Laois Press Issue 14

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FINE Gael’s Charlie Flanagan and Labour Senator John Whelan became embroiled in a remarkable slagging match on social networking site Twitter over the weekend, further exposing bitter divisions between the two governing partys.In a ridiculous series of tweets that would have bordered on comical if not for the serious political backdrop of the country’s sixth austerity budget, neither politician held back in expressing their opinions on one another, with Flanagan branding the Labour senator “ineffective...and a real dead duck”.The row began after Whelan had been stinging in his criticism of his own party supporting a budget that slashed Respite Care and Children’s allowances. These were issues that Labour TDs throughout the country had been elected upon, and now seem to have abandoned, drawing not only Whelan’s ire, but several of the Labour party’s TDs in the Dail. Reacting to Flanagan’s attack, Whelan stated, “I am taken aback, surprised and completely baffled by the unprovoked and personalised attack on me this weekend by Deputy Charles Flanagan. I obviously mistakenly thought that I was on terms and had a good working relationship with Deputy Flanagan who I meet in Leinster House on a daily basis. It is regrettable that he did not take the opportunity to express his views of me face-to-face.”“In his latest nasty comments on me he seems more concerned about my relationship with Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore than he does about the unfair and inequitable cuts to child benefit and the carers respite grant. He should be more concerned with his relationship with his own Party leader, Enda Kenny than fretting about me and the Tanaiste.”In one particularly whithering comment, Flanagan suggested Whelan should “jump ship... with the same speed & vigour he left Fianna Fail.”Despite stating he didn’t want to get into a slagging match with the Chairman of the Fine Gael Parliamentary party, Whelan let his feelings known on what he thought of Charlie Flanagan as a TD, saying “Deputy Flanagan was one of two FG TDs elected in the general election. He has been a TD for Laois for 30 years and he

talks about me being ineffective? Perhaps he would like to list his own outstanding achievements after three decades in the Dail?”He continued by saying “this is a man who pledged his loyalty and support to Enda Kenny before stabbing him in the back 48 hours later. That is why the former FG Justice spokesman languishes today on the back benches and will never be a Minister, and he has the neck to call me an ineffective, hypocritical dead duck. I rest my case.”One week on from the budget, it has to be asked after such a bust up between two of Laois’ senior politicians, do they have any appreciation of what the word ‘hypocrisy’ means? Or if they have any sense of irony at all?Looking at the now infamous Fine Gael 5 Point Plan, the document that persuaded the Irish people to place so many FG TDs in power - there is no mention of closing hospitals or slashing the allowances of carers. The phrase ‘Abolish the Seanad’ is however quite clearly printed on that document. If Deputy Flanagan and his colleagues went back to that document, and followed through on their promises, not only would he save the state money without closing so much as a single hospital bed, he’d never have to worry about getting involved in a public spat with a senator again.Over the last year, Respite Centres such as the Muiriosa Foundation in Mountrath has seen it’s budget slashed, despite the excellent value for money it represents. The fate of Abbeyleix and Shaen Hospitals still remains unresolved, despite the people of Laois taking to the streets in their thousands to make their feelings known.To borrow a phrase, maybe if our elected officials represented citizens “with the same speed & vigour” that they seem to toe party lines - our country would be a far better place. Instead, as implied by Senator Whelan in his original statement, it looks like we have another grey haired cabinet, happy to inflict more pain in the knowledge they won’t have to stand before the electorate next time out - and as we all saw last week - their pay and pensions weren’t part of the shared pain in FG and Labours “fair and equitable budget”.

GLOVES COME OFF IN TWITTER BUST UP

€500,000 BOOST FOR LAOIS SPORTS CLUBSThe National Lottery Sports Capital Fund will be making a major difference to sporting life in Laois, with over half a million euro earmarked for Laois.Among those benefitting from the grants are Abbeyleix Park Committee €53150, Annanough GAA €60000, Ballyfin GAA €50000, Ballypickas GAA €23000, Castletown GAA €25000, Clonin Sportsfield €10000, Cullohill Handball Club €24000, Killeen Community Centre €5000, Killeen Ladies Football €5000, Laois County Council €50000, Laois Cricket Club €9000, Laois Marlins Swim Club €4000, Mountmellick Gymnastics Club €20000, Portlaoise AFC €60000, Portlaoise Boxing Club €13000, Rosenallis GAA €29000, St. Aengus Mountrath Football Club €57000 and Woodenbridge Paddlers €5000.These grants should go a long way in helping these clubs grow and develop, and should create jobs in the short to medium term as facilities are upgraded and built to secure the long term future of the clubs, as well as providing facilities for all age groups and interests well into the future.

2 FRIDAY 14 DECEMBER 2012LAOIS PRESS


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Borris-in-Ossory Youth Club won this year’s Ossory Youth Mini Tops in two categories. Trophies were brought home for “comedy” and “music song and dance”.This was the first year that the recently reformed club en-tered the competition where nine clubs in total were com-peting. Twenty members travelled to St Michaels Theatre

BORRIS-IN-OSSORY YOUTHS ARE TOPSin New Ross last Sunday and took to the stage in one of the most well known theatres in the South East. Members put in tireless weeks of rehearsal for the event. These rehearsals are now continuing to form part of the Variety Concert in aid of the Youth Club being held in Kil-lastmeestia Hall on 22nd December.

BIO Youth Club on stage in St Michaels Theatre New Ross

Fine Gael Party Chairman Charlie Flanagan has acknowledged that last week’s Budget was most difficult and trying for people across Laois but he remarked that the Government had to make these choices to ensure that core social welfare rates were maintained and income tax was not touched.

“Despite having to take €3.5 billion out of the economy, the Government has protected core social welfare rates, with Jobseeker’s Benefit and Jobseeker’s Allowance unchanged, and maintained income tax rates so that people have certainty about their take-home pay. Where our older citizens are concerned, State pension rates will remain the same to ensure that the elderly are shielded from reductions. “Job creation has been a key priority for this Government. Budget 2013 contains measures which will address the difficulties many SMEs face in today’s difficult economic climate. One such measure is the 10 Point Tax Reform Plan. Access to credit has been a major challenge for new and existing small

A new volunteer service for Laois was launched last month. This service, Volunteer Laois, has been set up by Laois Partnership Company, in conjunction with Volunteer Ireland, to provide volunteering opportunities for people living throughout Laois. A new website www.volunteerlaois.ie was launched simultaneously. This website will provide volunteers an opportunity to register as a volunteer and will provide advice and support on their role as a volunteer. In addition, organisations and community groups can advertise volunteer vacancies. Training for volunteers, organisations and community groups will also be provided under the new service. Volunteer Laois has been set up as part of the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP). The programme works with different groups including unemployed people, older people, young people, one parent families, people with disabilities, low income families, Travellers and volunteers. Speaking at the launch, Charles Flanagan T.D. said “I am delighted to launch the initiative by Laois Partnership and Volunteer Ireland to set up Volunteer Laois. The primary objective of this programme is to counter disadvantage and to promote equality and social and economic inclusion. The Government through all of its Departments but in particular

businesses. Additional measures were announced in Budget 2013 which will provide even more support in this area. These include improving response times at the Credit Review Office (CRO) and the development of a range of support funds to provide equity, finance, restructuring and recovery investment to the SME sector. Combined, these measures will help SMEs to improve their cash flow, help them access funding, boost demand for their products in new markets and incentivise them to create jobs.” “The Government also announced an extra 10,000 job places through community employment schemes and JobBridge. These schemes have been very successful in getting people back into the workplace and helping them to secure full time employment.” “There was a determination on the part of this Government to introduce a budget that would be as fair as possible whilst also stimulating jobs and encouraging SMEs to create jobs and I believe that we have struck this balance without going down the road of increasing income tax or cutting core social welfare payments”

Difficult budget that was designed to be as fair as possible -Flanagan

NEW VOLuNTEER SERVICE FOR LAOISthe Department of Environment and the Department of Children have set out key objectives to ensure that the community and voluntary sector are supported to allow for an active and pluralist society. I would encourage citizens in Laois to visit the website and find out how they can become more actively involved within their locality as a volunteer” At the launch, Mr Peter O’Neill, vice chairman, Laois Partnership Company, said “ In the last 2 ½ years Volunteer Ireland and local Volunteer Centres around the country have registered 34,107 volunteers, 4,173 volunteer-involving organisations and 15,343 vacancies. These volunteers have contributed 1,037,069 hours of their time at a value to the economy of €22.7 million. It is our intention that the establishment of Volunteer Laois will add significantly to these figures and provide a new valuable service to people in Laois. Given the high unemployment figures in Laois at present, the board of Laois Partnership Company has prioritized job creation and we are particularly keen that Volunteer Laois, while serving all potential volunteers in the county, will also help people to become more employable by giving them relevant experience as volunteers” For more details, contact Laois Partnership Company, Railway St., Portlaoise on 057 8662732, email [email protected] or visit www.volunteerlaois.ie

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FRIDAY 14 DECEMBER 2012 LAOIS PRESS 3

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PORTLAOISE is set for a major jobs boost, as well as a long overdue regeneration of it’s pri-mary school facilities.This announcement was made my Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn as part of a national initiative.Welcoming this development, Senator John Whelan said "This is finally fantastic news for Port-laoise, Minsiterial confirmation from Ruairi Quinn that 6 new primary schools for Portlaoise will definitely go to construction next year. After years of false starts and broken promises, Portlaoise is to finally get the new primary schools it so desperately needs and deserves. This wait has dragged on for well over 20 years but today is finally a good news day which will eventually rid Portlaoise schools of the need for children to go to school in prefabs.”“Generations of Portlaoise kids have gone to school in the same pre-fabs and I am delighted that the long wait for the new primary schools is now coming to an end. It is a credit to all those who worked so hard to achieve this and they deserved to be commended for their perseverance and patience.”Portlaoise is to see 6 new schools go to consturction in 2013 out of a total of 50 school building projects countrywide. These schools will make available 25,000 permanent school places and create 4,000 valuable construciton jobs. These new schools are part of the Government's com-mitment to a €2 billion school capital investment plan over 5 years.This is great news for the schools, the parents, teachers and Boards of Management of ST Paul's, Sacred Heart, Scoil Mhuire, Educate Together, The Gaelscoil and Maryborough NS and I would like to thank Minister Ruairi Quinn for his solid determination and commitment to deliv-ering these new primary schools for Portlaoise on the shared campus sites off the Stradbally Road.

