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Articles by Liam White
Offaly Marathon To Take Place For Defibrillator Fundraiser
Offaly Community First Responders and Fire Service is doing a marathon in full fire kit to raise funds for a defibrillator. The Edenderry groups aim to raise €1,600, for the installation at St. Mary’s Church in Edenderry. Additional funds raised will support the upkeep of existing community defibrillators in the surrounding areas. The marathon is taking place at the Derry Rovers track on Wednesday, June 24, starting at 5pm.
Survey Launched To Shape Plans For Enterprise Hub In Westmeath Town
Westmeath County Council is launching a survey to assess commuting patterns and demand for enterprise, office and remote-working space in Kinnegad. The research will help shape plans for a proposed Enterprise and Co-working Hub aimed at supporting local economic growth. The facility would provide high-quality workspace, business training programmes and flexible working facilities for businesses, commuters and the wider community.
Midlands MEP Welcomes New EU Rules On Genetically Modified Crops
A Midlands MEP is welcoming new legislation on methods altering the genetic material of crops. Under the agreement, New Genomic Techiniques are now divided into two categories based on their complexity. Fianna Fail's Barry Cowen is accepting people may have concerns over the transparency of the deal. He says it has long term benefits beyond the farming community:
Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh Crowned 2026 Westmeath Rose
Photo Credit: Facebook/ Westmeath Rose Centre Mullingar’s Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh has been crowned the 2026 Westmeath Rose. The 25-year-old is opening up about living with alopecia since the age of 15 and wants to support others experiencing hair loss. She founded The Hair Loss Haven, a community that offers advice, support and meet ups for members. She will now represent Westmeath at the 2026 Rose of Tralee Festival in Kerry, which takes place from August 14th to August 18th.
Midlands Secures €55k In Funding For Literacy And Digital Skills Initiatives
Over €55,000 is being provided to fund key Midlands projects targeting literacy, numeracy, digital literacy, and financial literacy. Awarded under the €1 million national Adult Literacy for Life Collaboration and Innovation Fund, this funding for aims to support cross-community projects addressing unmet literacy needs, including literacy, numeracy and financial literacy. €31,855 is being allocated to Laois and Offaly, with €23,241 heading to Longford and Westmeath.
Shane Lowry Tee Off Time Delayed Due To Heavy Fog
Play at the first round of the US Open was suspended for almost two hours due to heavy fog. Rory McIlroy was supposed to get his first round underway at 12:50pm in New York - but has still not teed off Padraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell are due to begin in the next few minutes While Shane Lowry is set to begin just before 9pm tonight. Our coverage of the US Open is with thanks to Keenan Bauer Motors Mullingar. Your home for Citroen and Honda in the Midlands. Keenanbauer.com.
Athlone Town To Face FK Skopje 2014 In Women's Champions League
Athlone Town will face North Macedonian side FK Skopje 2014 in Semi-Final 2 of Mini Tournament 4 in the Women's Champions League first qualifying round. The draw was made earlier today with the midlanders aiming to reach the knockout stages of the competition for the first time. KKS Czarni Sosnowiec from Poland and Georgian side WFC Nike are other sides in the Mini Tournament.
Ollie Clooney Elected Cathaoirleach Of Municipal District In Laois
A new Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleach have been elected to Laois County Council. Durrow councillor Ollie Clooney is the new Cathaoirleach of the Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick Municipal District. He is taking over the position from Fine Gael's Conor Bergin. Rathdowney councillor John King was elected Leas Cathaoirleach. The appointments were made at the district’s June meeting.
13 Laois Teachers To Skydive For Charity To Fund School Therapy Dog
Photo credit: presprimary.ie 13 teachers from a Laois school are taking to the sky this September - and doing a parachute jump to raise funds for a therapy dog. Presentation Primary School in Portarlington is looking to raise €15,000 euro to cover the costs to train and own one through charity My Canine Companion. They were inspired to start fundraising after the visit of another therapy dog from another Laois school.
Mary Coughlan To Return For Landmark Performance At Forest Fest
Photo Credit: Facebook/Mary Coughlan Forest Fest 2026 is almost here and Mary Coughlan is returning after a successful performance last year. The Irish musician is busier now than ever and says she never thought she would be still performing at festivals at 70 years of age. The Laois festival runs in Emo from 24th - 26th of July and will be headlined by Echo and the Bunnymen, Madness and James. Ms Coughlan says she's looking forward to the festival season:
Irish Peatland Society Hosts Annual Conference In Offaly
Over 125 experts are attending a conference on agriculture and renewable energy in the midlands this week. The Irish Peatland Society's hosting it's annual gathering at the Tullamore Court Hotel, with scientists and researchers set to visit a range of peatland sites. The event, which runs until tomorrow, is aimed at giving participants the opportunity to see management practices firsthand, meet site experts and discuss key issues in the field.
