Latest Laois News: Around Portarlington Way
Your news from Emo, Killenard and Portarlington
Heritage Week 2023 – Living Heritage.
To mark Heritage Week 2023 the Portarlington Arts & Heritage Group will host an event in the Portarlington Library on Thursday August 17 at 8pm, illustrating how two local buildings have become part of our living heritage. Liam Murphy, Irish Rail, will give a talk on the restoration of buildings at Portarlington Railway Station, and plans for their future use. As part of the talk the original drawings for the station from 1845 will be on display for the first time in over 150 years.
This will be followed by a talk on the restoration of Woodbrook House by the current owner Ray Simmons. The evening will conclude with a short talk on Portarlington’s forgotten artist, Walter Chetwood Aiken. Admission is free and all are welcome. To book call 057 864343751 or email portarlingtonlibrary@laoiscoco.ie
REGISTER OF ELECTORS
To vote you must be registered on the Register of Electors for the area in which you live. You can register at www.checktheregister.ie. If you are already registered, there are 3 items that may require updating on the Register: your date of birth, PPSN and Eircode. You can also update these details at www.checktheregister.ie In addition, staff from Laois County Council will be available in Portarlington Library on Thursday August 10, from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm to assist you in doing this. (Please bring your details with you). Please feel free to call. Appointment not required. If you have any query in relation to the Register of Electors, you can contact Laois County Council on 057 8664105 or by email to registerofelectors@laoiscoco.ie.
DERRYOUNCE EXPERIENCE
Portarlington Community Development Association (PCDA) have commenced the consultation process for a 10 year plan for Derryounce Lakes and Trails. Link to Survey below. Members of the community are welcome to get involved in the process by providing ideas and suggestions on the future development of Derryounce. E-mail derryounceplan@offalycoco.ie with your suggestions.
PORTARLINGTON LIBRARY
Summer Stars-It is Summer Stars time again make sure to pop into the Library to register the children and keep them reading throughout the summer!
Summer Treasure Hunt-Pop in to Portarlington Library throughout the month of August and take part in our Summer Treasure Hunt. Solve the puzzle and win a small prize.
Talk on the Conservation of Portarlington Railway Station-Join David Orford for a talk on the conservation of the buildings of Portarlington railway station on Thursday August 17 at 8pm. To book call 057 864343751 or email portarlingtonlibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Register to Vote-Need help getting on the register? Come along to Portarlington Library on August 10 from 2pm-4.30pm and find out how to register online.
Little Library Bags-Have you a child starting school in September? Make sure to pop into the Portarlington Library and pick up their FREE Little Library Bag. Packed full of books and tips to help make the transition to primary school easier it is an invaluable resource.
SYMPATHY
Deepest Sympathy to the family of Angela O’Malley, (nee Briggs) Clanmalire Portarlington, who passed away suddenly on August 2nd. Angela was predeceased by her husband Patsy, parents Eric & Una. She will be sadly missed by her loving son Martin, brother Andrew, extended family, neighbours & friends. Funeral took place on Friday August 4th. May Angela’s gentle soul rest in Peace.
CEMETERY MASSES
The following are the dates for Cemetery Masses for the Parish. Emo old Cemetery-Saturday August 12 at 7.30pm.
Portarlington R.F.C
Pre season is back at Port R.F.C. The Club hope to have 3 senior teams again this year, which will cater to all levels. If youlways wanted to try it out? The give it a go – no strings attached. If you played as a youth? Then, come back out and give it a go! Never played before? Give it a go.
Last season, the seconds got to the Division 9 metro final after winning Division 10 the previous year. While the thirds won the J4 Leinster Dunne Cup. Always a great social outlet, and this will be a special season, as the club celebrates their 50th anniversary. 24 lads heading to the World Cup in early September to start off the celebrations!
Club Bingo Online
Bingo books are available at Dowling’s Gala Killenard, or at Whelehans Newsagents, Main St Portarlington. Eyes down at 8pm every Friday. If you’re not in you can’t win!
PORT GAA NEWS
LOTTO-Laois Clubs combined Lotto draw takes place as usual, every Tuesday night. Next week’s Jackpot is €8,400. 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 to be won. Free parking and wheelchair accessible.
Bus runs every week to the Centre from around the town. If you are interested in being picked up and collected please ring Johnny Mooney at 0857761253 for more information.
GRACEFIELD LOTTO–Lotto results for July 31. Numbers drawn were 9-28-7-8. No winner of Jackpot. €50 each to Jake McLoughlin, Hillary Mulligan, Brendan Oakley, Sue Hanrahan & Robbie Keogh. Promoter’s prize-Mary Keogh. Next week’s Jackpot-€6,000.