Good news on jobs and education front

CRAFT EXHIBITION Dunamaise Arts Centre presents its annual Craft Exhibition which will open at the arts centre on Satur-day 15th December at 2pm. The craft exhibition which was curated as a result of an open call to art-ists and crafts people, will feature ceramics by Isobel Egan, Alan Meredith wood turned items, baskets by Martin Sinnott, Lynda Christian Tin Can Art, Handcrafted Sticks and more in the gallery.Also on the day, craft pop-up shops will be set up in the arts centre by the crafters featured in the gallery as well as other local crafts people. Demonstrations will also take place by some of the crafts people on the day and refreshments will be served.The craft exhibition is an ideal opportunity to enjoy the talent of local and national artists and crafts people and the pop-up shops provide the chance to purchase Irish and local handcrafted items this Christmas.The craft exhibition will continue in the gallery until Saturday 21st December.

ABBEYLEIX received international recognition when it was awarded a silver medal at the International Liveable Communities (LivCom) Awards 2012 in the united Arab Emirates.Abbeyleix was rewarded in the category for environmental management and the creation of liveable communities, going up against 11 other towns and cities in its category. Four Laois representatives travelled to the uAE including Gary O’Keeffe, John Joe Fennelly, John Moran and tourism officer Dom Reddin.Abbeyleix qualified for the competition after winning the annual Co-operation Ireland All-Island Pride of Place Awards 2012 earlier this year.

Abbeyleix takes Silver at Livecom

Shop Local this ChristmasTHE DOWNTOWN Portlaoise Christmas Market kicked off the festive season in style, with local resi-dents filling Main Street to also watch the annual Christmas Lights launch.The Business association is keen to promote the ‘Shop Local’ spirit in the community, supporting Laois jobs and businesses. Laois County Council have also done their bit in the run up to Christmas by mak-ing every Saturday, as well as sunday, free parking days in the town centre to support indiginous Laois businesses.


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CHRISTMAS CROONERS RETURN TO DUNAMAISEEver imagined what it would be like to have three Hollywood Greats restored on stage to re-create a classic Christmas wonderland? Wonder no more…. It’s Christmas Crooners time again at Dunamaise Portlaoise on Friday, December 14 at 8pm. Following the enormous success of “Legends of Swing” at theatres across the UK and Ireland, Christmas Crooners is the perfect trip down memory lane. Now in its fantastic 6th year this truly scrumptious yuletide special promises to bring a white Christmas into your hearts, full of warm roasted chestnuts and seasonal cheer. Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra swing into town in a sing-along show packed full of lively repartee, swaying solos and jazzy duets that hark back to Christmas past to celebrate the Christmas present.Staged with stunning fireplace and sparkling seasonal décor in the style of the famous Andy Williams Christmas Show, this year’s Crooners production is set to be more special than ever with a sentimental musical tribute to the unforgettable legend, performing some of Andy’s holiday favourites; “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, “Silver Bells”, and “I'll Be Home For Christmas”.This fantastic cast of West-End singers are backed by the superb Jazz All-Stars band to perform over 30 hits including; “Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire”, “Little Drummer Boy”, “White Christmas” and many swing arrangements of Christmas hymns including “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”, “12 Days of Christmas” and “Silent Night”, along with many of their other hits.Christmas Crooners is jam-packed with many of the much loved Christmas classics of Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole and ‘ole blue eyes himself, Frank Sinatra. Come and sing along to great songs from Christmas past! Tickets are €22/€20 and on sale from the box office (057 8663355) or online at www.dunamaise.ie .

Portlaoise Credit Union announce local winners of the Credit Union Art Competi-tion 2012

In a year that saw record number of entries, art with children and adults in the community is alive and well and if the entries for the competition are anything to go by, they are also very skilled. The theme of this year’s National art competition was “Celebrate Community Colour” and it was interesting to see the various ways people interpreted this. From pictures featuring the round tour in Timahoe to 2 birds in close companionship, the winners all had one thing in common, the strong use of colour. “I would like to say a big thank you to all the people who entered for their time and effort. It was hard to choose winners as they were all so good, so Coilín was a great addition to the adjudication process with his trained artistic eye. I would like to thank Laois Arts Office for putting us in touch and the local schools whose art teachers always support the competition. Next year we hope to see more entries from the teenage category and we will be working with the secondary schools before the 2013 com-petition starts” commented Sean Dunne, Manager Portlaoise Credit unionThe local winners were presented with their prizes and plaques as a prize giving ceremony in Port-laoise Credit union on Thursday 29thand the winners of each category will be sent forward to the regional chapter finals in Naas Credit Union. A selection of the entries will be displayed in Portlaoise Credit union and on their Facebook page over the coming days and the Regional results will be announced in Facebook also.

THE RESuLTS under 7’s – 1. Caoimhe Rothwell 2. Aisling Ramsbottom 3. Laura Miller 8-10yrs - 1. Amy Doyle 2. Alice Carew 3. Lily Breslin Special. Linda Daly11-13 yrs - 1. Helen Byrne 2. Klaudia Plaskota 3. Victoria Banaskik Special. Sarah Fitzgerald14-17 yrs - 1. Adam Dempsey Special. Jordan Wright 18+ - 1. Laura Matikaite

18+ winner Laura Matikaite’s painting

Laois Teens Explore Life Through The LensYouth Work Ireland Laois in partnership with Laois Part-nership have been deliver-ing photography workshops throughout Laois since April 2012. Youth Work Ireland Laois is working together with Photographer John Lalor to facilitate the workshops with funding from Laois Partner-ship.The main aim of the work-shops with young people from towns and villages throughout Laois, is to allow them to explore the world around them in a new and profound way.The Arts Office is currently hosting an exhibition of the photographs from this project in Áras an Chontae, Laois County Council, in December. The participants involved in these workshops have been given the opportunity to explore their creativity through a view finder or lens, and encouraged to use photography as a means to express their youth voice and to realise their own unique potential.Through this process of taking photographs in their environments- home, school, youth club etc. the young people are learning life skills and gaining knowledge of their personal development. They are learning from their peers experiences and reactions of their worlds while gaining insights into project planning, task management and taking ownership of a worthwhile activity.Portarlington, O’Moore’s Place Portlaoise and Kiln Lane Mountrath, Stradbally and Abbey-leix are the areas that have benefited from these workshops. The young people participat-ing vary in ages from 10-17 years with maximum of 12 young people in each workshop.


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Busy Christmas ahead for Portlaoise Gospel Choir

PORTLAOISE Gospel Choir will be putting their vocal chords to the test over Christmas as they have announced a series of festive performancesOn Sunday, December 16 the Choir will perform at 12.30pm Mass in St. Peter and Paul’s Church Portlaoise, and will then sing again later that afternoon at 2pm in St Vincents Hospital Mountmellick.The choir will then make it a hat trick of concerts as they sing in St Peters, Church of Ireland Portlaoise at 6.30 pm later that night.The choir will then perform for the staff, patients and friends in Shaen Hospital from 1.30pm to 2.30pm on Sunday, December 23, followed by singing in the Kyle shopping centre from 3-6pm.At 8.00 pm the choir will participate in a carol service along with other choirs at St Peter and Pauls parish Church Portlaoise.

MOuNTRATH Community School has come out on top of a Laois school leagues table for students progressing to third level.Unfortunately, the figures also showed that 28% or 207 Laois students did not progress to university or college after finishing secondary school earlier this year.223 Laois students did progress onto university, with the tables showing Maynooth and uCD the most popular among Laois students. Carlow IT and Waterford IT also proved popular destination for Laois leaving cert graduates. Almost 40% or 274 Laois students attended ITs in 2012.Clonaslee College claimed the unique distinction of sending all of their 22 leaving Cert students to college, with Mountrath Community School sending the most students onto higher level education, with large numbers of their 122 Leaving Cert students attending uCD, TCD, Maynooth, Carlow and Athlone, as well as a number of other colleges around the country. Mountmellick Community School sent 67% of their 113 students to college, while Colaiste Iosagain sent 73% of their 79 pupils to college. 81% of the 53 pupils from St Mary’s CBS in Portlaoise went on to higher education.

MOUNTRATH TOPS LAOIS COLLEGE LEAGUE

Mountrath Community School tops School league


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FRIDAY 14 DECEMBER 2012 LAOIS PRESS 7Portlaoise Fiver Friday Flyer 14-12.pdf 2 12/12/2012 11:41


community notice boardPORTLAOISE

LSPCA APPEAL The Laois Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals appeal for donations of saleable items to sell in their shop at 2 Hynds Sq. Portlaoise. All proceeds from the sale of items goes towards helping the animals in our care. We accept and sell everything including clothing, shoes, CDs, DVDs, ornaments, books, gift sets, toys and much more.

OLD TIME DANCINGEvery Sunday night in Portlaoise GAA Centre from 9.30pm to 11.30pm for only €7.

TABLE QUIzPortlaoise & district Ploughing Club will be holding a table quiz on Thursday, December 13 in The Rock Inn at 8.30pm.Contact Secretary Majella French O’Connor on 086 3101822 for details.

GAA COMEDY NIGHTPortlaoise GAA Christmas comedy night will be held in the Portlaoise GAA centre on Thursday, December 20 at 8.30pm.Tickets are priced at €10 and are available from committee members.

HOSPICE & LIONS CLUB CHRISTMAS TREE APPEALThe annual Laois Hospice and Portlaoise Lions Club Christmas tree

sale, raising much needed funds for local causes, is currently underway in Centrepoint, Mountrath Road, Portlaoise.

TABLE QUIzMidlands Fibromyalgia Support Group will be holding a table quiz in O’Loughlins Bar, Portlaoise on Thursday, December 13 at 9pm. Tables are priced at €20.

CUISLE CHRISTMAS PARTYThe Cuisle Centre Christmas Party takes place on Thursday, December 13. The Superquinn Cuisle Centre Appeal is also currently underway - all support appreciated.

HEATH NS SCRAP APPEALThe Heath NS Parent’s Council is holding a scrap metal drive on Saturday, December 15 at the school from 10am-3pm.Contact Peter on 087 6878093 for details - all proceeds will go to the new classrooms, currently under construction.

PORTLAOISE SINGERSThe Portlaoise Singers will be singing in the Heritage Hotel on Monday, December 17, performing songs from South Pacific.The concert begins at 8pm, all are welcome.

PORTLAOISE RuGBY STARLET ALISON MILLER IN ACTION FOR ALL IRELAND WINNING PORTLAOISE LADIES RuGBY CLuB, SEEN HERE IN ACTION AGAINST QuEENS

MOUNTMELLICK

ICA CHRISTMAS DRAwTickets are currently on sale or the ICA Christmas Raffle from all members.The draw takes place in The Sue Ryder Centre on Friday, December 21 at 8.30pm.

