Latest Laois News: Out and about in Portarlington
All the latest news from Portarlington, Emo and Killenard
PORT’S SUPERSTAR
A big well done to the wonderful Nicole Turner who returned from Madeira with 4 medals after performing at the World Para Swimming Championships.
Fantastic achievement by Nicole, & all her family, friends & neighbours wish her well.
ST MICHAEL’S CEMETERY
The Committee of St Michael’s Cemetery Portarlington would like to thank all who donated to the recent fundraiser for the upkeep of the Cemetery. Thanks to those who donated on the online Go Fund Me page & to all who dropped donations in to the Parish Office & to Earley’s shop in Gracefield. Also, a big thanks to Portarlington Credit Union for their very generous donation. The response was amazing, and the money collected will go towards the continued upkeep of our beautiful Cemetery. A big well done to the Committee & Volunteers who continue to work to maintain St Michael’s.
Your news from Portarlington, Emo and Killenard
CURRENT GUIDELINES
The current Government guidelines expressly advise against Religious Ceremonies, such as Communions & Confirmations taking place at this present time.
PARISH NEWS
The resumption of Public Wordship, with ongoing restrictions are as follows-Parish Church’s are open to the Public. Masses with 50 people allowed. Baptisms with individual baptism-6 people allowed. Funerals-Maximum of 50 people may attend. Weddings with a maximum of 50 people may attend the Church. You are asked to conform with Government guidelines in relation to hand sanitiser, social distancing & the wearing of masks.
PARISH OFFICE
The Parish office is back open, Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 1.30pm. Notices for Parish Newsletter should be sent by e-mail to portarlingtonparishoffice@eircom.net by Wednesday of each week. You can also phone 0578643004.
The Emigrants Newsletter 2021-Those intending to submit Articles/Stories/Old Photos for inclusion in this year’s Newsletter should e-mail to portarlingtonparishoffice@eircom.ie by August 1.
DERRYOUNCE
Just to let everyone know that the upgrade works at the walkways in Derryounce have finished. All Public entrances are now open. The Committee appreciate your understanding and patience
LAOIS & OFFALY EDUCATION/TRAINING BOARD
We have a variety of courses to choose from for Summer/Autumn 2021, including:
Welding and Fabrication, IT Systems Engineer, Healthcare Support, Warehouse Operations, IT – Security & Networks, Transport, Logistics and Distribution, Digital Skills, Health Promotion & Supervisory Management, Sustainable Living Skills & and much more!
Click here https://bit.ly/3bOJS04 for more information or to register your interest today!
RUN THE NATION
Congratulations & well done to Paddy Whelan (Portarlington) along with Neil Toffee Davis, Mick and Kevin Eustace (Athy) who have so far raised over €9,000 for the Irish Cancer Society as they visited 26 Counties in 24 hours. They ran in each County they visited. You can still donate for another couple of weeks. If anyone hasn’t donated, please support this good cause. Close to a lot of our hearts. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/RunTheNation
SYMPATHY
Deepest Sympathy to the family of Liam Costello, St Brigid’s Sq Portarlington who passed away on Friday May 21, surrounded by his loving family. Liam was predeceased by his loving wife Janie. He will be sadly missed by his sons Billy, Ger, John & James, his devoted daughter Maria (Coughlan), sister Breda (England), grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, neighbours & friends. As a mark of respect Liam’s neighbours in St Brigid’s Sq came out to say goodbye to their late neighbour, as his remains were brought for a final journey to pass his house. Requiem Mass took place on Sunday May 23 at St Michael’s Church, with burial after to St Michael’s Cemetery. May Liam rest in Peace.
FURTHER EDUCATION
Portarlington Further Education and Training Centre are now accepting online applications.
They offer a wide variety of exciting QQI accredited courses through their Further Education and Training Programme. New for September- 2021 PLC Courses commencing.
Get in quick before all spaces are filled. For more information visit their new website https://portarlingtonfetc.ie/ Call -(057) 862 3161.
PORT SOCIAL SERVICES
Next year it will be the 50th anniversary of the 1st AGM. We ask any of you out there who could give their time to join our committee, to contact annmdun@hotmail.com or contact the Meals on Wheels Centre any morning from 9am to 11am at 0578623461.
Portarlington RFC are now offering FREE parents’ fitness classes during Minis training on Wednesday evenings from 6.35pm to 7.15pm, and are suitable for everyone regardless of your fitness levels. There is no charge but there will be an opportunity to make a donation to the club if you like. If you have any queries then you can contact Karol on 086- 377 1154. Don’t miss this opportunity to get active.
PORTARLINGTON G.A.A.
Port GAA bingo continues online via Zoom. €3,000 in prizes each week. Single books- €8, available for purchase through clubforce at the link below, where you can also find further details on how to play. https://bit.ly/3daMHty
For anyone local who wishes to purchase a book for the Online Bingo but who do not have email access, you can order by contacting 085 8264994 via text or WhatsApp
GRACEFIELD GAA
Lotto results for May 24. Numbers drawn were 23-21-14-24. No Jackpot winner. €50 each to Lorraine Hurley, Teresa Direen, Keith Mullally, Rita Kelly & Gabby Slattery. Promoter-Anthony Earley. Next Jackpot-€14,200. 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/
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
A new Charity has recently been set up in Laois. They will provide birthday cakes to people who cannot afford them, such as people in direct provision centres, emergency accommodation & anyone else who is struggling. If you would like to help by baking or delivering, please contact Jamie for more information by e-mailing jamie.deery@hotmail.com.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Make Port are looking into hosting adult Graphics Design Courses during the Summer, as they have had several requests for it. If anyone is interested, can you please drop a WhatsApp on 089-4947612. Email: info@makeport.ie or DM their Facebook page.