Gardaí In Offaly Warn Issue Warning Over Phone Scams
Offaly Gardaí are issuing a warning about a phone scam targeting members of the public. Scammers are posing as employees of Three, offering discounts or account upgrades to obtain personal information. Gardaí confirmed with Three that the calls are fraudulent and are not being made by company staff. People are advised never to share passwords, security codes, or banking details over the phone. Anyone who believes they have been targeted should contact their bank immediately and report the incident.
Seven Food Businesses Ordered To Close Over Safety Breaches In May
Seven food closure orders were issued during the month of May. The Food Safety Authority served two notices under the FSAI act, one business is in Meath and the other is in Dublin. Five more orders were served under European legislation, to businesses in Westmeath, Dublin, Carlow, Limerick and Tipperary.
Westmeath Business Issued Closing Order Over Food Safety Issue
A business in Westmeath has been handed a notice. A Westmeath shop has been served a closure order over its failure to comply with food legislation. A retailer at Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Mullingar, has been served its notice due to ready to eat food products being stored at ambient temperatures. It was also cited over a lack of hand washing facilities. There were seven food closure orders were issued during the month of May.
Offaly Primary School Concert To Feature Professional Musicians
An Offaly primary school is hosting a concert featuring professional musicians this evening. St Broghan's National School in Bracknagh will be presenting 'Emsona Live', a concert showcasing pupils from Junior Infants to Second Class performing alongside professional musicians. The concert will showcase an impressive line-up of local and nationally acclaimed musicians, including cellist Adèle O'Dwyer, violinist Bogdan Sofei of the Contempo Quartet, singer Aoife Moore, and pianist Loreta Mackelaite.
I Can't Be Thankful Enough For The Support - Laois Hurling Captain
Photo Credit: Facebook/CLG Laois Laois Hurling Captain David Dooley says he's thankful to his club and community after helping his county win the Joe McDonagh Cup. The Rosenallis man captained the O'Moore County to their second Joe McDonagh Cup on Saturday as they defeated Carlow by 1-27 to 1-18. The win marks a return to the Leinster Championship for Laois in 2027. Dooley says all the credit goes to those who helped him along the way:
We Expected A Physical Battle With Louth - Anna Jones
Photo credit: Facebook/WestmeathLadies Gaa Westmeath Ladies Footballer Anna Jones is praising her teammates for the win over Louth over the weekend. The Lake County booked their place in the Quarter-Finals of the All-Ireland Intermediate Championship with a hard fought 3-12 to 3-9 win over Louth. Jones finished the game with 1-4. She says they knew what to expect over the 60 minutes:
Laois And Offaly Looking For Wins In LGFA This Weekend
It’s a big weekend for midlands sides in the Ladies Football Championship. Laois travel to Wexford this Sunday looking to bounce back from their defeat at home to Clare last time out. Peter O’Leary’s need a win in order to maintain their run in the All-Ireland series. Throw in is at 2:00pm from Wexford Park this Sunday. Elsewhere, Offaly are aiming to make it back to back wins in the Junior Championship as they travel to Kilkenny for Round Three.
Condron Concrete Withdraws Appeal Against Midlands Hospice Project
Photo Credit: Facebook/ Condron Concrete Works Condron Concrete is no longer pursuing its appeal against the proposed Midlands Hospice project. It comes after the project received planning permission from An Coimisiún Pleanála following months of sustained debate and multiple appeals. Objections were raised by Condron Concrete in Tullamore on the basis that noise from its plant could adversely affect the hospice.