ST VINCENT DE PAULMothercare Portlaoise are continuing to accept donations up until Thursday, December 20 for the St. Vincent de Paul Toy Appeal.

SANTA COMES TO TOwNSanta Claus will be coming to Mount-mellick on Sunday, December 16 to the Arts Centre courtesy of the Mountmel-lick Christmas Tree Committee.Santa will arrive at the Arts Centre Grotto at 4pm giving toys to all children up to 10 years old.

KNITTING CIRCLEThe Knitting Circle continue to meet every Tuesday from 10.30am to12pm in the library.

LAOIS MARTIAL ARTSClasses for all ages from 4 years old and upwards are held in Mountmellick and Portlaoise on Monday, Tuesday and Friday. There is a fully matted professional gym including punch bags and boxing ring. Classes are taught by a 4th degree Irish national coach and National Champion. Contact 087 2768843.

BASKETBALLLadies interested in joining the newly formed basketball club, contact Joan at 087 2221355.

LINE DANCING

Line dancing will be held Monday nights in St. Brigids Hall, Cloneyhurke. Beginners classes are held from 8-9pm with improvers until 10pm.For details contact 087 9629338.

COFFEE MORNINGThe Christmas Tree Lights Committee will be holding a coffee morning in the Druid on Saturday, December 15 from 10.30am to 1pm to raise funds towards the cost of lighting the town.All support is appreciated.

CHRISTMAS FAIRThe inaugural Mountmellick Christmas Fair will be held on Sunday, December 16 in O’Connell Square from 12-6pm.Over 50 stalls will be present at the fair as well as plenty of special offers from local businesses.There will also be children’s entertain-ment, carol singing and live music.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT wORKSHOPMountmellick Library will host a Christ-mas Craft workshop on Friday, Decem-ber 14 from 3.30-4.30pm for children aged 7-10 years old.Booking is essential - contact the library on 05787 44572.

Portlaoise College Revs Up to Formula 1 ChallengePortlaoise College has signed up teams to participate in the F1 in Schools Technology Challenge, powered in Ireland by Irish Computer Society. Members of the teams, Silver Bolt, Elimeinators and Pit Vipers will be required to make an aerodynamic model F1 car which will be raced against other participating schools in the Regional Finals in March and National Final in April. This is the sixth year for the competition to run in Ireland under the guidance of the Irish Computer Society (ICS) in partnership with Discover Science & Engineering.Jane Jordan the Engineering teacher at Portlaoise college explains why their school chose to enter F1 in Schools Challenge: This is our first year to have Transition year in the school, giving students an opportunity to sample a wide range of curricular options, and this competition inspires students to use IT to learn about physics, aerodynamics, design, manufacture, branding, graphics, leadership/teamwork, media skills, sponsorship, marketing and financial strategy, and apply them in a practical, imaginative, competitive and exciting way. Portlaoise College teams will be required to write a five page plan explaining how they would go about putting their model F1 car together should they qualify for the Regionals.Once a school team has qualified they will receive a kit which includes balsa wood for making the model. On-going support will be offered and the school will be paired with a Formula 1 Make Centre i.e. a college or university with the necessary equipment for milling the models. This interaction with colleges will give students an introduction to Engineering, Science and Technology choices at third level. The colleges will offer their paired teams the opportunity to visit their facilities for design tutorials, to show models being made and cars being tested. All participating schools also get free computer design software with which to form their creation.In other areas, Dr. Eddie Murphy, Clinical psychologist, was in Portlaoise College on Wednesday 14th November to give a talk on "Positive Parenting" to Parents of Scoil Bhride and Portlaoise College. It was an inspiring talk, very interactive with involvement from the audience. June Whelan from the Parents Council said "we all got a lot of good tips from this talk".Finally, Portlaoise College recently enjoyed a successful Open Night with Principal Noel Daly commenting on the “record number of enrolments”. Closing date for enrolment for in-coming First year students is Friday 14th December.


community notice board

STRADBALLYFORóíGE CLUB Anyone interested in helping set up a new Foroige Club in Stradbally by becoming a leader, please con-tact Stacey Bland either through facebook or email [email protected].

GOAL MILEThe GOAL Mile will be held on Christmas, morning in Oakvale Woods. Contact Billy O’Neill for more information

COMMUNITY GAMES NEwSAnyone interested in becoming involved with the Community Games should contact Claire O’Neill on 0860519860 or Zandra Horgan on 0867988855.

TIDY TOwNS FUNDRAISERStradbally Tidy Towns are holding their annual Christmas Tree Draw in Dunnes Lounge on Saturday, December 22.

MOUNTRATH ST FINTAN’S GAA CLUB DEVELOPMENT PLANSt. Fintan’s GAA will be holding a launch of their club development plan covering 2012 to 2017 on Fri-day, December 14 in Past Times Shop (beside Mrs. Kellys/The Pub) at 7.30pm.All are welcome.

PADDOCK FUNDRAISERThe Parents Committee of Paddock NS are holding their annual fundraiser in Mountrath Golf Club on Saturday, December 15.There will be live music and finger food as well as the prize draw on the night, beginning at 9.30pm.

KNITTING CLUBThe knitting club meets every Friday morning from 10.30am-12.30pm.

OUTDOOR GYMThe outdoor gym in the local amenity park can be used by all ages. We would encourage all local clubs and groups to use this facility.

ABBEYLEIXCHRISTMAS PARTYThe Horseshoe, Abbeyleix is hosting a Christmas Party for children on Sunday, December 16 in aid of the Abbeyleix Christmas Lights fund.Activities include Santa’s Grotto, face painting and games.All welcome.

ST VINCENT DE PAULThe SVdP Christmas Church Collection will take at all masses over December 15 and 16. Support greatly appreciated.

PORTARLINGTONCHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICEA nativity play and carol service will be held on Fri-day, December 21 at St. Michael’s Church.Any children wishing to take part should contactSine-ad on 087 9062942

ST MICHAELS ACWinter training takes place every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 7pm in McCann Park. Sessions cost €2 and all are welcome.

BASKETBALLKestrels Basketball Club are inviting new members to join their senior squad - call 087 7417101 if inter-ested.

TENNISPortarlington Tennis Club are holding tennis practice at the following times: Tuesday u8, u10, u12 from 5.30-6.30pm, u6 andu8 - Fridays 8-9pm.

MEN’S SHEDPort Men’s Shed is open to all men - employed, unemployed, retired or semi retired.Men are invited along to unit 2 Enterprise Centre on Canal Road at 4pm - contact Darren on 0857434884 for further details.

COFFEE MORNINGA coffee morning and sale of work will be held in Oak House on Friday, December 14 from 11am to 2pm.A raffle will be held as well as plenty of crafts and Christmas items on offer.

Celine’sUNISEX HAIR SALON

OPEN: Tues&Weds 9.30am - 6pm Thurs&Fri 9.30am - 7pm Saturday 9.00am - 6pm

Gift Vouchers and gift sets available for Christmas

Main Street, Mountrath, Co. LaoisTel: 057 87 32673

Wishing all my customers a Happy New Year and a prosperous 2013

COUNTRY MARKETS Mountrath Country Markets is open every Friday from 9am to 12 noon in The Macra Hall on Main Street. Come and see for yourself. To place an order phone 87 32510 or 8735368.

MDBA Friday SchemeThe Mountrath and District Business Association are appealing to all people working in Mountrath to avoid parking in the town square on Fridays.

TABLE QUIzRaheen Panto Group will be hosting a family fun table quiz in eamon A Chnoic, Raheen on Friday, December 14 at 8.30pm, tables priced €20

METAC PHOTO EXHIBITIONA photography exhibition is currently on display in Eddie Phelan’s, Mountrath by the Alf Harvey Photog-raphy class, held in the METAC Centre.At the launch €177 was raised for the LSPCA.

LOCAL GIRLS PLACE 4TH IN IRISH HIP HOP IDOLEarlier this week, five local girls from S.M’S School of Dance competed in their first Hip Hop Competition.Breakthru Hip Hop Crew from the dance school com-peted in the first timers category and placed 4th.This was a big achievement for the local girls as only two of them had danced in a competition before.Breakthru Hip Hop Crew compile of Megan Reilly, Jessica Lally, Kara Moore, Samantha Cuddy and Evelina Petrovska.Sonya, director and teacher of the school said she was very proud of them and delighted of their achievement.For more information on classes/crews with S.M’S School of Dance, contact: 0870932960.

SOUP & SANDwICH DAYCastletown/Mountrath St Vincent de Paul Society will be hosting a Soup & Sandwich Day in the ICA Hall, Castletown, on Saturday December 15 from 11am until 4pm.All are welcome with all proceeds going to the local SvDP Society

community notice boardPlease send all notices to [email protected]

next issues out Jan 17 & 31

DURROwDURROw SATURDAY MARKET The market is open every Saturday morning from 9am to 12.30pm in the Computer Centre beside the Church on the Kilkenny Rd. Potatoes and fresh vege-tables available. To place an order phone Marie (087) 7742506. Home baking by Ann Fitzpatrick, Cullohill is now available in the Saturday Market.

DURROw YOUTH CHOIR Rehearsals have commenced. Any new members wishing to join should contact Vicky Murphy on (086) 1000230.

wALKING CLUB FOR DURROw? Are you interested in joining a walking club? Expres-sions of interest are currently being sought from individuals who may be interested in joining a walking club in the Durrow area. If you are interested please call or text Noeleen Dunphy on (087) 9636460.

LITTLE OAKS Little Oaks Parents, Babies and Toddler Group has continues its meetings on Tuesdays from 10am til 12pm in the Presentation Centre, on the left side of the R.C. Church. Contact Alison on (087) 2491779 for more details.


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POLITICSSPORTS CAPITAL GRANTS FOR 18 LAOIS ORGANISATIONSSean Fleming T.D. welcomed the announcement of Sports Capital Grant to 18 Clubs and Organisations in Co. Laois to assist them in developing their sporting and recreation facilities locally.The total allocation to Co. Laois was €502,150 which is an average of €114 per person living in Co. Laois.It must be noted that this is one of the lowest allocations per County anywhere in the Country and the overall national average is €140 per person.Deputy Fleming said that this is good news for the 18 organisations at this time of the year. All the clubs and organisations now know they can proceed immediately to commence their development and improvement works of their facilities now that the grant allocation has been confirmed.It is important to note that all the organisations and clubs are providing substantial funds well above the actual grant level from their own resources to complete these projects. Fleming concluded by saying, “it is disappointing news for those organisations that were not approved for a grant even though they fully deserve to receive financial support. I would urge these organisations to apply on the next occasion and hopefully they will be successful then.”Brian Stanley also welcomed the announcement of the allocation of Sports Capital Grants for Laois.Stanley said “These grants will prove invaluable to local clubs and committees throughout the county who provide badly needed facilities to cater for all age groups and interests. For example the grant for Knockmay in Portlaoise will be used to develop a much needed playing field which the local group have been working on for some time. Another example is St. Aengus Soccer Club in Mountrath which has been in existence for over 40 years. They are raising funds to purchase their own grounds so their grant will provide a shot in the arm to assist them in getting new facilities.” Stanley concluded “All the other recipients are equally deserving of financial support and I encourage more clubs and organisations to apply for funding next year. I am available to assist and advise those who wish to apply.”

