Property Developers in spotlight over poor finish to developments.
December 12th 2005

Portlaoise Town Council has been told by Fianna Fail's Catherine Fitzgerald that she's unhappy with the work of developers in the town of Portlaoise - she specifially identified work carried out in Colliers Lane.

As a result Laois County Council is being urged to police developers to ensure they leave areas safe and clean once work is finished.

Sinn Fein's Brian Stanley agreed that planning conditions need to be better enforced.

Colm Parkinson could rejoin the county panel early in the New Year.
December 10th 2005

Laois football selector Declan O’Loughlin is hoping Colm Parkinson will rejoin the county panel early in the New Year.

Parkinson is due back in Ireland before Christmas after spending the past year travelling abroad and O’Loughin has expressed the hope that contact will be made in the coming weeks.

“I believe he’s set to return in the middle of December and we’ll see how things work out then,” the Portlaoise hotelier said.

“Mick O’Dwyer certainly hasn’t closed the door on him. The decision will be up to the player but he would be an asset to most teams out there.”

The fact that Parkinson’s father Martin was recently appointed a Laois selector has further raised hopes that the talented forward will return to the fold in 2006.

Castlebar staff resist move to Portlaoise
December 8th 2005

100 staff at Davitt House in Castlebar will face temporary unemployment with a closure of the Department of Agriculture offices due at the end of this week.

The staff, who are attached to the Department of Agriculture, have declined to move to Portlaoise as part of the government’s decentralisation programme.

Despite 100 people finding themselves out of work, the Department of Agriculture insists there will be no job losses with staff in Castlebar having a number of options including the transfer to the Garda Information Services Centre (GISC) in Michael Davitt House. Other possibilities include the transferring to other Government departments based in Castlebar, while discussion have also taken place on the decentralisation plans of Government Departments moving to Mayo.

Magnet to offer ADSL2+ in Portlaoise in 2006
November 30th 2005

Irish alternative telco Magnet Networks has signed a ten-year contract with network operator ESB Telecoms for the rights to use the company’s national fibre-optic infrastructure to offer ADSL2+ broadband services to users. Under the agreement ESB will provide connectivity between the cities of Galway, Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Portlaoise to Magnet Networks’ central facility in Dublin. Work has already begun and Magnet Networks will launch super-fast triple-play services to the country’s major urban centres in the first quarter of 2006.

Scoil Christ Ri to be built under the public-private partnership programme
November 22nd 2005

The Irish Minister for Education has announced the first bundle of schools to be built under the public-private partnership programme. They are St Mary`s CBS and Scoil Christ Ri in Portlaoise, and schools in Ferbane and Banagher that arise from the amalgamations of two schools in both those towns. Mary Hanafin says the deal means developers will be responsible for the maintenance of the building until the Department buys it out in 20 years time.

Portlaoise traincare depot to begin construction next year
November 17th 2005

Finance Minister Brian Cowen said today that capital expenditure, mainly what the Government spends on transport infrastructure, will go up by 4% to €6.3 billion next year.

Transport Minister Martin Cullen said that today's Estimates gives just the first taste of what is to come in Transport 21 over the years ahead.

He said that in terms of public transport, next year will see construction beginning on the Luas extension to Cherrywood, the new Docklands rail station, the development of Cork commuter services and the Portlaoise traincare depot.

Next year will also see the start of planning and design work on Dublin's DART line resignalling, the first phase of the rail line to Navan, the first phase of the Western Rail Corridor (Ennis-Athenry), the Luas Docklands extension, the Luas Cross-City link, the Luas Citywest extension and the Dublin Metro system.

The investment for the National Roads Programme comprises €1.3 billion for road improvements and €55m for road maintenance. An estimated €240m of Public Private Partnership funding will also be invested in national road projects during 2006.

