
Latest Laois News: Around Portarlington Way
The latest news from Emo, Killenard and Portarlington
BLOOD SUPPLIES
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service are looking for your help. Blood supplies are very low, and hospital demand very high. They now urgently need blood donors of all types, so it is vital donors respond to texts they have sent them to attend their local clinic when we are in their area. Visit https://bit.ly/3tVmhnQ to find your local clinic or register your interest.
SCAM ALERT
What’s the scam? Fraudulent text messages, claiming to come from Revenue, have been doing the rounds. Some of these, seek taxpayer’s personal information such as first and last name, address, and/or date of birth. They may also request credit card, debit card or bank account details claiming it’s in connection with a tax or wage subsidy refund.

The Revenue will never request personal info or bank details by text or email. They’ll never ask you to press certain buttons or ask you to download software to allow someone else to view your screen and they certainly won’t tell you to ignore payment warnings! If you get one of these texts, then simply delete the message and block the number.
SOCIAL CLUB
St Brigid’s Social club Cloneyhurke will hold the following events for all interested. Keep Fit for all levels of fitness. Takes place every Friday night from 7pm to 8pm.
Mindful Meditation & Movement Classes on Monday nights from 7pm to 8pm. For more information for anyone interested please contact Catherine at 0877632415. You will be made very welcome.

COMIC WORKSHOP
MakePort have a great Easter midterm Comic Workshop coming up.
Do you like designing comic characters? Or maybe designing monsters?
Well, we have a fantastic workshop happening over Easter in Makerspace, Portarlington on April 20 & 21 from 2pm to 4pm.
Contact Makerspace -WhatsApp/Text/Phone 089-4947612. Email info@makeport.ie
SYMPATHY
Deepest Sympathy to the family of Louise Kelly, Spa St Portarlington & formerly Daingean Co. Offaly who passed away on Sunday April 3. Louise was predeceased by her parents Jack & Emily. She will be sadly missed by her loving daughter Shauna, fiance Alan, brothers John Kelly (Gracefield), Michael & Peter, sisters Michelle, Anne-Marie & Mary, extended family & friends. Requiem Mass took place on Thursday April 7 at Mary Mother of God Church, Daingean with burial after in St Mary’s Cemetery. May Louise gentle soul rest in Peace.
SYMPATHY
Deepest Sympathy to the family & community of Sister Francesca Kelly, Kilcock & formerly Ballymorris Portarlington who passed away on Sunday April 3. Predeceased by her parents Annie & Michael, brothers Joseph & John. She will be sadly missed by her sisters Mary, Cissie, Susan & Pauline, nephew Joseph, Presentation Sisters, extended family, friends & past pupils. Requiem Mass took place at St Coca’s Church Kilcock, with burial after in the Convent Cemetery. May Sr Francesca’s gentle soul rest in Peace.
Sr Francesca will be fondly remembered for her help with all the children & for her time with Portarlington St Vincent de Paul.

GROW
New Grow Mental Health Peer Support meeting taking place every Thursday afternoon starting at 2.30pm until 4.30pm in the Social Services Centre Portarlington. Any person over 18 years of age is welcome to attend. If you require any further information in relation to this meeting, please contact: Assumpta on 086 8114135 or e-mail assumptalyons@grow.ie.
GRACEFIELD GAA
Lotto results for April 4. Numbers drawn were 10-20-16-29. No Jackpot winner. €50 each to Emma Evans, Niamh & Clodagh, Brendan Oakley, Mary Evans & George Doody. Promoter’s prize-P Mulligan. Next Jackpot on April 11-€3,600. 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 below. https://smartlotto.ie/gracefield-gaa/.

PORT GAA NEWS
Laois Clubs combined Lotto draw takes place as usual, every Thursday night. This week’s jackpot is €6,800. 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 to be won. Port GAA Clubs brand new website is now live…www.portarlingtongaa.ie.