Deputy Brian Stanley has slammed the government for “attacking the least well off for the sins committed by bankers and developers.”Responding to the Budget Stanley said, “The government claimed that they were ‘protecting the most vulnerable’. Nothing could be further from the truth. What we saw was a travesty. But it must be clearly said, this government had other choices. Sinn Fein put forward clear, costed and credible alternatives.The government attacked parents, students, the low paid, children and the elderly.They have increased students fees by €250 for the next three years, cut funding to already overstretched VECs by €13m and cut funding to higher education institutions by €25m. They have increased the PRSI payment for the low paid and self-employed while reducing payment to Jobseekers Allowance recipients by three months. They targeted our Old Age Pensioners by reducing funding for telephone and electricity allowance by €81m.One of the most vicious attacks in this budget is the further cut in Child Benefit of €10 a month per child. This will further increase child poverty.The new Property Tax will amount to a threefold increase in the Household Charge for the average household as Minister Noonan confirmed that there will be no waivers. No account has been taken of ability to pay. Those on disability will pay the same as the millionaire, minister or banker. So much for fairness. “The Property Tax as outlined in Minister Noonan’s speech is three times higher than the current Household Charge. The average home owner will be paying between €360 and €540 a year for this tax on the home. Hundreds of thousands of people have refused to pay the discredited household charge and this government will be met with massive resistance to this latest unfair home tax.In a cynical move the government will maintain the current level of Property Tax until after the next local elections in 2014. Following these elections the local authorities will have to strike the rate for the tax by which time the councils will be virtually bankrupt by government cuts.Sinn Féin’s costed and credible alternative budget highlighted many other sources of funding. A new third rate of tax of 48% on earnings over €100,000 would yield €365 million while a Wealth Tax of 1% on net wealth over €1 million would have brought in an extra €800 million.

Fine Gael Party Chairman Charlie Flanagan has said that the 2013 Budget announcement by Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, has managed to provide extra support for farmers which will enable them to grow their businesses in line with the targets for Harvest 2020 and increased milk quotas. “In his Budget speech, Minister Noo-nan emphasised the point that small businesses are the backbone of the economy and that farmers are a vital part of the small business sector. This Government has consistently promot-ed the agri-food sector and will con-tinue to support farmers. The growth focused measures in this Budget will help generate wealth and increase rural employment. “In line with projections of a 50% in-crease in milk output, arising from the abolition of quotas in 2015, Minister Coveney has provided €10 million under TAMS (Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme) in support of dairy farm modernisation. The Govern-ment is keen to support this growth and grants provided under this meas-ure will enable dairy farmers scale up their operations in order to meet the increased quotas.

Support new timetable changesLaois Offaly TD Charlie Flanagan has welcomed draft proposals by Irish Rail which will see train services in Laois increases significantly between Dublin and Portlaoise.“The announcement by Irish Rail that it intends to implement major changes on the Portlaoise and Portarlington lines to Dublin is positive news for commuters. These changes will see up to 30 departures from Portlaoise to Dublin daily, an increase of over 33%.“Portarlington commuters will also see a similar increases with up to 33 departures to Dublin daily from the station. The draft copy of the new proposed timetable also includes plans to decrease travelling times between Portlaoise, Portarlington and Dublin. Irish Rail have indicated that they will welcome all constructive feedback on the proposed changes and I would encourage commuters to contact them via their website supporting the new schedule”“I have contacted them already via www.Irishrail.ie asking them to implement the proposed changes given the major population increases in both towns and the requirement for a proper service for people travelling on a daily basis to work in the capital. Increased services and increased demand creates its own challenges however and I have contacted Irish Rail management asking them to provide a solution for the nightmare situation that many commuters face as a result of the lack of parking at Portlaoise station. It is important that the provision of new services are supported with adequate facilities"

Flanagan urges SUSI to process applications before year endCharlie Flanagan has said that the continuing delays in third level grants is completely unacceptable however he has welcomed com-ments by Minister Ruairi Quinn in which he said that SuSI aims to award 33,000 applications by the end of the year. Deputy Flanagan was speaking following the difficulties that many Laois students have faced as a result of the backlog in processing third level grant applications.“I welcome the recent comments by Minister Quinn which suggest that the majority of those approved will be notified and awarded by Christmas. These delays were a logistical nightmare for SuSI but much more so for the hundreds of students in Laois who are trying to cope with the pressure of third level studies and ensuring that they can afford to stay in college. In response to the delays Minister Quinn has confirmed that there are now 96 staff working in SuSI. This is supplemented by a further 149 staff who work in the outsourced company engaged by SuSI to support the processing of grants”.“I spoke with Minister Quinn this week and he informed me that 26,000 applications have been awarded, provisionally awarded or refused at this stage. 25,500 applications are awaiting further documentation. Over half of these applicants have never submitted further documentation. This leaves 15,000 applications which have yet to be approved. The Minister has assured me that he wishes SuSI to have made a decision on every application by Christmas. SuSI are currently processing 4,200 applications per week.”“It is extremely important that third level students in Laois do not face the same distress next year and it is imperative that all applications are processed as soon as possible to allow them to continue their studies without disruption. I am very sympathetic to their current plight and I am working with a number of students in Laois on their applications to ensure that this situation is resolved fully and without any further delay”.

Budget a travesty - StanleySinn Féin will be mounting an active campaign against this home

tax. We are launching the campaign ‘Tax wealth not homes’ with a day of action this coming Saturday with hundreds of pickets and protests across this state.”Stanley concluded “This sixth austerity budget heaped further pain and hardship on low and middle income households. It will damage employment and essential front line services. It is a disgrace. The Labour Party in particular should hang their heads in shame.”Stanley TD also claimed the budget is another attempt to shut down Local Gov-ernment and Emergency Services in this State.

Speaking from Leinster House, Deputy Stanley said “The gov-ernment’s budget has taken a slash and burn approach to local democracy and emergency services.The Department of Environment has cut funding to Local Govern-ment by 25% or €8.053m. This is on top of the 85% cut imposed for this year. This will further strangle the provision of local services. The Local Authority Housing budget is cut by a massive €46.764m. This comes at a time of an unprecedented housing crisis. There are now 100,000 people waiting to be housed in this state and the government’s response is to cut local authorities housing budget. The Social Inclusion capital budget is cut by €2m to €4m, down from €9.3m in 2011.In a further attack on the elderly and people with disabilities this government has callously cut Private Housing Grants by €20m. This will directly affect those with disabilities seeking grants to adapt their homes. These adaptions ensured people could con-tinue living independently in their own homes. As a consequence more elderly people will be presenting themselves for nursing home care.Most worrying is the blatant disregard for health and safety with the further cut to the Fire & Emergency Services capital budget. This budget now stands at €5m down from €12.25m in 2011.All these cuts paint a picture of a government who disregard those on housing lists, those with disabilities and those providing emer-gency services to public. I have written to the Minster’s Hogan’s office seeking a meeting to discuss the implications of these cuts. I would appeal to Minister Hogan that on his return from Doha he reverses theses cuts as a matter of urgency.”

“I welcome the provision of €10 million for a new support programme for suck-ler beef farmers. This will provide a significant boost to a sector which has come on massively in recent years. I believe that this funding will help further improve the quality of animals produced from the suckler herd. “The budget contains key taxation measures which will provide direct financial support for the agri-food sec-tor. These include the retention of the general stock relief and 100% stock relief for young trained farmers; the retention of the 100% stamp duty relief on land transfers for young trained farmers and a new farm restructuring initiative to allow consolidation of land parcels. These measures will assist the next generation of farmers to grow their industry”

“This budget is about fairness, stimu-lating jobs and supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), includ-ing farmers. We are building on the progress made to date in in restoring Ireland’s economic stability. The agri-food sector is to the fore in leading Ireland’s economic recovery and we will continue to support the sector to grow.”

Budget protects farm incomes and supports growth- Flanagan


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The Capture of the Black Earl of Ormonde by Owny Mac Rory O’More of Laois, The Nine Years War fought between Ireland and England from 1594 to 1603, was led by the O’Neill and O’Donnell clans of ulster. It involved the entire nation and was undoubtedly the bloodiest episode in the warring history between Ireland and England. The Irish particularly in the north received arms and support from the Spanish, itself a Catholic nation. After the Battle of Yellow Ford in 1598, in which the northern clans annihilated a large English force as they were preparing an assault on Armagh, many of the native clans throughout the country threw in their lot with the Gaelic cause to rid Ireland of its colonial oppressor. Laois which had been subjected to a plantation half a century earlier was itself in rebellion, with only a few English strongholds such Portlaoise (Maryborough) and a number of smaller garrisons remaining loyal to the crown. The remainder of the county and its population fastened their cause with the O’More under the leadership of Owny Mac Rory who yearned for the return of his territories to a Gaelic system of governance. Owny had already proved to be a formidable adversary to the English after he and his men routed an English force under Lord Essex at the Pass of the Plumes in 1599. By the year 1600 it seems as a lull in the fighting had ensued within the county. This prompted the 10th Earl of Ormonde, Thomas Butler of who resided at Kilkenny, to enter into parley with O’More with the view of bringing peace to the region. Butler or the “Black Earl” (due to his dark complexion) was a distinguished figure in both Ireland and England at the time. He was a personal friend to Queen Elizabeth the first, where they both attended the court of Henry VIII when they were younger. Butler held the powerful seat at Kilkenny castle as well as being the Lord Treasurer of Ireland at the time. His family had pushed the influential MacGillapadraig (Fitzpatrick) clan from their hereditary home at Kilkenny into the border areas adjoining Laois shortly after the Anglo-Norman conquest. A meeting at Ballyragget between the Black Earl and Owny MacRory O’More was arranged for April 10th 1600 to discuss the terms of a truce. unbeknownst to Butler who had refused a large retinue on commencement to Ballyragget, Owny had prepared an ambush with the intent of capturing the Earl. A skirmish ensued with a number of fatalities, although the Earl was captured unscathed. O’More brought his prize to the heavily fortified castle of Gortnaclea in south County Laois, where he pondered his position. Gortnaclea was a stronghold of the MacGillapadraig’s, who were sworn enemies of the Butler family. Its first mention as a residence of this Clan is recorded in the annals in the year 1556 where Donal MacGillapadraig was its occupant. It is possible that the castle was built shortly before this date, perhaps around the time of the plantations of Laois and Offaly. Gortnaclea is one of 29 tower houses in Laois which are still visible in the landscape

today. The walls are almost 10ft thick, with defensive elements such as a base-batter, arrow and gun loop windows on all sides and machicolations on the roofing area. The castle stands on the ancient border of Laois and Ossory, just east of the River Gully. The important monastic site of Aghaboe stands almost 3km west of this strategic defensive settlement. The capture of the Earl sent shock waves throughout the English establishment at the time. Kilkenny was reinforced with thousands of soldiers, as unrest was feared in the region due to the Earls absence. A letter was sent by the Earl from Gortnaclea on the 14th of April just four days after his capture, urging the English not to attempt a rescue as it would lead to his certain death.

