Around Portarlington Way
Your latest news from Emo, Killenard and Portarlington
FUNDRAISER
A fundraiser is being held in aid of the Irish Cancer Society in honour of the late Thomas Fingleton, Shandra Portarlington. The fundraiser is being organised by the Portarlington I.F.A. The fundraising night takes place on Friday January 24 at 8pm at the Portarlington Golf Club. Refreshments on the night & a cheque presentation to the Irish Cancer Society. Thomas is survived by his loving wife Claire, parents Dan and Lillie, siblings Ciarán and Melissa, extended family & many friends. R.I.P.
OFF THE LEASH
The first free ‘off the leash’ dog park in the county has opened at the Triogue Linear Park in Portlaoise, which runs from Green Mill Lane to Millview.
The dog park is inside the long riverside park that runs from Green Mill Lane, opposite Dunnes Stores to Millview and Fitzmaurice Place, with signs listing rules for dog owners using the facility. While the county has a number of private dog parks, including Woofland Dog Park in Morette near Portlaoise, the facility at the Triogue Linear Park is the first free public dog park, and is operated by Laois County Council.
FUN ADVENTURE
Mystery Trails are great for seeing a location from a new perspective, whatever your age and whatever the weather. Try a real-life fun adventure that fires up the imagination and gets you exploring the great outdoors. Visit www.mysterytrails.ie for your next adventure
SYMPATHY
Deepest Sympathy to the family of Colm O’Toole, Kilmalogue Downs, & formerly Dublin who passed away suddenly on Saturday January 4. Colm will be sadly missed by his loving wife, Julie (Port post office), sons Adam & Alex, adored granddaughter Alice, sister, brothers, extended family, neighbours & friends. May Colm rest in Peace. Funeral took place on Wednesday January 8.
O’DEMPSEY’S GFC NEWS
Congratulations to club player Seán McCormack and his beautiful bride Hazel Duffy,our Healthy Club Officer, on their wedding at the Heritage, Killenard recently. All at the club wish them both a lifetime of love and happiness!!
Calendar– The O’Dempsey’s 2025 Calendar is ready for club members and supporters. You can pick up yours in Dowling’s Gala and Whelehan’s Newsagent. Calendars are €5 each and contain a great mix of photos from club matches and activities from the past year.
The Irish Life Every Step Counts Challenge is back for 2025!
It’s time to reconnect with your club and community and feel the benefits of physical exercise.
It started on Wednesday, January 8, and runs until February 12. Please be aware of road/path conditions in the current weather while taking part.
Any club that hits the 4,000km distance over 6 weeks will be entered into a draw to win a share of €30,000 – there will be 3 donations of €2,500 towards club funding. Let’s make every step count.
GRACEFIELD GAA-Lotto results for January 6. Numbers drawn were -26-19-8-25. No Jackpot winner. €50 each to Jake O’Neill, Ronan Walsh, Ryan, Jack, Rosie & Bobby, Betty & Carmel Orford & Ann Molloy. Promoter- Jamie Hanlon.
𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬
Gracefield GAA Healthy Club would like to thank all who showed up on a very wet and windy New Year’s Eve morning, to take a walk around the clubs walking track, and join us for a beverage & a chat. Donations were made to Portarlington Meals on Wheels, and last week we presented Ann Dunne from Meals on Wheels with €500. This service is a very important necessity within our community. Thanks again to all who contributed.