Latest Laois News: Around Portarlington Way

MEALS ON WHEELS

Portarlington Social Services/Meals on Wheels continue to serve the Community. This service is now 49 years on the go. Last year, 2020 there was up to 10,000 meals cooked & delivered. This would not have been possible without our amazing kitchen staff, our 80 plus volunteer drivers, who bring the dinners to our meal recipients 3 days a week. To everyone who has donated in any way to keep our service going, we thank you most Sincerely.

The Committee appreciate all the kindness shown to the Service. Volunteer drivers are always welcome. If you have an hour to spare one day every 4 to 6 weeks, we would appreciate your help. You can contact the Centre any morning from 8am to 11am with your contact details. We will then pass these on to Breda & Vincent who do our rosters. The contact no for the Centre is 057-8623461.

LAOIS ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY

Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Laois Alzheimer’s Society is closed, but if you need to meet Ann please ring in advance on 086 8372168 as she is working from home.

We have 3 vacancies for Home Care workers. This is through a Community Employment Scheme.

Applicants need to have a full driving licence and use of a car. Please contact Ann Munnelly on 086 8372168

Online Song singing Project-Under the Laois Keep Well Community Resilience Campaign, members of Laois Alzheimer’s Society are invited to participate in an on-line song-singing project called Musical Memories. Facilitated by Music Generation Laois, led by musician Nuala Kelly, the project aims to connect people through music from their homes in these difficult times. There is an inter-generational aspect with local schools taking part, that not only creates Musical Memories but preserves them with songs such as Will Ye Go Lassie Go, Some Enchanted Evening and We’ll Meet Again handed down to the next generation. If you would like to take part or find out more, please email nukelly@loetb.ie or call Nuala on 0872264752. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland National Helpline 1800 341 341

For any information on dementia contact Ann Munnelly on 057 866 3398/086 8372168

Home-care Coordinator Email amunnelly@alzheimer.ie.

CREDIT UNION

Portarlington Credit Union ask that where possible that all members use over the phone and email facility to conduct their business to protect both their staff and members, to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

If you wish to pay via visa debit, PCU can accept laser card payments over the phone.

During these times lots of members prefer to use this option rather than coming into the office.

Phone line is 0578623336, or email mail@portcu.ie for info. They will be happy to help.

GRACEFIELD GAA

Offaly Coaching and Games staff have put together short coaching videos for National School children, through their ‘Koach the Kids’ programme. We are delighted to be able to send these out to our underage players to encourage them to get out and play hurling or football during these times. If you’d like to receive these videos can you fill out the form here and we will be in contact soon

Thanks.

LOTTO-Our weekly Lotto draw remains suspended. We will give a week’s notice before it returns. The Jackpot will return at €13,200.

SYMPATHY

Deepest Sympathy to Jimmy Lynch & family Portlaoise road on the death of Jimmy’s brother William (Billy) Lynch, Kileen, Mountmellick who passed away on January 24 at the Midlands Hospital Portlaoise. Billy will be sadly missed by his loving wife Anne (nee Dalton), sons Liam & Declan, brothers Jimmy & Joe, grandchildren, extended family, neighbours & a large circle of friends. Funeral took place at St Paul’s Church Emo on January 25, with burial after in the new Cemetery Emo. May Billy rest in Peace.

SYMPATHY

Deepest Sympathy to the family of Mary (Bunty) Ward (nee Carroll), St Michael’s Park who passed away on Wednesday February 3 at Oakdale Nursing Home Portarlington. Bunty was predeceased by her husband Charlie, daughter Catherine (Gallagher) and in recent times her son Michael. She will be sadly missed by her sons Derek, Thomas & Charlie, daughters Brigid, Noreen, Frances & Alice, brother Noel & sister Breda, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, neighbours & friends. Funeral took place on Friday February 5 at St Michael’s Church, with burial after in St Michael’s Cemetery. May Bunty’s gentle soul rest in Peace.

SYMPATHY

Deepest Sympathy to Christy & Margie Finlay, Station road on the death of Christy’s brother Philip Finlay, Newbridge & Monasterevin who passed away on January 20. Philip was predeceased by his parents Michael & Josephine, brother Mick & sisters Ann & Jane. He will be sadly missed by his loving son Emmett & Emmett’s partner Michelle, sisters Mai & Jacqueline, brothers Tony & Christy, extended family, neighbours & friends. Family funeral took place at St Peter & Paul’s church Monasterevin, with burial after in St Evin’s Cemetery Monasterevin. May Philip rest in Peace. 

PARISH NOTES

The Parish office will remain closed until further notice due to the present restrictions. All notices/Anniversaries for the Parish newsletter must be in by Wednesday each week. You can e-mail to portarlingtonparishoffice@eircom.net or drop in the letter box. You can also contact Eileen at 086-1508048 & Rosemary at 087-9423658.

Details are as follows to donate to the Parish. Branch-Bank of Irl Portarlington. Name of account-Portarlington Parish no 1. Bic-BOFIIE2D. I Ban-IE16BOFI90181051430254. Your name & address in the red box.

Link for St Michael’s Church webcam is here.

SENIOR ALERT

Have you heard of the Senior Alert Alarms?

Another featured role of the Love Port office is to assist the elderly in our town and surrounding areas by applying for the Senior Alert Alarms on their behalf, which we have had a huge demand for in the past few years. The objective of the Seniors Alert Scheme (SAS) is to encourage community support for vulnerable older people in our communities through the provision of personal monitored alarms to enable older persons, of limited means, to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. Funding is available under the scheme towards the purchase of equipment by a registered organisation i.e. personal alarm and pendant. The equipment is funded by Pobal and made available through community, voluntary and not-for- profit organisations registered with Pobal under the SAS. This is all overseen in the PCDA/Love Port office where the local people of Portarlington are encouraged to call in and apply. All paper work and admin is done by the Love Port staff.

Please call 085 8568801 for more information or e-mail info@portarlington.ie

Please note because of Covid 19 restrictions all correspondence is done over the phone at the moment.

MESSAGE FROM SVP PORTARLINGTON

Hi everyone, we hope you are all well during this difficult time. Our shop will remain closed until restrictions are lifted, but if anybody needs help or assistance from S. V. P they can contact the Helpline by phoning 087-7640557. Look after yourselves and each other, stay safe and we look forward to seeing you again in the near future.