Leinster Championship Venues Announced
November 15th 2005

The opening round of the province's hurling championship will see Offaly play Laois in Portlaoise, with the winners to face Wexford at Nowlan Park, Kilkenny. Westmeath will face Dublin with Portlaoise again the venue, and a 'home' date against champions Kilkenny for the winners.

In the football championship Dublin will battle it out with Longford at Pearse Park. The Wicklow v Carlow tie will be played at Wexford Park, with the winners scheduled to face Laois at a provincial venue yet to be decided.

All other games will be played at Croke Park

Stradbally Crash out of Club championship
November 13th 2005

Rhode 1-6
Stradbally 0-6

OFFALY star Niall McNamee rose above the general air of mediocrity that enveloped O'Connor Park yesterday to send Rhode on their way to the AIB Leinster club football semi-finals.

McNamee tallied 1-3 and was centrally involved in most things good involving the Offaly champions. Not that they required any surfeit of skill on the day, as Stradbally failed miserably to build on their surprise conquest of Portlaoise in the recent Laois county final.

Rhode, having capitulated to Portlaoise in the same competition last year, were happy to win ugly here. But they are scarcely naive enough to think a repeat performance will suffice against provincial favourites Kilmacud Crokes next Sunday.

"We are in the Leinster club semi-finals for the first time in the history of our club, so we weren't worried about it being pretty football," insisted winning boss Stephen Darby.

His counterpart, Martin Murphy, had other worries, describing this as Stradbally's "worst championship game" all season.

The Tullamore venue still resembles a building site - a suitable backdrop for a scrappy game. Those scarce moments of inspiration were mostly squeezed into the opening half-hour, which ended with Rhode 1-3 to 0-3 in the clear.

Stradbally's best-laid plans suffered a third minute jolt when midfielder Darragh Mulhall suffered a cut chin and, more worryingly, a collarbone injury.

Despite running touchline repairs, Mulhall was unable to rejoin the fray and the Brisbane-bound Colm Begley was forced into an emergency midfield role on this, his last Gaelic football outing for the foreseeable future.

Begley was generally composed on the ball but found it hard to shake off the tireless Roy Malone, himself pressed into unfamiliar midfield duties.

Malone was undermined by some scattergun shooting but the same could not be said for McNamee: after setting up Pascal Kellaghan's opening point, he landed the next two from a free and open play.

Stradbally's response was disjointed, although a rare three-man move was well finished off by Colm Kelly.

Cue McNamee's ultimately decisive 20th minute goal: some deft soccer skills by David Hope launched the move and Alan McNamee's probing long pass found his brother Niall in glorious isolation inside. The finish was emphatic, and Rhode led by five.

Kelly led the fightback with an audacious sideline point, and another fine free.

But either side of the interval, Kelly's deadball boots went AWOL - he missed three while Gary Kavanagh fluffed another free. As the football degenerated, Rhode retained a second half lead of between three and four points throughout. Stradbally were crying out for a goal that never once looked like coming to pass.

"We're obviously disappointed, but it was a good year for us overall," said Begley, who jets out later today for a new career in Aussie Rules. "Once they got the goal it was hard to get back at them."

SCORERS - Rhode: N McNamee 1-3 (1f), P Kellaghan, J Kilmurray, D Hope (f) 0-1 each. Stradbally: C Kelly 0-5 (3f, 1 sideline ball), G Kavanagh 0-1.

RHODE - C Masterson; M Cassidy, S Sullivan, B Darby; J Kilmurray, D Bannon, E Byrne; R Malone, A McNamee; D Hope, P Sullivan, D Kellaghan; M Cole, P Kellaghan, N McNamee. Subs: G Hickey for P Sullivan (52), N Darby for D Kellaghan (60).

