Around Portarlington Way
SANTA’S HELPERS
Last Christmas Santa’s Helpers through professionals and community activists reached 160 families in Laois.
Thank you to all who donated so far. Santas Helpers are in touch with Volunteers to identify where our help may be needed this Christmas and we have approximately 3 to 4 weeks to achieve our target which is initially €10k, but realise more is needed. Please share our post to create awareness of Santa’s Helpers. Thank you. Donate here. You can contact Ann Bourke Dunne who has agreed to help in Portarlington. Darren Conroy can be contacted at Taylor & Conroy, Kilminchy in Portlaoise. Also e-mail at santashelpers482@gmail.com, or message us on Facebook Messenger here.
CHRISTMAS STREET LIGHTS
Since 2000, the Christmas Street Light Committee has been lighting up Portarlington in an effort to bring festive cheer and atmosphere to our town, which has always been generously supported by our Traders. The Christmas Street Lights Committee are a group of volunteers & a sub-committee of the Portarlington Business Association (PBA).
This year, in particular, has been significantly challenging for all, and we therefore plan to increase our Street Light footprint to extend downwards from Main Street to the Barrow Bridge. With this planned extension comes an increase in costs, which include new overhead purchases, new bulbs, repairs to existing fixtures etc. As this is done on a voluntary basis by this small team, we continue to rely on your generosity towards making this event work & warmly welcome any donation you can give through this page!
The lights will go live on Friday November 27, when we look forward to seeing you! This is an annual family event, and a joyous occasion for our town. Your support will go a long way towards securing the success of this event once again this year! (social distancing permitting). You can donate online by going in to their facebook page. Also, you can contact committee members Eamonn Bracken, Dermot Daniels (Centra Main St), Kieran O’Dea & Karen Healy (c/o Cathal Berry’s Office).
SENIOR ALERT
Have you heard of Senior Alert Alarms? All over 65 years are eligible. It provides you with the access to summon help, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. It is fully covered for supply & installation of the alarm. Small yearly charge to monitor the alarm. If you or someone you know is interested then contact the PCDA at the Love Port office on 0858568801 or e-mail info@portarlington.ie
ST DE PAUL VINCENT
St Vincent de Paul has had a presence in Portarlington since 1921, and next year will be 100 years in existence, as a Registered Charity, subject to strict Regulation from the Charities Regulator. Last year the Conference spent over €60,000 helping people in need in this community. The help provided to the less well off in our society covers a broad range of assistance each year.
You can drop a donation into the letterbox at the shop beside the Garda Barracks. Volunteers are in the shop at present, although it is not yet open for business. Many of the local shops and businesses who have kindly facilitated by having a bucket in their shop also.
The Conference would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your very generous support throughout the years. They wish you all a peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year.
SYMPATHY
Deepest Sympathy to the family of Paddy Sheridan, Emo Park, Co. Laois who passed away on Tuesday November 10 at his home. He will be sadly missed by his loving family, neighbours & many friends. Requiem Mass took place on Wednesday November 11 at St Paul’s Church Emo, with Cremation after in Newlands Cross Crematorium. May Paddy rest in Peace.
SYMPATHY
Deepest Sympathy to the family of Loftus Odlum, late of Portarlington who passed away in Dublin on Thursday November 12. Loftus was predeceased by his loving wife Dorothy. He will be sadly missed by his sons Philip & Stephen, daughter Melanie, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family & friends. Loftus will be remembered by former staff who worked in Odlums Mill. Private Service took place on Wednesday November 18 in Dublin. May Loftus rest in Peace.
SYMPATHY
Deepest Sympathy to the family of Gay Taaffe, Crow Lane & formerly Lawtown, Co. Meath who passed away on Friday November 13. Gay will be sadly missed by his extended family & many friends. Funeral took place on Sunday November 15 at St Michael’s Church Portarlington, with burial after in St Michael’s Cemetery. May Gay rest in Peace.
PARISH NEWS
St Michael’s Parish during phase 3. Masses-No public Masses allowed. All Masses will be online. Weekdays-10am. Saturday-6.30pm. Sunday 9am & 12.15pm. Churches will remain open for private prayer. For St Michael’s Church webcam click here. For latest Portarlington Parish Newsletter click here.
EMIGRANTS’ NEWSLETTER
This years Emigrants Newsletter is now available. Over 100 pages of news & history for €4. You can purchase at the following shops-Centra Kilmalogue, Spar Express Station road, Burbages Main St, the Post Office, Fletchers newsagent, Slevin’s Bracklone Street, Central Newsagents, Murphy’s Eurostretcher, Frenchchurch St & Earleys Kilmalogue.
GRACEFIELD LOTTO
Lotto results for Monday November 16. Jackpot €12,000-no winner. Numbers drawn 21-4-30-10. €50 each to Martin Cooper c/o Online, Johnny Lawrence c/o J Lawrence, Mary Flanagan c/o M Flanagan, Graham Delaney c/o G Delaney & Liz Hopkins c/o Online. Promoter- Kerry Kinahan. Next Jackpot-€12,200.
ONLINE LOTTO
Our club lotto tickets can now be purchased online athttps://games.smartlotto.ie/#/pages/club/5f202801d2c5c72516f7d58b