiguecullen

Condolences to the family of the late Jacek Konefal of The Towers, Graiguecullen, formerly of Poland who passed away unexpectedly, on April 1 at his home.

He will be sadly missed by his loving family and friends. May Jacek’s Gentle Soul Rest In Peace

Cremation Service will take place at Carpenter Bros Cremation Chapel, Shamrock Sq., Carlow on Thursday April 9th at 11am