STRADBALLY - D Maher; D Dunne, P Begley, S Lawler; J Kavanagh, E Delaney, C Begley; D McEvoy, D Mulhall; J Kavanagh, G Kavanagh, J Donahue; D Murphy, C Kelly, P Langton. Subs: B Mortimer for Mulhall (inj 3), C Brady for Dunne (23), D Delaney for Donahue (39), D Beale for J Kavanagh (56)

REF - P Fox (Westmeath)

Laois Hurling Selectors announced
November 11th 2005

New Laois hurling manager Dinny Cahill has named former county stars Joe Dollard and John Taylor as his selectors for the coming season.

Camross clubman Dollard and Portlaoise’s Taylor were two of the stars of the Laois hurling team during the 1980s.

The two will link up with former Antrim boss Cahill as they plan a training programme and select a panel for the forthcoming league and championship campaigns.

WiMAX broadband service announced for Portlaoise
November 10th 2005

Irish Broadband has announced that it is to roll-out WiMAX broadband services in a number of towns and cities in Ireland.

The company said on Thursday that it is to launch WiMAX services in Athlone, Arklow, Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Ennis, Galway, Kilkenny, Killaloe, Letterkenny, Limerick, Newbridge, Portlaoise and Wexford.

WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability of Microwave Access) is a standards-based wireless technology for providing fast, last-mile broadband connectivity to homes and businesses and for mobile wireless networks. The technology offers high-speed wireless data connections over a theoretical range of up to 30 kilometres, with a real-world range of about five to eight kilometres. Unlike other wireless technologies it does not require line-of-sight. WiMAX offers both increased range and download speeds comparable to, and in some instances surpassing, Wi-Fi (802.11x), which is intended to provide coverage over small areas.

Irish Broadband's WiMAX networks use Intel's PRO/Wireless 5116 broadband interface silicon integrated with Alvarion's BreezeMAX platform. The company claims to be one of just twenty carriers worldwide who are collaborating with Intel to deploy the PRO/Wireless networks.

According to Irish Broadband, both residential and business users will be able to sign-up for its services to avail of higher download and upload speeds for data, of up to 12Mbps.

"We are delighted to have been chosen by Intel to team up for the roll-out of WiMAX in Ireland," said Paul Doody, managing director, Irish Broadband. "This development will enable Irish Broadband to expand its network coverage area as well as further enhance its ability to provide services such as VoIP, video broadband and other IP data and voice services."

Intel is a long-term supporter of WiMAX and recently announced that it was teaming up with Nokia to collaborate on a range of WiMAX developments including working on base station strategies with an aim to help deploy a network infrastructure that will provide reliable coverage.

Although the technology is still unproven and there remain some minor disagreements over standards despite IEEE approval of the 802.16 standard in June 2004, WiMAX is being touted by many analysts as "the next big thing." According to a white paper released by TelecomView late last year, the technology may well take market share from 3G as well as DSL in the near future. In fact, the research firm forecast that WiMAX will capture more than 40 percent of the Wireless Broadband market, leaving 3G with less than 60 percent in 2009.

Department of Agriculture and Food relocation arrangements in place
November 10th 2005

Portlaoise: Arrangements for the relocation of Department of Agriculture and Food staff from Dublin to Portlaoise are being finalised, Tom Parlon, Minister of State at the Office of Public Works, has confirmed.

He said top-class office accommodation has been secured in Portlaoise to allow for the immediate transfer of more than 100 additional staff from the department as part of the decentralisation process.

It was expected that arrangements can be made that will see these staff in situ within ten weeks.

The office is situated at Dublin Road, Portlaoise.

Martin Parkinson appointed as Laois Football selector
November 3rd 2005

It was confirmed that Martin Parkinson, father of star footballer Colm, has been appointed as one of Mick O’Dwyer’s selectors.

As a big question mark continues to hang over the willingness of Colm Parkinson to weigh in with the O’Moore Countymen for another year, his father has jumped at the chance to link up with the midlanders’ push for championship glory in the coming season.

Martin Parkinson comes with a pedigree of helping Laois teams to succeed and was part of the county’s think-tank that helped guide Laois to All-Ireland MFC titles in 1996 and ’97.