LAOISPRESS

Discover LaoisPeople - Places - History - Heritage

O’Neill in ulster congratulated O’More on his prize but also informed the Earl’s wife that he was in safe hands in Laois. Correspondence between the English army in Ireland and the crown flashed across the Irish Sea. Even the Queen herself took a personal interest in the situation. On the 30th of April O’More sent his demands to the English whereby the Earl would be released on their acceptance. Two main concerns were expressed in which he requested the removal of all English garrisons from Laois and Offaly in which they would be handed over to him and the O’ Connors with respect to each county. He also ordered that the English were to cease sending troops to ulster against O’ Neill. In the meantime the famous Jesuit Priest, Jamas Archer attended the Earl at Gortnaclea with a mission to reconvert the Protestant Earl and gain his support for the Gaelic cause in Ireland. Butler however, remained unchanged in his religious views. Fearing an ambush by the English the Earl was moved from Gortnaclea to O’Dempsey’s castle at Ballybrittas Co. Laois sometime in mid-May. Further demands were made upon the intransigent English but to of no consequence. Within three weeks the Earl, suffering from poor health was released on the 12th of June 1600, with a ransom of £3,000 paid by the English to O’More. A letter written by the Earl to the Queen at the end of June stated his gratitude for the ransom paid and his solidarity with the crown in their war against the native Irish clans. The £3,000 paid was a huge sum of money equivalent to almost one million pounds today; this payment underscored the esteem the Earl was held in by the English. Indeed it was a daring ply on behalf of O’More of Laois to capture a man of such influence in Ireland. Gortnaclea castle stands today, as a proud reminder of the Gaelic attempt to remove the yoke of English rule even at these early stages in their colonialist ambitions. For a short period during the Nine Years War this castle in Co. Laois stood at the epicenter of the conflict, playing its role against foreign aggression in Ireland.

GortnacleaAn ancient stronghold steeped in history still standing proud in Laois

Words & Photo’s: Sean MurrayLaois Archaeology

Thomas Butler, or the “Black Earl”

with it’s 10 foot thick walls, Gortnaclea Castle is an imposing feature on the Laois landscape


fixing photosrestoring memories

Photographs, the pictures that tell a thousand words, capturing moments and memories pre-cious to us all.Over time however, hidden away in frames, photo albums and old shoe boxes, they can become damaged. Priceless family pictures can become faded, water damaged, cracked or marked, ruining these priceless memories.Photofix Laois, a new photograph restoration business, is breathing new life back into old or damaged photos, restoring these precious

memories back to their former glory.Photos can be enlarged, have cracks, marks and blemishes removed, converted from black and white to colour, red eye removal and more.Damaged pictures that should be taking pride of place in the family home, will look like new, meaning old photos can become the perfect gift, coming up to Christmas, Valentines, anniversarys and more.Photofix Laois can be contacted by calling 085 1427910 or by e-mailing [email protected].

Fresh from winning a race, this photo was stamped, punched and scribbled on. Photofix Laois removed all this damage and restored the photo to one that can take pride of place. Pictured below is the 1964 Killeigh hurling team. Cracks, fading and other blemishes had almost ruined this priceless sporting momento before photofix carefully restored it, to be enjoyed by future generations of the team.


Rubys

The SalonLocated in the heart of Portlaoise, Ruby’s Hair & Nail boutique is a salon as much about experience as it is about service.Opening it’s doors early in 2012, Ruby’s set out to create a professional and relaxing place to unwind, putting together a team of stylists and nail technicians that are highly experienced,

showing passion, creativity and quality.Ruby’s warm and inviting environment allows clients to enjoy a wide range of services, varying from a wash & blowdry to a pedicure or manicure, to a full head of Remi Hair extensions and full make-up application.Getting ready for your Christmas or staff party, or simply a girly night out, has never been easier, as Ruby’s cater for all your hair and beauty needs under one roof.Phone 05786 66539 to speak with one of the girls, or call into the salon, located conveniently in Lyster Square, beside Caffe Latte.

A hidden gem in Lyster Square

The ServicesRuby’s Hair & Nail Boutique pride themselves on providing a wide range of services to their clients, including the most cutting edge and fashionable services available.

Remi Hair ExtensionsRubys provide the most modern and stunning hair extension styles, with all colours, lengths, volume and highlights available.Remi hair extensions suit all occasions from everyday lifestyles to weddings as well as being perfect for photoshoots.

Two-tone OmbreTwo-toned hair is quickly becoming one of this season’s biggest trends, with celebs like Sarah Jessica Parker showing off the look on the red carpet. Get the best of both worlds, light and dark.

Shellac Nails The hottest trend in nail fashion, Shellac is a new revolutionary product, changing the way women get their nails done.

BalayageOne of the most popular hair colouring requests in salons today, Balayage is the go-to for modern, chic hair, creating depth and dimension, leaving you with a sun-kissed finish.

These are just some of the many services on offer at Rubys.

The StaffRubys boasts an experienced and skilled staff, specialising in a range of hair & beauty services and treatments.

The salon’s proprietor Karen Maher has a wealth of experience as a hair stylist having trained with Wella and L’Oreal.Karen specialises in the most up to date hair extension technologies and styles, creating the most natural looks possible.

Ciara provides a wide range of beauty treatments, specialising in acyrlic and gel nails, as well as Mac make-

up applications, waxing and more.

With over seven years experience, Samantha is an expert at creative colouring and cutting styles.

Colleen has over six years experience using techniques such as two-tone ombre and balayage as well as all other aspects of hair dressing.

Ruby’s experienced team are able to liase with all types of customers, listening to their wants and delivering them through helpful consultations that educate and inform their clients. The staff can also advise products to aid the concerns clients express about their hair and create a positive salon atmosphere

Ruby’s are now recruiting part-time stylists


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GARDENINGBY PAuLA

This issue I want to talk about Autumn an Winter container planting. Having paid a visit to a garden center this week-end I was delighted to see the amount of different types of plants that are available at this time of the year. Now I know that this time of the year can be very dreary but there is nothing like pulling back the curtains and looking out at nicely potted containers on a frosty morning. Don’t go shop-ping with a set idea in mind, and take time to look properly at everything on offer--- from the traditional bedding and small evergreens to herbs and grasses, there are lots of different plants you can combine to create a stylish display. It may mean exploring several sections of the garden center but it will be well worth the effort. Put your plants together as you are picking them and you will get a good idea how they will look together. Look for different shapes and textures, grasses etc, and pick colours that comple-ment each other. And of course don’t forget to pick out a stylish container if you don’t already have some. Planting a display for autumn and winter is more like flower arrang-ing the gardening as plants don’t grow much over the cold months,so they have to look good from the start. With this in mind, make sure you cram in as many plants as you can

so as the display dosn’t look bare--you can always plant a long lasting shrub, herbs and perennials in the garden come spring. use a multipurpose compost, and add a slow release fertiliser when planting and most important don’t forget to put a layer of drainage material in the bottom of the container. Water well after planting and make sure they dont dry out if the sun shines and the wind blows

WHERE TO STAND

When you put your containers outside, make sure you can see them from the house. Your unlikely to go into your garden much over the winter months so being able to see them from the house is important.Keep your containers in a sheltered position as possible--- this will encourage pansies and cyclamens to continue flowering.

COLOuR SCHEMESIn the garden center I saw some lovely dyed heathers the will complement most winter flowering plants and also the excellent choice of containers that are on offer. One colour scheme I thought was very appealing was orange as it would be so warm to look at in the cold, there was the dyed heather in orange and than some orange flowering pan-sies with some berried shrubs would look great. Another colour scheme I really liked was purple, with the purple dyed heather purple violas and some pink cycalmens

and maybe some silver dust would really look a treat in a galvanised tub or a dark blue glazed pot. The last colour scheme I really like in the winter is lime and black, Lots of black grasses combined with some lime coloured low grow-ing plants, e.g.Lysimachis ‘ goldilocks’ but some creeping thyme will have the same affect. the contrast of these two plants are just gorgeous.TIPS Look out for the multi-buy deal that are on offer in the gar-den centers and they are great for container projects. Plant several identical containers and position them in a row on steps, patios or walls. This creates a designer look with little effort. DONT be afraid to restrict your plant choice---- sev-eral of one plant always looks more striking than a jumbled mixture. Choose a smart looking container thats going to work well with the colour scheme of your plants.

JOBS OF THE WEEKThere is really only one job this week and that is to get out there and pick up as much leaves as possible, not only do they make your garden look untidy but they can be very dangerous on paths and any kind of walkways. You could have some fun while collecting the leaves if you can get the children involved and it will be good to get out in the fresh air before the really cold weather comes.

AQUA aerobics has been a popular way of keeping fit for years, particularly for people with certain health problems or those recovering from injury. There is also a growing trend to extend its appeal to younger fit-ness enthusiasts, with pools and gyms offering an increasing number of classes with topics such as Water Boxing and Aqua Step. As a result, it has the potential to appeal to a wider range of people than ever, and regardless of your fitness level there's a good chance you'll find a water exercise class that you'll enjoy.Exercises may be performed with or without pool equipment such as hand and feet flippers, different foam floats such as “noodles” and weights. They may also be held in different water depths, with some deep water classes providing float belts to assist exercises. Generally you don’t even need to be able to swim to participate in water exercise classes.Aqua aerobics, although generally more low-impact than land-based aerobics, these classes have most of the fat-burning and endurance building benefits that you get from other forms of aerobic activity. An aerobic water exercise of around 30 minutes will help you burn about 300 calories. Most classes will run for around 45 minutes and should include a warm-up, cool-down and stretching exercises. The classes will include things like jogging, kicking, jumping, squats, and dance movements, and may or may not be accompanied by music. The main benefits of this type of exercise are how great for all fitness levels it is, it is good for weight loss / fat burning, builds strength and flexibility, and is an excellent cardio-respiratory exerciseWater exercise is commonly advocated for people with the following conditions: arthritis, back pain, joint problems, MS, soft-tissue injury, cardiac patients, and people suffering from obesityIf you suffer from any of these conditions, however, you should speak to your doctor before undertaking any exercise regime.For more information contact a local gym. The Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise offers Aqua Aerobics classes twice a week, from 6.30pm-7.15pm on a Tuesday, and morning classes from 10am-1045am on a Wednesday.

