
Latest Laois News: Around Portarlington Way
All the latest news from Emo, Killenard & Portarlington
SENIOR ALARM
Do you know of anyone 65 or over? If you are 65 you can qualify for a Senior Alert Alarm.
There is no Medical Questions. Even if you are in perfect health, you can still have an alarm.
The Love Portarlington Office are at the old boy’s school Patrick St, can do the application for you. All that is needed-Your name, address, date of birth, Eircode & phone number. Two people in the same house can get approval, as long as they both meet the eligibility criteria.
There is no installation charge. You will get the equipment and the first year’s monitoring free. After that it will cost €65 a year. However, if there is no suitable landline available and a mobile signal is used, a fee will be charged annually for Sim Credit. Contact the Love Portarlington Office on 0578608395.
HAPPY HEARTS
The Happy Hearts Active Retirement club will reopen on Thursday February 24 in the Portarlington Community Centre from 2-4pm. All active people over 55 welcome.
1st week back will be the usual meet and greet, including any new members who wish to join. 1st week back includes Bingo.

AGM
The Lea Castle Committee are holding their AGM online on Thursday February 24th at 8pm.
Agenda as Follows–
Apologies for Absence.
Minutes of previous AGM.
Chairpersons report.
Secretary report.
Financial report.
Click on link attached to join the Zoom meeting on the night.
FUNDRAISER
Portarlington Community Development Association (PCDA) are hoping to raise €50,000 for the general maintenance of the Derryounce Lakes, Trails and Parklands 2022 and every donation will help fund the daily upkeep of this natural treasure in the heart of the Midlands, Ireland. PCDA are seeking the support of our local and wider communities to contribute towards this fundraiser to allow us to continue to offer a natural, clean, sustainable, and beautiful resource to all who visit the area.
The funds here will be used for *Secondary trail re-surfacing, *Storage container *Quarry dust for existing trails *Wildlife feeders *Bird boxes *Duck tubes *Waste disposal and removal *Regeneration of specialist grasses and plants *Signage at entrance incl. speed Limit Signs *Tools *Art.
PCDA and surrounding communities are very proud of the Derryounce Lakes and Trails project, which is entirely organised and managed by local volunteers who give their time freely to enhance the area and the experience for all who visit. All donations are greatly appreciated. Please SHARE this fundraiser to your friends & family. Link for donations attached. https://www.gofundme.com/…/derryounce-lakes-trails…

CODERDOJO
Great news everyone. Coderdojo is back on February 26 in Coláiste Íoságain, Portarlington. If your child is interested in joining us please contact us on WhatsApp/Text/Phone 089-4947612. Email Coderdojoportarlington@gmail.com.
SYMPATHY
Deepest Sympathy to the family of Kathleen (Kay) Brannock (nee Rafter), Cloneygowan who passed away on Friday February 4. Kathleen was predeceased by her husband Dan. She will be sadly missed by her daughter Mary, sons Dominic, Pat & Michael, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers, sisters, extended family, neighbours & friends. Funeral Mass took place at St Mary’s Church Raheen on Sunday February 6, with burial after in the adjoining Cemetery. May Kathleen’s gentle soul rest in Peace.
SYMPATHY
Deepest Sympathy to the family of Martin Ridge, Falcarragh Co. Donegal & formerly Crowe Lane Portarlington who passed away on Saturday February 5. Martin served his time as a Garda at Portarlington Garda Station for many years. He will be sadly missed by his wife Brid, daughters Aoife & Cliodhna, 6 grandchildren, sisters and brothers, extended family & friends. Funeral took place in Donegal. May Martin rest in Peace.
SYMPATHY
Deepest Sympathy to the family of Joseph (Joe) Connolly, Pine Villa & late of Dublin, who passed away on Tuesday February 8, suddenly at his home. Joe will be sadly missed by his partner AnneMarie, extended family & friends, and all who knew him driving his red Taxi bus in town. Cremation for Joe took place on Friday February 11 at Newlands Cross Crematorium. May Joe rest in Peace.

PORT GAA NEWS
Laois Clubs combined Lotto draw takes place as usual, every Thursday night. This week’s jackpot is €5,400. Tickets can be bought from club members or online via www.play.clubforce.com.
BINGO
Bingo at Port GAA Centre every Tuesday night at 8pm. Over €3,000 in prize money.
MONSTER DRAW–
The Laois GAA clubs monster draw is coming up. 4 draws with over €125,000 in prize money and 50 individual prizes per draw are up for grabs.
Tickets can be purchased from any committee member, or contact the Portarlington GAA Club directly here and they will personally arrange a ticket for you. Good luck!!
Membership-Just a reminder to all our loyal members at the Port GAA, that your membership for 2022 is now due. Without your continued support we would not be able to keep our club running.
DINNER DANCE
The Port GAA dinner dance will take place on Friday March 11 in the Heritage Hotel Killenard. Tickets available soon from-Johnny Dunne – at 087-7657019. Gráinne McCann, Eoghan Coffey (Anvil Inn), Fiona Cox Dunne & Shaggy Leavy. You can also contact the club directly on their Facebook messenger.

GRACEFIELD GAA
Lotto results for February 7. Numbers drawn were 19-14-15-3. Jackpot of €4,600 won by Lisa Bryan. Promoter C. Bryan. Many congratulations. €50 each to Derek Hanlon, Paul Murphy, David Greene, John Kelly & Orlaith Smith. Promoters prize-G Slattery. Next Jackpot-€2,000. 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 below. https://smartlotto.ie/gracefield-gaa/.
LOURDES PILGRIMAGE
Portarlington Lourdes Pilgrimage 2022 will take place from August 5 to 12, at a cost of €895 per person sharing (single room supplement €265, subject to availability). This includes transfers to and from both airports, and 7 nights full board at the Solitude Hotel. 20kg baggage allowance applies. For more information, and to book a seat, please contact either Marie at 087 7589896, or Vera at 087 9311813, or any Committee member.

MAKEPORT
Another fantastic course coming up. What is Cloud? Would you like to know more about Cloud? Know more about Web Hosting? The benefits of learning about Cloud? MakePort
will be holding a course on this in the coming weeks. Contact Make Port -WhatsApp/Text/Phone 087-4947612. Email info@makeport.ie