Parkinson snr will join Gabriel Lawlor and Declan O’Loughlin in Micko’ backroom team.

Stradbally Secure First Laoise SFC
October 30th 2005

Stradbally had their fans singing in the rain as they recorded their first Laois SFC final victory since 1998 when they beat reigning county and provincial champions Portlaoise by 1-10 to 1-9 at a rain and wind-swept O’Moore Park in front of 5,000 fans.

Stradbally laid the foundation for their surprise victory with a gritty first half display against a near Gale force wind.

The would-be winners goaled after 20 minutes when livewire forward Colm Kelly netted from the penalty spot.

Kelly’s major put his side 1-3 to 0-2 in front but five minutes later Portlaoise county star Kevin Fitzpatrick rose high to fist the ball to the Stradbally net after a flighted free by Brian McCormack to leave his side 1-6 to 1-5 ahead at the interval.

On the restart, the match favourites went up a gear and a point from Chicago-based Martin Delaney helped the ’homesters’ to a 1-9 to 1-8 lead after 48 minutes.

However Stradbally held firm and Jeremy Kavanagh levelled from 40 metres in the 51st minute and in the first three minutes of added on time Colm Kelly cooly slotted the ball over the bar to cap a tremendous Stradbally triumph.

Brisbane lure Laois duo
October 26th 2005

Laois youngsters Colm Begley and Brendan Quigley have both signed two-year rookie contracts with Aussie Rules club Brisbane Lions.

The teenage duo stood out at trials recently staged by Lions manager Graeme Allan in Limerick and are to link up with the three-time AFL Premiership champions late next month.

Both All-Ireland minor winners with Laois in 2003 and frontliners for Ireland's U17 International Rules team in recent series, Begley and Quigley will bring to five the number of Irish players currently plying their trade Down Under.

Former Kerry minor Tadhg Kennelly became the first Irishman to win a Premiership title with the Sydney Swans last month, while Cork brothers Setanta and Aisake Ó hAilpín are on the rookie list at the Melbourne-based Carlton Blues.

Setanta, a hurling AllStar in 2003, is set for promotion to the Blues' senior list next season, having recently signed a two-year contract extension.

Begley, who made Mick O'Dwyer's senior Laois panel in 2005, is the elder of Brisbane's latest recruits at 19.

The talented defender, whose services will be required by Stradbally for Sunday's Laois county final against Portlaoise, had just started an Economics and Geography degree at UCD, but is set to continue his studies in Queensland.

Quigley, a second-year carpentry apprentice, is a strong-running midfielder from the Timahoe club and is ideally built for Aussie Rules at 6ft 4in.

The Brisbane Lions, a club merger between the Brisbane Bears and the Fitzroy Lions back in 1996, made history by winning three straight Premierships from 2001 to 2003 before losing the 2004 decider to Port Adelaide and finishing a disappointing 11th in this year's table.

The Lions initially went after the signature of Sean Cavanagh, but the Tyrone midfielder turned them down.

Down minors James Colgan and Martin Clarke were also looked at but, under provisions for international rookies, there is a two-player cap on AFL clubs securing the services of players from non-AFL backgrounds.

Prisoner found dead in Portlaoise Prison
October 21st 2005

Gardaí are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 35-year-old inmate in Portlaoise Prison.

The man, who was a member of the Continuity IRA, was found in a wardrobe in his cell just after 10.30am this morning.

He was serving five years for possession of firearms and was due out in 2008. He was found dead by another prisoner.

The body was found in a metal wardrobe in his single cell, which is in the E4 Wing of the prison, which houses dissident republicans.

His cell had been unlocked by officers this morning and he appeared to be still asleep. But subversive inmates at Portlaoise have a certain freedom of movement and control of their own affairs so the man would not have been ordered out of bed.

Gardaí have sealed off the landing and forensic teams are carrying out an investigation at the scene.