TAKE TO THE wATER wITH THIS LOw IMPACT FAVOURITE


Something for the weekend.....EMAIL: [email protected]

Admit One

Roundwood House is inviting people to share a night of Christmas fun on Friday, December 21st. Returning for a second year, the theatrical/musi-cal double bill of 'The Happy Prince' and 'Away in A Major' is the perfect way to capture a bit of seasonal magic.Starting with Oscar Wilde's bittersweet children's story, performed by Mi-chael Ford of 'Bewley's Cafe Theatre' and accompanied by the whimsical piano playing of musical director Trevor Knight, 'The Happy Prince' will melt away the years and make you feel like a kid again.After a short break to dry your eyes and fill your glasses, Susannah de Wrixon will draw you around the fire and warm you with Christmas songs and stories.Her show 'Away in A Major' has sold out at the National Concert Hall and the Pavilion and is a feast of Christmas goodies from John B. Keane, Dylan Thomas, Tom Waits and whoever wrote 'Santa Baby', plus a whole lot more.A twenty foot Christmas tree, Christmas crackers and mulled wine by the fire - the perfect way to enjoy Christmas.Dinner will be served at 7, followed by the 'Happy Prince', a short break and then 'Away in A Major'.Tickets: 50 euro (includes a glass of mulled wine, dinner and show)For tickets and info call 0578732120 or email [email protected]

Festive fun in Roundwood

Festive Entertainment Guide

Friday, December 14Dunamaise Theatre: Christmas Crooners

Saturday, December 15Portlaoise Heritage Hotel: Damien Bowe & the KlassicsThe Square Bar: Rain DogsNaomi’s, Mountmellick: Cambrian ExplosionEgan’s Bar, Portlaoise: The JuryDunamaise Theatre: Aida (Verdi)

Sunday, December 16Tom’s Bar, Mountrath: Radio NowherePark Inn, Emo: Fortunate Sons

Friday, December 21Roundwood House: The Happy Prince and Away in A MajorNaomi’s, Mountmellick: Austin CarterTom’s, Mountrath: Find the Joker Draw

Saturday, December 22Egan’s, Portlaoise: Abbeyfolk

The Heyday Festival is an annual Charity Music Festival, brain child of Laois musician Frank McNally, and now entering it’s third year.It calls on local musicians to come together and perform, throughout one day, to raise some badly needed funds for some great causes. The Festival has grown from strength to strength each year and is now a fixture on many peoples calendars. The Festival sees 3 stages spread between 2 venues; Grellan Delaney's Late Night Venue and Bar Habana, and consists of up to 45 acts performing throughout the day. Highlights on the day are some of the golden oldies of the Laois music scene, such as Beresque, The Feds (apologies to the common members there), and some of the newer acts making an impression on stages across the county.All music begins at 4pm on Thursday, December 27. Tickets will be available on the day for €5, and a raffle will be held towards the end of the night2012 is the biggest year yet and sees the addition of a 4th stage being added "The Acoustic Jam Session" which will be held upstairs in Grellan Delaney's. All support on the day is greatly appreciated. This year the chosen charities to benefit from the festival are the Laois Kidney Association and Laois Hospice, two incredibly worthy causes.For more information go to www.heydayfestival2012.com

Sunday, December 23Tom’s Bar, Mountrath: Dara & ShaneNaomi’s, Mountmellick: The ContendersEgan’s, Portlaoise: Eddie Shortt

Wednesday, December 26Lennons, Durrow: Shane BoothEgan’s, Portlaoise: Woodstock

Thursday, December 27Naomi’s, Mountmellick: The ChaseGrellan Delaneys/Bar Habana: Heyday Festival - up to 45 acts will be performing

Sunday, December 30Tom Delaneys, Mountrath: Noreside

Monday, December 31Tom Delaneys, Mountrath: Fair Isle FolkTony’s, Mountrath: Shane & DaraTeach Seasanaigh, Ballinakill: Fortunate Sons

Howl in the SquareRain Dogs will be performing in The Square Bar this weekend, Saturday December 15. Expect plenty of classic tunes from Rory Gallagher, the Doors, and the Beatles.The band will also be performing an acoustic set the following weekend in Tom’s Mountrath, on Sunday, December 23

LOCAL CHARITIES TO BENEFIT AT ANNUAL MUSIC

FESTIVAL


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3D The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (12A)Showing Daily at 4.10pm & 8.00pm Showing Fri- Wed at 6.00pmMatinees Sat & Sun at 12.20pmLate Shows Fri & Sat at 9.30pm2D The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (12A)Showing Daily at 7.00pm Matinees Sat & Sun at 11.20am Showing Fri –Sun & Wed at 3.10pmLate Show Fri & Sat at 10.45pm

Seven Psychopaths (16)Daily at 9.00pmLate Shows Fri & Sat at 11.30pm2D Tinkerbell and the Secret of the Wings (Gen)Showing Sat & Sun at 10.45am & 12.20pmShowing Sat, Sun & Wed at 2.15pmShowing Thurs at 3.50pm

3D Tinkerbell and the Secret of the Wings (Gen)Showing Fri- Wed at 4.00pmShowing Thurs at 5.50pmLife Of Pi (TBC)Showing Thurs 20th of Dec at 5.40pm & 8.40pm2D Rise of the Guardians (Gen)Showing Sat & Sun at 1.30pmShowing Thurs at 3.30pm3D Rise of the Guardians (Gen)Showing Fri-Wed at 3.50pmShowing Thurs at 5.40pmTwilight :Breaking Dawn Part 2 (12A)Showing Fri- Wed at 6.00pmNativity 2 Danger in Manger (Gen)Showing Fri-Wed at 3.30pm Matinees Sat at 11.00amMatinees sat and sun & wed at 1.15pmSkyfall 007 (12A)Daily at 8.45pmShowing Fri – Wed at 5.50pmLate Show Fri & Sat at 11.40pm

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Also Showing:Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger!It’s double trouble as rookie teacher Mr. Peterson (David Tennant) takes his underachieving primary school to the ‘Song for Christ-mas’ competition and goes head to head with his identical twin brother’s posh private school choir.Embarking on a ill-judged road trip to reach the contest, they soon find that getting to Christmas Castle and the festive sing-off will be harder than they think

Rise of the GuardiansEpic animated adventure ‘Rise of the Guardians’ follows a group of legendary childhood heroes including Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy and Jack Frost, who must do battle with an evil spirit known as Pitch who threatens to take over the world; not just to protect the planet’s population, but also to save something far more precious; the hopes and dreams of children everywhere. From DreamWorks Animations, ‘Rise of the Guardians’ features the vocal talents of Hugh Jackman, Alec Baldwin and Isla Fisher

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2The conclusion to the fantasy series that has captured the imagina-tions of film-goers worldwide, ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2’ continues the tale after the birth of Renesmee.When Volturi swears to destroy her after she is wrongly indentified as an outlawed immortal child, the Cullens gather the tribes together to protect her.‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part’ once again stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson (Bel Ami).

Seven Psychopaths – No Shih TzuAn aspiring screenwriter gets himself tangled up in LA’s criminal underworld after one of his idiot friends kidnaps a mobsters prized pet shih tzu. Add one of the best and un-eexpected ensemble casts in years and you’ve got yourself a recipe for a damn good time in the cinema.Colin Farrell is said to be on top form and we all know his career needs it after the last few years recovering from Alexander, Sam Rockwell is sure to be incredible – reme-ber him in Hitchikers Guide to The Galaxy? Iron Man 2? He steals every scene he’s in, even the most charismatic actors, except RDJ, take a backseat to him, Christopher Walken – from what we’ve seen from the trailer, he’s Walken-ing all over this film, Woody Harrelson is in the mid-dle of a huge career reawakening and looks like he’s still on the way up! Tom Waits. With a rabbit.Our lovable rogues steal the wrong man’s dog and he sets out to get him back, at all costs! Expect gun fights, mexican stand-offs and a bit of puke.

What more can possible be said about The Hobbit than this: Peter Jackson returns to Middle Earth!!After the roaring global success of the perfect The Lord of The Rings trilogy it was inevitable that the studio would want to pick up the prequel story of Bilbo Baggins and get the gang back together to recreate the magic. Jackson returns to direct, the production team is the same, they’re shooting in New Zealand and Sir Ian McKellan returns to embody the wizard Gandalf. The studio has also made the decision to turn The Hobbit into a trilogy, a decision that has slightly polarised the fanbase, some seeing it as money

Yesss, the precious.....The Hobbit hits our screensgrabbing and some seeing it as brilliant...I mean, who doesn’t want three more visits to Middle Earth?!The Hobbit tells the tale of Bilbo Baggins’ adventure with a group of Dwarves to steal back a hoard of treasure from the dragon Smaug, expect sweeping epic battles, the introduction of several characters (again) from Lord of The Rings and the return of the amazingly talented Andy Serkis as gollum.Go watch The Hobbit, immediately. There is no question here. Prepare for cinema gold.


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MOTORING

An exhilarating blend of Spanish flair and Volkswagen engineering, the new 4-door saloon SEAT Toledo boasts dynamic design lines, a spacious interior and a cavernous boot - as well as Bluetooth as standard. Even better, with attractively low finance available from Volkswagen Bank, it now represents even more remarkable value for money.

