Portlaoise news

C’mon the town

Well done to the Portlaoise senior footballers who won their seventh senior football county championship title in-a-row at O’ Moore Park in Portlaoise last Sunday.

PANTO AUDITIONS

Portlaoise Pantomime auditions for their Junior Chorus in St Pauls Primary School, Borris Rd, on Thursday, October 24 at 7pm. Auditions open to 4th class pupils only in schools in Portlaoise Parish. Very limited number of places, full details will be given on audition night.

HOSPICE SUPPORT

New charity shop opening in Meehan Court on Monday, October 21, supporting Laois Hospice, all donations of adults’ and children’s clothes, footwear, bric-a-brac and household goods are welcome. To volunteer call Anne on 087 6436708.

HEATH COMMUNITY GAMES

The Heath Community Games cake sale/coffee morning after 9.30am mass on Sunday, October 27. Come along to get great value for your Sunday desserts while at the same time raising some much needed funds for the local Community Games. AGM on Tuesday 5 November at 8.30pm in the hall beside The Heath Church. As there are major adjustments to the activities calendar for 2014 it is vital for at least one parent from each family attend the AGM.

Cuisle Gala ball

A charity gala ball in aid of The Cuisle Centre takes place on Saturday November 16 in the Heritage Hotel Portlaoise. Pre-dinner drinks 7-8pm. Special guest is Jo Jordan (Dublin Housewives). Music by the Keith McDonald Showband. Tickets €50 available from the Cuisle Centre or Janet Stewart 086 2737146.

PortLaoise’s Wildlife

The Laois branch of BirdWatch Ireland meet on Tuesday, October 29 when Michael Brennan will talk about ‘Wildlife around Portlaoise’ at the Portlaoise Parish Centre at 8pm. Open to all interested in birds and wildlife. Change of regular meeting night to the last Tuesday of the month. On Sunday 3 November, join Michael to take a look at the town’s wildlife firsthand. Meet in the People’s Park at 9.30am.

COMMUNITY FORUM

Application forms for the 2013 Laois Community Forum Awards are now available and must be in before 5pm on October 31. There are five categories in the group/clubs section while there is also an Unsung Hero Award. Application forms can be downloaded from www.laoiscommunityforum.ie

Mass on Radio

RTÉ Radio will broadcast mass from SS Peter & Paul’s Church on Sunday, October 27 at 11am.

Art Expo for LSPCA

Laois Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is holding a fundraising art exhibition at the Store Yard at the Kea-Lew Business Park on Friday/Saturday, September 25/26, at 11am-4pm each day. Printing, photography and lots more.

lspca thanks

Bucket collection in Laois Shopping Centre for the LSPCA raised €2500. Thanks to all who helped on the day, those who gave generously and the management and staff of the shopping centre.

Cultural festival

The 2013 Festival of Food and Arts Across Cultures on the Saturday, October 26 at the Portlaoise Educate Together NS from 1-6pm.

AA open meeting

Portlaoise serenity group of Alcoholics Anonymous free open meeting in the Beech Haven Centre, St Fintan’s Hospital on Thursday, November 7 at 8pm. For info contact 057 8622944 or 086 19887262.

Alzheimers Society

Homebase Portlaoise is hosting a karaoke night in aid of Laois Alzheimers Society in Delaney’s pub on Halloween night from 9pm. Adm €5.

Bardardos collection

Volunteers needed for national collection day for the Barnardos children charity on October 25 at Laois Shopping Centre. Call Suzanne on 01 708 0431 or volunteers@barnardos.ie.

MEN’S SHED

Now open at Portlaoise Equestrian Centre, Tuesday 11am - 4pm and 7.30pm - 10pm, Thursday 11am - 4pm.

Active Age

Wednesday 16 activities day. Wednesday 23 Mastermind quiz. Wednesday 30 Halloween night. Special prize for best costume. Dancing with Maureen Culliton.

Literature group

Meets Wednesdays 10.45am - 12.45pm in the Parish Centre.

Toastmasters

Portlaoise hosts the Area 40 final on November 7 at the Killeshin Hotel from 8pm. All are welcome.

Mediation

Mediation available Tuesdays at Treo Nua Knockmay 11am - noon,

Youth cafe

6th Class Club at the Portlaoise Youth Café every Thursday after school from 4 - 6pm, for all 10-12 year old primary school students. Enquiries to Joe Thompson, project leader, YWI Laois 057 86 65010.

Parish Lotto

There was no winner of the Portlaoise Parish lotto jackpot when numbers were drawn on October 17. Numbers 04,08,10, 26. The 19 match winners won €53 each. This week’s jackpot is €20,000.

Halloween Disco

Family friendly Halloween disco party in Treo Nua. Watch out for details.

HEATH BRIDGE CLUB

Results for Wednesday, October 9. N/S 1st Anne Phelan & Therese Stokes 2nd Eileen & Jim Fingleton. Gross: Ette Kennedy & Margaret Nee 3rd Breeda Keating & Mary Mahon. E/W: 1st Kay Conroy & Ita Kennedy 2nd Teresa Fitzgerald & Denis O’Leary. Gross: Rita Arrigan & Anne Mulligan 3rd Celia Handy & Olive Power.

Ballinakill vintage

After the success of last year’s indoor static car show held in Portlaoise, the Ballinakill Vintage and Classic Car Owners Club have decided to run this charity event again on the Sunday of the October Bank Holiday between 11am and 4.30pm.

Late Laurence MCEVOY

Condolences to the family of the late Laurence ‘Larry’ McEvoy of 45 Dr Murphy Place & formerly of 72 Marian Ave, Portlaoise who died on October 12. Beloved husband of the late Bridget (Peg). Deeply regretted by his loving family, relatives and friends. Reposed at home with Removal to SS Peter & Paul’s Church for requiem mass on Monday morning with burial afterwards in SS Peter & Paul’s Cemetery.

Bereaved

For the parish service call 087 987 300.