Midlands TD Urges Action On Street Safety Following Serious Knife Attack
'People need to feel safe on our streets'. That's according to Longford Westmeath TD Sorca Clarke as she is calling on the Justice Minister to prioritise the issue with a proactive strategy. It comes after a man was left with severe injuries to his face, neck and back following a knife attack in Antrim last night. The Sinn Féin rep says investment in communities and supports for youth services is essential:
Midlands TD Condemns Belfast Stabbing
The British Prime Minister's condemning a serious knife attack in North Belfast as "horrific, abhorrent and sickening". A man's being treated for significant injuries to his face, neck and back following last night's attack, close to Antrim Road. A Sudanese national's been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The PSNI has launched a 'critical incident'. Longford Westmeath TD Sorca Clarke says greater crime prevention efforts are needed in Ireland:
Westmeath Students Honoured In Junior Painter Of The Year Competition
Westmeath students are being honoured in the Junior Painter of the Year competition. Two pupils from St Oliver Plunkett Boys National School in Moate are being awarded at the Sightsavers Ireland event. Muhammad Ali secured first place and Ryan Mahon second place in the 6th Class category for their artworks 'Global Goals' and 'The Eye'. The students received their awards, certificates, and framed artwork during a special presentation at the school.
Westmeath Councillor Calls For Housing Land Zoning Review Over Flood Risk Concerns
Potential land earmarked for housing projects that may be at risk of flooding in a Westmeath town should be reconsidered for dezoning. That's the view of Athlone Councillor Frankie Keena, who is asking the local authority to consider the National Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme report. Published in 2018, the OPW project mapped potential future flood hazard areas across the country.
Newly Elected Municipal District Mayor "Optimistic" For Year Ahead
Photo Credit: Facebook/Liam McDaniel The new Mayor of a Westmeath municipal district is optimistic for the year ahead. Liam McDaniel is taking over as Mayor of the Athlone-Moate Municipal District from Vinny McCormack and will remain in the role until June 2027. It's the second time he'll be occupying the role, having previously held it in 2021. Mr McDaniel says the surrounding areas are thriving at the moment:
Planning Approval Granted For New Wellness Centre At Westmeath Hotel
A Westmeath hotel has secured planning permission for a major expansion that includes a state-of-the-art wellness centre. Castlepollard's Castle Varagh Hotel submitted plans for a wellness facility in the rear yard of the building. Westmeath County Council approved the development, which also feature a new internal courtyard. The project will not impact the building's structural integrity, as it is a protected structure and no objections were lodged.
Niall Gaffney Elected Mayor Of Municipal District In Westmeath
Photo Credit: Facebook/Cllr Niall Gaffney The needs and priorities of rural areas will need to be spoken about on a regular basis. That's according to Kinnegad Labour Councillor Denis Leonard, with Councillor Niall Gaffney elected to the role of Mayor during a meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad. The Fianna Fáil rep succeeds Mick Dollard in the role. Councillor Leonard says Mr Gaffney is the right man for the role:
1926 Census Exhibition Comes To The Midlands On National Tour
The tour will visit the National Ploughing Championships in September. The National Archives’ is coming to the Midlands as part of a nationwide tour celebrating the release of the 1926 Census. 'The Story of Us' exhibition offers visitors a glimpse into life in Ireland a century ago. Westmeath County Council Buildings will host the exhibition from 25th August to 11th September, the tour will also visit the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Offaly, from 15th to 17th September.
Government Set To Increase Fines For Deliberate Forest Fires
Fines for deliberately setting forest fires are set to be increased by the government. This comes in the wake of an illegal wildfire that burned through 66 hectares of the Wicklow Mountains National Park last week. Ireland recorded 99 separate fires last year, compared with 10 in 2024. Fianna Fail Councillor for Westmeath and member of Westmeath Fire Services Alfie Devine feels the current fine of €5,000 isn't big enough. He says CCTV in black spot areas also needed:
Environmental Inspections On The Rise Across Midlands Farms
The number of environmental inspections taking place on Midlands farms is on the rise. All three county councils in the region met and exceeded their inspection targets set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Last year, Laois surpassed its target of 136 by two, Westmeath's target was cleared by one, while Offaly met its target of 140 inspections. Nationally, local authorities inspected 4,315 farms - 96% of the annual target of 4,500 set by the EPA and a 66% increase on 2024.
Midlands Residents Invited To Explore Careers In Home Care
People across the Midlands are being encouraged to explore new opportunties in care. Dovida is holding a national hiring day next Thursday at their offices, in order to boost recruitment numbers, and meet the need for a wider range of high quality home care supports. People who attend National Hiring Day will have a change to speak directly with staff to learn about roles on offer, and guidance on training and career progression.
Offaly Man Jailed For Threatening Teenage Girls Set For Release
An Offaly man, who is banned from his own county after threatening to kidnap, rape, and murder young women, will walk free from prison this week. 51 year old Liam finlay was sentenced to 15 years at Tullamore Circuit Court after admitting to charges of making the threats to teenage girls. Mr Finlay described himself as the ‘beast of all sex beasts’ in a letter sent to Athlone Garda Station, according to the Irish Independent.