3% FINANCE / Y YEARS wARRANTY / 3 YEARS ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE / 3 YEARS FREE SERVICING3,000KM FREE FUEL ON ORDERS BEFORE 21/12/2012

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Finance Example: SEAT Toledo 1.2 TSI Reference OTRP €17,490 (€16,890 + €600 dealer & delivery related charges), Deposit / Part exchange €5,150.14, 60 monthly payments of €219. Typical APR 3%. Total cost of credit €950.14 including acceptance fee (€75) and completion fee (€75). Minimum deposit is 10%. Subject to lending criteria. This offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. SEAT Finance is a trading style of Volkswagen Bank GmbH Branch Ireland, authorised by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in Germany and regulated by the Central bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. 3 year warranty and 3 year roadside assistance applies to all SEAT cars and 3 years free servicing applies to all cars registered before 31/03/2013. Full terms & conditions are available of www.seat.ie. 3,000KM of free fuel applies to cars ordered before 21/12/2012. The free fuel value is based on the average consumption of SEAT Leon 1.6 TDi Ecomotive and will be in the form of a Topaz gift card, redeemable at participating Topaz outlets (please see www.topaz.ie for participating outlets). Model shown is for illustrative purposes only. Average combined fuel consumption for the SEAT Toledo is 3.9-5.4l/100km and CO2 emissions are 104-125g/km.

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MOTORING

TOYOTA GT86 IS TOPGEAR MAGAzINE'S CAR OF THE YEARWhen Toyota set about creating the GT86, the guiding principle was that it should be a car devoted to the pure passion of driving. It’s an ethos that has helped earn the sports coupe worldwide acclaim, and now the honour of being named TopGear magazine’s Car of the Year 2012.In a clean-sweep it was also Jeremy Clarkson’s personal Car of the Year and the TopGear Coupe of the Year.In taking the titles, GT86 confirmed its status as one of the most exciting new models of 2012. More than that, it’s priced to be affordable for many drivers, rather than being an exotic supercar reserved for the ultra-rich.Charlie Turner, TopGear editor, said: This is a fantastic achievement, for a car to win a TopGear Award is recognition of a truly exceptional vehicle. Only the re-markable are considered for a TopGear Award and this year the GT86 has proved to be the stand-out machine.The award follows on from GT86’s success in the magazine’s Speed Week con-test, featured in the August issue, in which it emerged the overall victor against competition from such exotic machinery as the McLaren MP4-12C, Porsche 911 Carrera S and Lotus Exige S.At the time, Oliver Marriage, Motoring Editor, expressed how, although slower, GT86 was more enjoyable to drive than more rapid rivals: “Acceleration is fun, but the noise is as important as the kick in the back, and I¹d rather spend 30 sec-onds wringing the GT86 up to speed than three seconds being pummelled by the McLaren. You have more time to enjoy it, you feel more like part of the process.”In the same TopGear report, Senior Writer Sam Philip added: For driving thrills, this is my sort of performance car. Good steering, nice crisp gearchange, revvy engine. You can find its limits, slide it around, without fear of being inadvertently deposited in a loch…”GT86 becomes the second Toyota to earn TopGear’s top award, the Aygo city car having shared the Car of the Year title with the Bugatti Veyron in 2005.

THE NEw SEAT TOLEDO

The SEAT Toledo is back! The new saloon car from the Spanish SEAT brand combines design and utility, dynamism and efficiency, quality and value-for-money as never before. With generous space, great flexibility and an excellent price-performance ratio, the new Toledo appeals to customers seeking a practical, high-quality and affordable saloon car for the whole family.With its unique features, the new SEAT Toledo continues the formula for success of its predecessors. SEAT produced over 860,000 units of the first two Toledo series alone - a success that was always based on the combination of attractive design and practical features. The all-new generation of the SEAT Toledo will continue this success when it is delivered to the first customers, starting in mid-November in Spain and Portugal, then in the rest of Europe in 2013."The new Toledo is a genuine SEAT, an automobile with a clear character and high quality standards, and offering exceptional value for money," stated James Muir, President of SEAT S.A. "The Toledo will write new chapters in its success story, because in a unique way, it combines great design with high utility, and dynamic driving pleasure with excellent efficiency.The new Toledo is a grown-up automobile: With a length of 4.48 metres, it has a large and wide hatchback tailgate. It opens up to reveal a luggage compart-ment offering 550 litres of space in the basic version, which can be expanded to an amazing 1,490 litres with the optional folding rear seats. So the SEAT Toledo has the same capacity as many estate cars. The comparatively long wheelbase of makes for a spacious interior and good legroom for all passengers; the gener-ously sized doors guarantee easy access and exit.As a completely new model, the SEAT Toledo features the latest engines and transmissions from the Volkswagen Group. The top models feature highly efficient TSI petrol engines and common-rail TDI diesel engines, and the most powerful petrol engine is combined with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG). The petrol engines deliver between 55 kW (75 hp) and 90 kW (122 hp); the Ecomotive version stands out with CO2 emissions of 116 grams per kilometre. And with the TDI diesel engine, which delivers 77 kW (105 hp) from 1.6 litres, the E-Ecomotive version sets the benchmark with fuel consumption of 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of 104 grams per kilometre. In 2013, SEAT will add to the range of Toledo diesel models with a TDI version delivering 66 kW (90 hp)."The new Toledo proves that a five-door, compact notchback saloon can be emotional and dynamic. The new Toledo combines an elegant shape interpreted

in a modern way, with a high level of everyday utility. It is the SEAT among the saloon cars, with high-quality design in every detail," explains Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, Head of SEAT Design.The interior of the new SEAT Toledo is bright and spacious, reflecting the modern and purist design philosophy of the exterior. The cockpit is tidy and ergo-nomically laid out. Especially with

the optional beige interior, the dark upper surfaces of the cockpit seem to hover above the rectangular air vents and trim. The clearly designed round instruments are easy to read; the control elements for audio and air-conditioning in the central console can be operated intuitively.The interior design is perfectly supplemented with high-quality workmanship and carefully selected materials and colours. The precision applied is tangible in many details: in the attractively shaped three-spoke steering wheel for example, in the new operation of the air conditioning, or in the elegant chrome trim. The tactile precision of the switches and controls also demonstrates the utmost attention to detail.As a completely new model series, the SEAT Toledo offers the state-of-the-art technologies available for its category. That begins with the highly rigid body shell, which provides a feeling of solid quality and offers optimal passive safety in com-bination with the standard restraint systems. But thanks to SEAT's intelligent light-weight design concept, the basic weight of the new Toledo is just 1,140 kilograms.The efficiency of the new SEAT Toledo is outstanding. In terms of fuel consump-tion and CO2 emissions, all of the engine and performance versions of the Toledo range are among the best in their class. These exemplary values demonstrate the convincing overall package of low vehicle weight, optimal aerodynamics and ultramodern drivetrains.


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26 FRIDAY 14 DECEMBER 2012RUGBY

Youths and Minis rugby has seen unprecedented growth in recent years in Portarlington RFC thanks to some exciting new develop-ments as well as the enthusiasm of a coaching team that works closely with Leinster Rugby staff...Among those developments was the introduction of new jerseys for the entire minis section. The maroon and white jerseys - with a distinctive dragon theme - are also the very first to include the Leinster Rugby logo and to acknowledge Leinster Rugby’s support of the club’s efforts a replica jersey was presented to Branch Presi-dent Ben Gormley during Leinster’s recent home game against Zebre by minis coordinator Michelle Maher along with minis and youth players.The level of enthusiasm among parents and kids is hardly surpris-ing considering some of the events that the club has organised. In May 58 minis players along with 44 coaches and parents enjoyed a hugely successful Tour of North Wales. In August the club ran a week long summer camp which was attended by 135 minis includ-ing 31 girls. The growing numbers has also meant that the club has acquired a third pitch thanks to the support of minis sponsor Adrian Dunne’s Pharmacy.Girl’s rugby is something that is being promoted widely throughout the club and the results can now be seen with the club fielding teams at under-15 and under-18 as well as Mini’s level.

Portlaoise under 15 triumph

North Kildare travelled to Portlaoise in the Leinster league. Portlaoise opened the sore with a try from David Connolly after 5 minutes. It didn't take North Kildare long to reply with a converted try. Portlaoise found it hard to get into their running game, but 5 minutes from the break with some great runs from Dylan Feehan, it was Lee Davis who broke through the line to score a try. With Sean Masterson leaving the pitch with a suspected handfracture, At the break it was 10-7 to Portlaoise.At the start of the second half portlaoise started well with some great forward play from Theo Kavanagh, Peter Coss and Cormac Joyce. Another try from Lee Davis, three more tries from David Connolly and Two tries from Aron Coughlan, Portlaoise were back on form. A try from Theo Kavangh and Robert Brown kicking four conversions there was no stopping the home side. A greatrun from Sean Hennessy from the middle of the pitch set Cathal O Sullivan on his way down the wing and great support from Mark Camphuijsen who duly crossed the line for a great try. A great win for the home side finishing Portlaoise 58 North Kildare 7.

Queen’s university Ladies RFC entered this pro-motion battle undefeated from Division Two North, having despatched Enniskillen (43-10), Navan RFC (36-5), Belfast Harlequins, (16 – 7), City Of Derry (71-0), Garda (38 -7) and Cavan (81 – 0). Portlaoise on the other hand emerged from Division Two South, slightly scathed by Nenagh Ormond (5-10), but dismissing Shannon (37-5), Young Munster (55-0), New Ross (W), Galbally (14-5) and Ballincollig (24-3).Queen’s pack brought with them a fearsome reputa-tion matched by Portlaoise’s super fast running back line.From the kick-off, these two well-matched teams provided rugby that was a pleasure to watch for both sets of supporters who made the trip to Ashbourne. Queens used their pack strength in the first quarter of the game but despite the weight disadvantage

Portlaoise back line took control in the second half and wingers came into play with good effect. A won-derful burst of speed from Alison Miller allowed her to cross the Queens’s line to bring the score to 15-0 af-fording Portlaoise some comfort. Queens regrouped, redoubled their efforts and were rewarded with a converted try. Queens now pressed on with renewed vigour and were again rewarded with a try in the clos-ing minutes bringing score line to 15-12. Portlaoise clinically played out the remaining time defending staunchly but keeping play in Queens’s territory. The final whistle brought relief and jubilation at the win-ning of the Cup and promotion to Division One.

Team: Judith Smullen, Diane Lawlor, Jean Moore, Alison Holmes, Tanala Kehoe, Claire O’Connell, Niamh Griffin, Yvonne Delaney, Alison Miller, Marion O’Grady, Carrie Connell, Anne O’Reilly, Linda Pen-der, Niamh Bergin, Cassie Dunne, Stephanie Glee-son, Zara Healy, Olivia Fennelly, Lorraine Delahunty, Catriona Cassidy, Johanna Tosak, Sharon Moylan

Portlaoise exercised better control in the scrum and consistently turned over possession. This forwards’ battle was played out within the Queens half of the pitch but outside the 22 metre line. Claire O’Connell and Tanala Kehoe led driving forward movements and brought play to within 15 metres of the Queen’s line. Niamh Griffin secured possession and weaved her way towards the line maintaining a low centre of gravity. Under heavy attention from opposition flank-ers and second row she grounded the ball just centi-metres from the touch line in the goal area. The angle was very acute and Claire’ kick shaved the outside of the far post. Queens attacked repeatedly but Port-laoise’s disciplined defensive lines held firm. Crunch tackles form Alison Miller and relieving kicks from Yvonne Delaney ensured Queens were not rewarded. Queens for their part completely closed down running movements from Portlaoise. In another marvellous driving movement from the forwards Niamh Bergin crossed the line for a try. Queens missed a penalty within scoring range just before half-time leaving the score at 10-0.

