STRADBALLY

ADELA AND THE MEANITS ON THE ROCK OF DUNAMASE

Friday, September 19, walk and concert, at Dysart Wood car park, Stradbally Rd, Portlaoise. Meet and park at 5pm, return for 6.30pm - weather permitting. Climb to the top of the Laois landmark, The Rock of Dunamase, and experience a unique musical performance in the surrounds of the ruins of the ancient fort. This concert, organised in association with Music Generation Laois, will feature well-known Laois band, Adela and the Meanits, and will include a special performance of ‘Mairseail Rí Laois’ - The King of Laois’ March. The climb to and from the fort will be led by the Laois Walks Festival Committee, who have kindly volunteered their time to assist with this event. Light refreshments will be served (steep climb, please wear appropriate footwear and clothing).

CULTURE NIGHT EVENT ­OPEN STUDIO TALKS

Friday, September, 19 Stradbally, open studio talks and art workshops at the Laois Arthouse Stradbally, 3.30-4.30pm. All materials provided, children must be accompanied by an adult during the workshops. Booking essential. To book a place contact 057 8641740.

NARROW GAUGE RAILWAY

The Irish Steam Preservation Society’s Narrow Gauge Railway will be up and running on Sunday, September 21 from 1pm-4pm. In the Lawn.

COMMUNITY GAMES UPDATE

A great weekend was had by all in Athlone at the second round of the All-Ireland finals. The 23 competitors did our area proud with the relay team reacing the semi finals, the drama team taking bronze medals and the dancers retaining the gold medal. Total medals this year 13 (6 gold and 7 bronze). The end of another great year with huge participation at every level. Acknowledgements and thanks to all involved and to the children.

TIMAHOE ICA

Meeting on this Wednesday, September 10 in St Brigid’s Hall at 8pm.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Eucharistic adoration on Saturday, September 20 commencing at 11am, a training programme will commence in Mount St Annes for parish co-ordinators and eucharistic adoration.

STRADBALLY ANGLING JUVENILE CLUB

The club are holding a fundraising draw on Saturday, October 25 in Dunnes. There is €1,000 in prizemoney with the first prize being €400. Tickets now on sale at €2 each. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

WHIST DRIVE

Next whist will be held on Friday, September 19 in St Patrick’s Hall commencing at 8.30pm sharp and all are welcome to attend.

MAGICAL EXHIBITION

The Arthouse Gallery, Stradbally will host a magical exhibition in October by a young local artist Gemma Lalor from Portlaoise. The exhibition will be officially launched on Thursday, October 2 at 6pm by well known musician and songwriter Adela Meally.

PRIESTS HARVEST COLLECTION

The Priests Harvest Collection will be taken up at all masses on Sunday, September 14. Envelopes in your box of envelopes or any envelope will do. Thanks to all who contribute so generously to the collections.

PRAYER MEETING

The prayer meeting has resumed in the Presentation Chapel every Monday night at 8pm and all are welcome.

MEN’S SHED

A meeting will be held in the Swan Inn on Thursday 11 September at 9pm, to discuss the establishment of a Men’s Shed for The Swan and surrounding areas. A premises has kindly been provided. A Men’s Shed is a social initiative for men of all ages in the community in a safe, friendly and inclusive environment, which provides an outlet for people to work on projects, read or play board games, and relax over tea. A member of another Men’s Shed will be there to explain the concept. Please come along to find out more.

KIDS & KOFFEE

Ballyroan Playgroup, ‘Kids & Koffee’ takes place every Friday 10am - 12pm in the Ballyroan Community Hall. We have loads of toys for kids of all ages - from baby toys and building blocks to soft play & pop up tents - and plenty of space for everyone to have fun and interact. It costs just €3 per household and all parents, childminders and pre-school children/toddlers/babies are very welcome. Its a community-run group and a great place to meet and make friends over a cup of tea or beaker of juice. Call Kyra on 0860651485, or just come along on Friday.