Around Portarlington Way
Your latest news from Emo, Killenard and Portarlington
DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY
Congratulations & best wishes to Sean & Cissie O’Connor from St Brigid’s Sq on their 60th Wedding anniversary. One of the older couples in St Brigids Sq who were always great neighbours to everyone around them. Sean & Cissie celebrated with their daughters Grace & Hilary, son Dermot, grandchildren, great-granddaughter & their extended family. Continued happiness & good health to this wonderful couple.
PORTARLINGTON LIBRARY
Heritage Week Talk– Decay, Dereliction and Conservation – Saving Portarlington’s Historic Buildings by David Orford. Wednesday August 21 at 8pm.
Parenting Talk-Transitioning from preschool to primary school . This talk which is hosted as part of our Healthy Ireland programme and in conjunction with the National Parenting Council will be full of tips on how to help your child make the transition from preschool to primary school.
Adult Chess Classes– The library will be hosting a twelve week chess course for beginners. Beginning Wednesday September 4, from 6-7pm, participants must be able to attend all classes. To book all of the above contact 057 8643751 or email portarlingtonlibrary@laoiscoco.ie
FAMILY FUN DAY
Portarlington Lions Club with Portarlington Credit Union are holding their FREE FAMILY FUN DAY on Sunday August 25 at Foxcroft Street, R32 P786 from 2 pm to 5 pm. Bouncy Castles / Face Painting / Children’s Races for all age groups / Tug of War / Music / Dancing and lots lot’s more. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE.
SYMPATHY
Deepest Sympathy to the family of Joseph (Joe) O’Neill, Rose Court Portarlington & formerly Ballybrittas, who passed away on Tuesday August 13. Joe was predeceased by his loving wife Lily. He will be sadly missed by his sons Jerry & Fr Joe, daughters Julie (Vambroug) & Mary (Butler), sister Nora (Ward), grandchildren, great-grandchildren , extended family & friends. May Joe’s gentle soul rest in Peace. Funeral took place on Thursday August 15.
PEOPLES PARK
The redevelopment of the People’s Park Portarlington has started. The work will see a new Central Plaza, seating, tables, playground equipment & much more. The work will be carried out in phases, and is expected to finish by the end of the year.
HERITAGE WEEK
National Heritage Week 2024 takes place at Emo Court and Parklands from August 17 to 25.
All events are free. Call to our visitor hub for a copy of this year’s programme. Friends and family days out.
COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT
Are you unemployed and looking to get back into the workforce? Vacancies available on the Community Employment Scheme. 1-Maintenance Worker – Laois Leisure. 2-Building Maintenance Worker – Enterprise Centre, Canal road. 3-Environmental Worker – Amenity Areas Portarlington. 4-Cleaner – Portarlington Community Centre. 5-Grounds person – Arlington Soccer Club.
Contact Martina on 057-8643458 for more information. Drop into the CE office at the Portarlington Community Centre, R32D797.
EMBROIDERY
The Annual Mountmellick Embroidery Crafternoon Tea takes place on Wednesday August 21 from 12 noon to 4 pm in the Mountmellick Development Association building R32 A0PK. This year we will feature several different crafts by some of our local crafters, who will display their work. There will also be tea, coffee, and sweet treats served.
This event is made possible by Mountmellick Embroidery Museum in conjunction with the Crafts Council of Ireland for Craft Month.
The Museum open day for Heritage Week is on Friday August 23 with tours of the Museum from 10am to 4pm. Both days are free to attend, with plenty of free parking spaces.
NEW ARCHERY CLUB
A new Archery Club is being proposed for Portarlington & environs. Affiliated to IFAF (The Irish Field Archery Federation), Boghdóirí Bóchluain Archery Club hopes to introduce Archery to the area. This sport is growing in popularity throughout Ireland. We hope to introduce archery beginners courses, archery coaching and workshops. If you are interested in finding out further details you can Email boghlonearchers@mail.com or message through Facebook Messenger from our page Boghodóirí Bóchluain.
4TH LAOIS SCOUTS
The 4th Laois Scouts need Volunteers. This is to supervise activities and mentor the Cubs & Scouts. This is non discretionary or negotiable. We simply don’t have enough adult volunteers to cater for the numbers of children who wish to join & therefore we are having to turn away boys & girls who would love to join. For more information you can contact us by DM on our Facebook page, or by email at portarlingtonscouts24@gmail.com or have a look on the Scouting Ireland website @ https://www.scouts.ie/
O’DEMPSEY’S GFC NEWS-Lotto Results-Results for August 12. Numbers drawn 11-15-18-21. Jackpot Winner of €9,800 was won by Peader & Fiona Maher. Match 3 winners-Dick Whelehan & Sean & Mary Brophy. Promoter-Richie Slevin. Next Draw- Monday August 19, with a Jackpot of €1,000. Congratulations to Jackpot Winners. Thanks to everyone for all your support to the Club.
FAMILY FUN DAY
O’Dempsey’s Family Fun Day takes place on Saturday August 24, from 1pm to 5.30pm.
The event will see an afternoon of activities and entertainment for children of all ages. We look forward to seeing you there for what promises to be a great day. Bígí Linn!!.
GRACEFIELD GAA-Lotto results for August 12. Numbers drawn were -30-28-9-14. The winner of Jackpot €16,400 was Patrick Maree. Promoter-Paddy Mulligan. Well done Patrick. €50 each to Melanie Broderick, Eugene Murphy, Eleanor Shortall, Frances Earley & Mary Mullen. Promoter’s prize-The Hawthorn. Next Jackpot-€2,000.
Thanks to everyone who attended the Family Fun day on Sunday August 11. A great day was had by all. Unfortunately we have had to postpone the Duck Race until Sunday August 25 at 3.30pm.