The man was arrested at a Continuity IRA camp where firearms, ammunition, balaclavas and a makeshift firing range were found.

The Prison Service has said the Governor will carry out an inquiry into the circumstances of the man's death.

Flanagan aims to regain Laois-Offaly seat for FG
October 17th 2005

Former Fine Gael TD Charlie Flanagan says he will run in the Laois-Offaly constituency in the next general election and try to reclaim his seat from Progressive Democrats TD Tom Parlon.

The one-time Fine Gael frontbencher lost his seat in the 2002 general election. He declined to contest last year's local elections, prompting speculation that he had departed politics for good.

However, the Portlaoise-based solicitor - like other party stalwarts, such as former TD Alan Shatter - has decided to re-enter politics to contest the next general election.

“I have been discussing the matter privately with supporters and Fine Gael people in the constituency, and I've made up my mind that I'd like to continue with a career in politics,” Flanagan said.

Laois get three All-Star nominations
October 13th 2005

Laois have received three nominations for football All-Stars - Aiden Fennelly, Noel Garvan & Ross Munnelly.

Unsurprisingly Tyrone dominate the All Star football nominations with 11 of the All-Ireland winning selection among the 45 in with a chance of gaining recognition at the end of November.

The champions took seven awards two years ago after landing their first Sam Maguire crown and they will be expected to come close to that figure again after a ten match run to glory. Sean Cavanagh, their only All Star last year, is going for a third successive award.

Despite only starting three games all year, Peter Canavan’s huge contribution to the Red Hands’ success sees him in line to win a sixth award.

Kerry and Armagh both have eight players nominated while Dublin come in next with six nominees. Cork and Laois both have three players up for awards while Galway and Derry have two players nominated.

Cavan and Monaghan each have one player in line for an award.

Only five from last year’s side are again nominated this year. They are Diarmuid Murphy, Michael McCarthy, Tomas O Se, Colm Cooper (all Kerry) and Sean Cavanagh (Tyrone)

The 2005 nominees are:

Goalkeeper - Paul Hearty (Armagh), Diarmuid Murphy (Kerry), James Reilly (Cavan).

Defenders - Ryan McMenamin, Philip Jordan, Conor Gormley, Joe McMahon (Tyrone), Andy Mallon, Aaron Kernan, Kieran McGeeney, Francie Bellew (Armagh), Michael McCarthy, Tomas O Se, Marc O Se, Aidan O’Mahony (Kerry), Anthony Lynch, Graham Canty (Cork), Aiden Fennelly (Laois), Stephen O’Shaughnessy, Paul Griffin (Dublin), Kevin McCloy (Derry).

Midfield - Sean Cavanagh (Tyrone), Paul McGrane (Armagh), Noel Garvan (Laois), Ciaran Whelan (Dublin), Darragh O Se (Kerry), Nicholas Murphy (Cork).

Forwards - Brian Dooher, Brian McGuigan, Owen Mulligan, Peter Canavan, Stephen O’Neill, Enda McGinley (Tyrone), Stephen McDonnell, Ronan Clarke (Armagh), Eoin Brosnan, Colm Cooper (Kerry), Alan Brogan, Bryan Cullen, Tomas Quinn (Dublin), Michael Meehan, Padraic Joyce (Galway), Ross Munnelly (Laois), Paddy Bradley (Derry), Thomas Freeman (Monaghan).

Reprieve for Rathdowney/Errill in SHC
October 12th 2005

The Rathdowney/Errill club in county Laois will, after all, have county star Brian Campion on board for their SHC semi-final clash after they got the thumbs-up from the Laois GAC.

The club failed to turn up for last Saturday’s scheduled semi-final replay against Camross in Portlaoise because Campion was on duty with Ireland in the shinty/hurling clash in Inverness.

The amalgamation side was thus thrown out of the competition but after a submission to the Laois GAC they have been granted a reprieve and will now play this Sunday at O’Moore Park against Camross.