Very Special Group Of Players - Stephen 'Picky' Maher
Photo Credit: Facebook/CLG Laois This victory tops everything. That's the thoughts of Laois Hurler Stephen 'Picky' Maher following his side's victory over Carlow in the Joe McDonagh Cup on Saturday. The O'Moore County sealed their second title with a 1-27 to 1-18 win at Croke Park to seal their return to the Leinster Championship for next season, with Maher finishing with 0-9. The Clough Ballocalla man suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury last April.
Laois Secure Crucial Win In Intermediate Camogie Championship
Photo credit: Facebook/Laois Camogie Laois continued their winning form in the All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Championship over the weekend. Pat Collier and Robert Jones' side held out to secure a hard fought 2-11 to 2-9 win over Meath in O’Moore Park, moving them to the brink of the knockout stages. Aimee Collier finished the game with 1-6, with Kirsten Keenan added a second goal for her side.
Kilkenny Prove Too Strong For Offaly In Camogie Championship
Photo Credit: Facebook/Camogie in Pictures Offaly suffered back to back defeats in the All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship on Saturday. Jack Maher’s side were beaten 5-15 to 3-9 by Kilkenny with the win securing The Cat’s their third win in a row. Clodagh Leahy, Grace and Mairead Teehan got the goals for Offaly, with Aoife Prendergast and Steffi Fitzgerald impressing for Kilkenny.
Westmeath Ladies Seal Home Venue For All-Ireland Quarter Final
Photo credit: Facebook/WestmeathLadies Gaa Westmeath Ladies have booked their place in the quarter finals of the Intermediate Football Championship. Frank Browne’s side were 3-12 to 3-9 winners over Louth on Sunday, with the win securing them a home game for their next round. Anna Jones and Sarah Dillon both finished with 1-4 each. Browne says it was important to get the win: Meanwhile, Peter O’Leary’s first game as Laois manager ended in defeat at home to Clare.
Local Authority Urged To Tackle Littering In Laois Shopping Centres
It's up to the local authority in Laois to make sure littering is controlled in shopping centres. That's the message from Irish Business Against Litter, as Portlaoise has slipped in its yearly rankings. It now sits at 39th place, in comparison to Athlone moving up to 24th and Mullingar remaining in their top 15 cleanest cities and towns. Conor Horgan from IBAL says Tidy Towns Groups can only do so much:
Midlands Superintendent Pays Tribute To Departing Crime Prevention Officer
Photo Credit: Laois Offaly Gardaí Facebook A Midlands Superintendent is paying tribute to Laois/Offaly Division's departing crime prevention officer. Sergeant Graham Kavanagh is retiring after 31 years of service. Officer Tony Tighe believes his commitment to community policing, education, and crime prevention is second to none. He says he will be a huge loss to An Garda Síochána:
60 New Jobs For Offaly As Grant Invests €8m In Expansion
There's 60 new jobs coming to Offaly. It comes as Grant is announcing an €8m investment in its production facilities. The company, with its headquarters based in Birr, is announcing plans to hire staff across a range of roles for its business. The company specialises in sustainable home heating solutions. Positions will be available for skilled labour, assembly jobs and semi skilled roles. Founder, Stephen Grant says the business is upscaling with more sustainable developments:
IRHA President Criticises RSA Despite Increase In Learner Permit Numbers
The President of the Irish Road Haulage Association is calling out the RSA for learner permit holder figures. As of the end of March, there 388,090 learner permit holders on Irish roads, representing an increase of over 6,200 compared with the same period last year. The largest increase in the midlands was Offaly, which saw a 5% increase, while Westmeath's figure grew by 3.5%. Laois saw an increase of just under 3%.
Shane Lowry Finishes Tied 22nd At Memorial Tournament
JT Poston was the overall winner. Shane Lowry finished in a tie for 22nd at the Memorial Tournament. The Offaly man carded a final round of 73 to leave him on one under par. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy finished on four under par. JT Poston secured the win in a play off after edging out Ryan Gerard.
Gardaí Appeal For Witnesses After Graffiti Damage At Historical Laois Site
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses after entry to a historical Laois site was damaged with graffiti. Black spray-painted graffiti appeared on an archway at the entrance to the Rock of Dunamase. The criminal damage is believed to have occurred between late April and early May. Investigators are asking anyone who was in the area at the time to come forward. Anyone with information can contact Portlaoise Garda Station, the Garda Confidential Line or any Garda Station.