PORTLAOISE PRINCESSES QUASH QUEENS TO TAKE ALL-IRELAND TITLE AT ASHBOURNE

AshbournePortlaoise Ladies RFC 15Queens University 12

Togher, PortlaoisePortlaoise U15 RFC 58North Kildare U15 RFC 7

Portarlington RFC President Padraig Maree said: “We are hugely proud of the developments within youths and minis rugby in the club and it reflects the direction that the entire club is going in. With our senior men’s team holding their own this year after achieving promotion last year - and our ladies’ team enjoying success too - I feel hugely confident that the club’s future is very bright”.The club are hugely appreciative of the support that their coaches receive from Leinster Rugby, especially through Maurice Logue and John Bagnall who have made themselves available whenever requested to assist with the club’s coaching development. And that support works both ways with Portarlington organising for a group of 286 children and coaches to travel to the upcoming Leinster v ASM Clermont Auvergne Heineken Cup clash in the Aviva Stadium next weekend.This will be the largest number from any one club travelling to the game when the boys and girls will temporarily swap their maroon and white for the Blue Magic!

For more information on these exciting times for Portarlington RFC visit their Facebook Page at ‘Port RFC Mini Rugby’ – officially the world’s most popular minis rugby facebook page!

RUGBY THRIVING IN PORT


PORTLAOISE u 14S REACH SuPER EIGHTPortlaoise u 14 team played Wexford away to qualify for the super eight league. Portlaoise needed to win this fixture in order to be best placed for the fixtures draw. The Wexford team were very well drilled and went seven points ahead after five minutes. The Portlaoise dug deep and defended under great pressure. Portlaoise scored three tries all coming from the forwards and with two conversions and a penalty the side came out win-ners .Wexford failed to score for the remainder of the match despite the score line it was a very tight match and Portlaoise now face the premier teams in this group a huge commitment will be required from the panel if we are to advance in this super 8 league

Portlaoise -v- Wexford: 22 - 7Try scorer: M Doran, M Hyland, D JoyceConversion: C Kelly x2Penalty: C Kelly X1

M Doran, O Ryan, D Hiney, L Smullen, M Hyland, L Holohan, C Cahill, N Hearns, N Lawlor, M Ward, W Ward, C Kelly, T Martin, E Hunt, D Joyce, A Poole, O Bergin, B O Brien, G Considine, C Crossan, O Skehan, A Bates, Maik Ikpomwen

COMBINED COUNTIES FOOTBALL LEAGUE ROUNDUP wEEK 18unfortunately CCFL interest in the FAI Junior Cup is now down to two teams after both Mullingar Athletic and C.K united both bowed out on Sunday. Athletic went down 2-1 away to top Sligo side City united and C.K also lost out by a similar scoreline against Pearse Celtic from Cork. The Tullamore men had taken the lead when Damian Bracken fired home a real beauty, but two goals in the last eight minutes saw the Cork men advance. C.K certainly have noth-ing to be ashamed of however and can be very proud of the achievement of reaching the fifth round of the competition.

In the Senior Division there were two games played and Saint Peters showed that they are still a force to be reckoned with when they defeated Mountmel-lick 4-1 in Mountmellick. Monksland united kept their recent good run of form going when they defeated bottom side Gallen united 2-0. John Stapleton and Paul urbanski were the goal getters for the Athlone outfit.

In the Premier Division, Mullingar Town gave their survival hopes a real chance when they defeated an-other side at the wrong end of the table Rosenallis by the odd goal in five. Abbeyleix Athletic and Edenderry Town played out a one all draw in Abbeyleix, which keeps Abbeyleix in mid table and keeps Edenderry in the relegation dogfight. Niall Wallace was on the mark for Abbeyleix.

The Division 2 title race is really hotting up. The top two were both beaten on Sunday. Dynamoe Town went down 3-1 at home to Walsh Island Shamrocks who are now well in the hunt themselves. The return-ing James Gallagher scored two of Walsh Islands to-tal. Killeigh Ramblers had an excellent opportunity to

put some daylight between themselves and the rest when they hosted bottom side Coolraine. It looked routine enough at half time when Killeigh led 2-0, but an amazing second half recovery from Coolraine saw them take all the points with a 3-2 win.

In Division 3A Ballybrittas went back to the top of the table when they defeated a Brosna team that are in free fall in recent weeks. Kieran Connolly bagged a brace for the Laois men with Pauric Dunne and Guido Marchetti also getting in on the act. Raheen moved off the bottom of the table thanks to a good 6-4 win at home to Daingean. Eddie Dunne was again the talisman for Raheen with three good goals, while the Dalton twins Mickey and Dan added the remaining goals between them.

Stradbally Town B team kept in sight of the lead-ers in Division 4A when they defeated Maryborough by three goals to nil. Alan Delaney, Jody Dillon and Damien Fitzpatrick were all on target for the Strad-bally men.

In underage action, Longford Town kept their chances of at least runners up spot very much alive when they hammered bottom side Portumna 7-0 in a game played in Lohrra. The highlight of this game was a four goal haul from Dean Kavanagh.

In the under 18 Division the game of the day was the battle of the top two when Newbridge Town hosted Edenderry Town. It finished one all after an excel-lent game. Jamie Evans was again the main man for Newbridge with another goal. The result keeps New-bridge at the top and ends Edenderry’s one hundred per cent record, but there is still a lot of football to be played in this division.

In case the top two slip up, Abbeyleix look like the side that could mount a challenge. On Saturday they defeated bottom side Derry Rovers 3-1 to stay in with a shout. Jamie Coffey, Aaron Carroll and Cormac McGowan scored the goals for the Abbeyleix men.

STRADBALLY V MARYBOROUGH CCFL DIVISION 4A 9-12-12Stradbally 3 Maryborough 0

A disjointed Maryborough were beaten thoroughly beaten on Sunday by an average Stradbally side. Maryborough were playing their first game in three weeks and it was evident as they were second best in this game. They started the brightest with a good shot from Sean O'Driscoll which was saved well.Stradbally came into the game after the early scare but couldn't finish, with a great double save by Maryborough keeper Shaen O'Grady keeping the game scoreless. It took until the 34th minute for Stradbally to get their first. From a corner, they had a headed attempt blocked, they then regained possession, played it out to the left hand side, a great cross was followed by a free header for the Stradbally attacker.Maryborough, to their credit, went in at half time playing the better foot ball but lacked the final ball. With 6 minutes gone in the second half a lapse in the Maryborough defence let the Stradbally attacker one on one with the keeper. The keeper managed to push him wide but the attacker pulled the ball back for a Stradbally team mate to have an easy tap in.In the 70th minute Stradbally had the game wrapped up with their third goal. A long shot was only parried and the Stradbally attacker was on hand to shoot the ball into the empty net. Ma-ryborough tried in vain to get back into the game. Their build up play was good but again couldn't finish off their attacks.Maryborough will head into the Christmas break feeling they should have more to show from this match. Having not played in 3 weeks, injuries to key players and some very poor deci-sions from the referee, it was never going to be Maryborough's day.They will look to have a much better 2013 with a good run in the Division 4 cup and improve their league position. Marybor-ough would like to thank all their supporters for their support in 2012 and wish them all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to seeing you in 2013.

Maryborough: Shaen O'Grady(Troy Fagan 46mins), Garreth Dunne(Keith Cullen 75mins), Philip Lewis(Nathan Da Silva 64mins), Donal O'Driscoll, Brendan Molloy(Tony Keenan 57mins), Conor Brennan(James Maher 75mins), Danny Bland, Dan Langan, Keith Bray, Sean O'Driscoll, Adam Mulhall.

It is only fitting, that as the biggest darts tournament on the planet is beginning on Friday, hyped out of all proportion by Sky Sports, that Laois Darts Organi-sation’s biggest match of the year will take place the same weekend - the Laois Darts A League final in Ramsbottoms, Stradbally on Friday, December 14 between table toppers and A league debutants Gogarty’s of Portarlington and reigning champions, Bennetts of Mountrath.The Portarlington throwers have made a massive impact on the A league this year, with several players breaking into the county panel this year, and taking individual honours in the county - with the Pat Brady Cup being decided by two Port throwers only over the weekend. That prestigious title went to Jay McCann who defeated Jason Byrne in the final.Despite the reigning champions dominance over the years in the Laois A league, Gogartys will definitely be setting their foot to the oche as favourites.Teresa Maher once again claimed the Rose Conroy

Cup the same weekend.

One title that has already been decided is the Laois Darts C league crown, which went to Lennons of Dur-row.Last year’s runners up were by far the best team in this year’s C league, racking up an impressive 22 points from a possible 27 in the league, before de-feating Mountrath side Kirwans in the final.

The B league proper finished up over the weekend, with Napper Tandys taking top spot, beating local Stradbally rivals Kehoes 6-2 to not only book their place in the final, but also achieve the rare distinction of being the only team across the three Laois divi-sions to go unbeaten throughout the year.A victory for The Pub over Ballylinan’s Murphy’s B means they will have to lock horns in the B quarter final before the winners take on Kehoe’s in the B semi finals.

At The Oche Laois Darts Organisation

Champs, Challengers and the biggest night in Laois Darts


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8000 COPIES EVERY ISSUEIssue 14 Friday December 14 2012

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SECOND HALF COMEBACK NOT ENOUGH FOR PORTLAOISE RECORD BREAKERS

The quest for Portlaoise’s first Leinster title since 2009 continues after the record breaking 6-in-a-row champions lost out to Ballymun Kickhams in Mulling-ar, finishing three points behind their rivals on a 0-11 to 0-8 score line.The Laois champions took too long to settle in the first half, missing several chances that on another day, all would have went over, and allowed their op-ponents to go in 0-6 to 0-2 up at the break.

Portlaoise got the better of the second half, out scor-ing the Dubliners by a point, but the game was won and lost in the opening halfWhile the disappointment of missing out on a place in the All-Ireland semi-finals may be a bitter pill to swallow, Portlaoise are already red hot favourites to progress from laois again next year, as 7-in-a-row champions.

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