
Latest Laois News: All around Portarlington Way
All the news from Emo, Killenard and Portarlington
SANTA’S HELPERS
This is the 3rd Christmas that Santa’s Helpers have helped families in the Laois areas who have found themselves struggling to live just day to day. Anyone with children always want to give their children a magical Christmas with Santa. Last year Santa’s helpers reached in excess of 180 families in our local communities across Laois. Over 30 of these were in Portarlington. We are hoping to do better this year. You can donate on this link- santashelpers482@gmail.com. If you are based in Portarlington & you can help, you can contact Ann Bourke Dunne at 0874116101. E-mail annmdun@hotmail.com.
STREET LIGHTS
Our beautiful Street lights are now lighting up our town. The town looks amazing. Well done once again to the Committee. Donations are still welcome on their Go Fund me page, as well as the buckets which can be found in: Centra Main St, Super Value, Hummingbird, Eamon Bracken Menswear, The Anvil Inn, Fletchers Hardware, O’Deas Bistro, Solas Garden Shop, Post Office & Coopers Florist.

AGM
The Portarlington Community Centre are delighted to announce that they will be holding their AGM on Thursday November 25 at 8pm in the Centre. If you wish to attend please contact 058645728 for more information. Have your say in your Local Community.
DERRYOUNCE WALK
The Port Trail walking group are holding a Fundraiser to reinstate the Fairy Trail at Derryounce. Sunday November 28th at 11am from Bog road (Marian Hill) entrance to Derryounce. Voluntary donations on the day. For more information contact Catriona Slattery at 0867935234 & Donie Molloy at 0863288858.
GROW
Launch of New Grow Mental Health Peer Support meeting will take place every Thursday afternoon from 2.30pm until 4.30pm in the Social Services Centre, Link Road, Portarlington.At Grow Mental Health Organisation we understand what you are going through. Reach out to us now & start getting the support you need. Any person over 18 years of age are welcome to attend. We are confidential, & asking for help is the best thing you could ever do. If you require any further information in relation to this meeting. Please contact: Assumpta on 086 8114135 or e-mail assumptalyons@grow.ie.

SYMPATHY
Deepest Sympathy to the family of Liam Byrne, Annevilla, Cloneygowan (Ex Bord Na Mona) who passed away on Tuesday November 16. Liam was predeceased by his infant son & sisters Ina & Ann. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Dolly, daughter Suzanne, son in law Damien, grandchildren Duncan, Aaron, Elliott, Lachlan & Charlotte, brothers John & Pat, sisters Mary & Brigid, extended family, neighbours & friends. Requiem Mass took place on Thursday November 18 at St Mary’s Church Raheen, with burial after in the adjoining Cemetery. May Liam rest in Peace.
XMAS TREE
The Portarlington Christmas Tree committee need the help of the people of Portarlington to light up our Tree this Christmas. You can donate online, or drop a donation in to Brian Whelan, Main Street.

XMAS SAVINGS
This year’s Credit Union Christmas Savings Club pay out will commence from Tuesday November 16 to Thursday December 23.Your funds can be transferred directly to your bank account once your BIC and IBAN are provided. Also this year if you have an online account with PCU you can transfer the funds yourself. If you have any queries please contact the office on, 0578623336 orEmail: mail@portcu.ie.
O’DEMPSEY’S AGM
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of O’Dempsey’s GFC will be held in the clubhouse on Saturday November 27 at 8pm. Nomination and Motion forms will be available in the clubhouse each Monday night leading up to the AGM.
All club members, parents, supporters and potential new members are invited and encouraged to attend in order to reflect on the last twelve months. All attendees must be fully vaccinated. Looking forward to seeing you there.

BINGO
The Port GAA Bingo is now at the earlier time of 8pm every Tuesday at the Portarlington GAA Centre. Patrons are asked to arrive early, face masks and covid certificate are required for entry. Up to €3,500 in prize money to be won.
PORT LOTTO
Portarlington GAA Club weekly lotto draw Jackpot is now at €5,600. To be in with a chance to win each week just click on the link here, or you can buy your tickets from any Committee member.

GRACEFIELD GAA
Lotto results for November 15. Numbers drawn were 25-22-30-8. No winner of the €2,400 Jackpot. €50 each to Criona O’Brien, Lisa & Cathal O’Neill, Martina Gallagher, Kevin Donagher & Ailish Ridgeway. Promoter-Helen Hanlon. Next Jackpot-€2,600. Tickets from your usual seller, also from Centra Shop, Gracefield, and Anthony Early’s Shop Gracefield, or alternatively you can now do it online if you follow the link here