Alex Dunne Secures Second Place In Monaco
Photo Credit: Facebook/Alex Dunne Racing Alex Dunne secured a second place finish at the Formula Two Monaco Grand Prix yesterday. The Clonbullogue man who began from P3, claimed back-to-back second place finishes, having also finished in the same position during the Feature race in Montreal a few weeks ago. Bulgarian Nikolay Tsolov took home the title. The Offaly man is tied for third place with his Rodin Motorsport teammate Martinius Stenshorne, 15 points behind championship leader Gabriele Minì.
Gardaí Appeal For Information After Sheep And Lambs Stolen In Offaly
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses after livestock was reported stolen in Offaly. The incident occurred at approximately 2:40am on Friday morning, with four pet ewes and lambs were stolen in the Geashill area. Anyone with information can contact Portarlington Garda Station, the Garda Confidential Line or any Garda Station. Owner Aine Doyle says she wants those who have the animals to return them:
Laois Housing Plan For 74 Homes Resubmitted After 2024 Refusal
A proposal to build 74 new homes in Laois, is being resubmitted to after being refused in 2024. Developer Limitlane Ltd plans a mix of houses and apartments on the former Avon factory site in Portarlington. The original application was rejected due to concerns about contamination posing health risks to future residents.
Westmeath School Appeals For Enrolments To Retain Two Teacher Status
Photo Credit: Facebook/Rochfortbridge A Westmeath school is appealing for new enrolments in the face of losing one of its two teachers. Emper National School in Ballynacarrigy, requires a minimum of 14 pupils to retain its two teachers for the next academic year. The local community is rallying to encourage families with school age children to consider enrolling. Principal Fiona Brennan believes that maintaining local schools is vital to preserving rural communities and educational access.
Mixed Fortunes For Midlands Towns In Latest Litter Rankings
There's mixed news for the Midlands in the latest litter rankings. In Westmeath, both Athlone and Mullingar are up in the IBAL standings. An Taisce reported no heavily littered sites in Athlone, improving to 'clean to European norms' status and rising up to 24th in the rankings from 32nd in January. Mullingar remains in 15th, retaining its own 'clean' grading. Portlaoise however has slipped to 39th in the list, falling from 25th.
Midlands Carers In Focus As National Carers Week Gets Underway
Today marks the start of National Carers Week across the Midlands. The Heart of Gold campaign by Family Carers Ireland, in collaboration with Lidl stores is aiming to raise funds and awareness to its services. These include carer support centers, a national freephone careline and emergency respite. There's an estimated 32,000 carers in the Midlands. Niamh Lynch is their Community Support Officer for Laois and Offaly - and says there's a full range of events also planned:
Laois Manager Highlights Work Rate As Reason For Joe McDonagh Victory
Photo Credit: Facebook/CLG Laois Pure desire, work rate and want, it was top class. That’s the message from Laois Hurling Manager Tommy Fitzgerald after his side secured the Joe McDonagh title following their 1-27 to 1-18 victory over Carlow on Saturday. Cillian Dunne shined with 1-6, with Stephen ‘Picky’ Maher also impressing with 0-9. Dunne’s 54th minute goal gave his side the incentive to win the game as they outscored their opponents by 0-8 to 0-4 in the final 20 minutes.
Tailteann Cup Draw Sees Laois Face Down And Offaly Host Wexford
Laois and Offaly have learned their quarter final opponents for the Tailteann Cup. Justin McNulty's side will welcome Down to O'Moore Park for a repeat of the 2024 decider, while Offaly will host Wexford in O'Connor Park. Both side's secured their places in the final eight with convincing wins over London and Down respectively. Elsewhere, Fermanagh will take on Sligo and Antrim entertain Wicklow. All four games are scheduled to take place this weekend.
Clonaslee United Claim First Ever Combined Counties Cup
Photo Credit: Facebook/Clonaslee United Clonaslee United are CCFL Cup Champions for the first time in their history. The Laois club were 2-1 winners over Mullingar Athletic in yesterday's decider in Leah Victoria Park in Tullamore. Bob Downey opened the scoring for Clonaslee, before Nathan Scally equalised for the Westmeath outfit. DJ Callaghan bundled home thew winner in the second half after Mullignar were reduced to 10 men.
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