
Latest Laois News: All around Portarlington Way
Your news from Emo, Killenard & Portarlington
50th ANNIVERSARY
Fr. Michael Connell celebrates the 50th Anniversary of his Ordination, with Mass in St John’s Church Killenard on Sunday December 11 at 10.30am. Fr Connell invites you to celebrate with him. Refreshments after Mass in the Thatch Killenard. This reception is Fr Michael’s “Thank You”. No cards or presents. Your presence at the celebration is a gift in itself.
SANTA’S HELPERS
Santas Helpers work with people with their finger on the pulse, people who know who might be receiving this or that and those who don’t. We look for those who don’t. Santa’s Helpers has got off to a good start with some larger off line donations which we are so grateful for. It takes a lot of money to get the job done.

Every year donations of €5, €10, €20, €50 by multiple people has gotten the job done. 500 × €20 donations would give €10,000 to Santa to distribute assistance via toys at Christmas. Also if you can help with fundraising let us know. https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/santashelpers2022
LIONS CLUB
Portarlington Lions Club are currently organizing their Christmas Voucher Appeal. Anyone needing a voucher can put their written request into the Lions box in the Portarlington Credit Union or Whelan’s Electrical main street, on or before Tuesday December 13. Please note all requests received after that date cannot be guaranteed. Please ensure also that you include your name, address and phone number. Strictest confidentiality assured.

ACTIVE RETIREMENT
Portarlington Active Retirement Club takes place every Thursday from 1.45pm to 3.45pm at the Portarlington Community Centre. New members welcome.
SYMPATHY
Deepest Sympathy to the family of Robbie Smart, Drogheda & late of Avondale estate Portarlington who passed away suddenly on Friday November 25. Robbie will be sadly missed by his loving wife Emma, adored daughters Holly & Robyn, parents Christy & Marie, sisters Corrina & Karen, brother’s Keith & Peter, extended family, work colleagues & many friends.
Funeral Mass took place on Tuesday November 29 at St Mary’s Church, James St. Burial after in Calvary Cemetery. May Robbie’s gentle soul rest in Peace.
SYMPATHY
Deepest Sympathy to the family of Owen Boland, Ballintogher House, Ballybrittas who passed away in his 94th year on Sunday November 27. Owen will be sadly missed by his loving wife Mary, son John, daughter Maria & her partner Patrick, extended family, neighbours & friends. Funeral Mass took place on Tuesday November 29 at the Sacred Heart Church, Rath, with burial in the new Cemetery Emo. May Owen’s gentle soul rest in Peace.
SYMPATHY
Deepest Sympathy to the family of Anthony Coughlan, St Brochan’s Park Bracknagh & late of Bord na Mona who passed away on Monday November 28. Anthony was predeceased by his loving wife Tessie & son P.J. He will be sadly missed by his sons, daughters, brother, sister, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, neighbours & friends. Funeral Mass took place on Thursday December 1 at St Brochan’s Church, Bracknagh, with burial after in St Brochan’s Cemetery. May Anthony rest in Peace.

SYMPATHY
Deepest Sympathy to the family of Patrick (Pad) Deffew, Twoomey Park Mountmellick, who passed away on Wednesday November 30. Patrick was predeceased by his son Vincent, parents PJ & Nan, brother Leo & sister Mary. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Lucy (nee Sharpe), sons Philip & Joe, daughters Lorraine & Patrice, sisters Nora Brennan (Portarlington) & Rita Lewis, grandchildren, extended family, neighbours & Friends. Funeral Mass took place at St Joseph’s Church, Mountmellick on Friday December 2, with burial after in St Joseph’s cemetery. May Pad rest in Peace.
PARISH OFFICE
The Parish Office is located at the Parochial House, Patrick Street, Portarlington & and serves parishes of Portarlington, Killenard, Rath and Emo. Opening Hours– Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 1.30 pm. Parish Staff, Eileen Ryan & Rosemary Whelan. Tel: 057- 864 3004.

BINGO
Bingo at Port GAA Centre every Tuesday night at 8pm. Over €3,000 in prize money to be won. Free parking and wheelchair accessible.
PORT GAA NEWS
LOTTO-Laois Clubs combined Lotto draw takes place as usual, every Tuesday night. Next week’s Jackpot is €5,400. Tickets can be bought from club members or online via www.play.clubforce.com.

GRACEFIELD GAA
Lotto results for November 28. Numbers drawn were 27-26-8-25. No Jackpot winner. €50 each to Andy Carroll, Deirdre Doyle, Sonia Doyle, Eamon Brereton & PJ Duffy. Promoter prize-Jamie Hanlon. Next week’s Jackpot-€3,400.