The club was however fined 3,000 euros.

Prison officer seriously injured in Portlaoise attack
October 10th 2005

A prison officer is in a serious condition in hospital after being attacked by an inmate at the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise.

The incident happened when the inmate threw boiling water at the guard and then used a kettle to beat him.

The victim is being treated at St James's Hospital in Dublin, where he is understood to have 20% burns to his face and body.

GAA to upgrade Portlaoise's O'Moore Park
October 3rd 2005

With the exception of Connacht, the two GAA venues in each province that are set for floodlighting have been announced.

It was confirmed earlier in the year that extra funds were to be set aside to provide floodlights in two additional venues in each province with the work set for completion by the early part of 2006.

Leinster will see upgraded facilities at Páirc Tailteann in Navan and Portlaoise's O'Moore Park.

The Gaelic Grounds in Limerick and Walsh Park in Waterford have been given the go-ahead in Munster.

In Ulster, Belfast's Casement Park will soon see the light, while All-Ireland football champions Tyrone will be able to host winter evening fixtures at Healy Park in Omagh.

Connacht has not made a final decision yet, but their selection will be made from Pearse Stadium, McHale Park, Páirc Seán MacDiarmada and Markievicz Park.

Castletown dethroned champions Portlaoise
October 3rd 2005

CASTLETOWN 1-13
PORTLAOISE 0-11

Laois SHC semi-finals

CASTLETOWN dethroned champions Portlaoise in Portlaoise yesterday but will have to wait see who they meet in the final after Rathdowney-Errill and Camross played out a thrilling 2-12 to 2-12 draw in the other semi-final.

SCORERS - Castletown: J Palmer 1-0, D Cuddy 0-4, R Kingston 0-3, C Cuddy, F O'Sullivan 0-2 each, J O'Sullivan and R Delaney 0-1 each. Portlaoise: N Costelloe 0-6, B McCormack 0-2, E Browne, T Fitzgerald 0-1 each.

SCORERS - Camross: Z Keenan 1-11, D Culleton 1-0, B Keenan 0-1. Rathdowney-Errill: T Mahon 2-2, J Purcell 0-4, L Tynan, E Meagher 0-2 each, S Dollard, C Browne 0-1 each.

House Prices Affecting Wages - SFA
July 26th 2005

The Small Firms Association says the affordability of housing has reached crisis point and is causing problems for the labour market.

SFA director Pat Delaney says the house price explosion and a sustained increase in rents is putting pressure on wage demands.

'Any suggestion of price moderation in the housing market has proved to be just an illusion,' he says.

Mr Delaney says local authority house completions dropped by 21% last year,describing this as 'bewildering'.

Eircom says buyout will lead to lower prices
July 26th 2005

Eircom Chairman Anthony O'Reilly has said the company's E420 million takeover of the mobile phone company, Meteor, will result in lower prices for consumers.

The Consumers' Association of Ireland says the sale of the country's third mobile phone network to Eircom should be good news for consumers.

Eircom, which is quoted on the Dublin and London stock exchanges, also announced it is to launch a major fundraising initiative to finance the deal.

Meteor has just under 10% of Ireland's mobile phone market and has mainly pre-pay rather than contract customers. It was put up for sale earlier this year by its parent, the US telecoms giant, Western Wireless.

There were initially three bidders, Eircom, a consortium led by telecoms tycoon Denis O'Brien, and the fixed line operator, Smart Telecom.

Both Smart Telecom and the Denis O'Brien consortium exited the race in recent days leaving Eircom to strike a deal and re-enter the mobile phone market.

It abandoned the market with the sale of Eircell to Vodafone in 2001.

Eircom hopes to take possession of Meteor by the end of the year subject to shareholder and regulatory approval.

Cancer groups welcome radiotherapy plans
July 26th 2005

Cancer care groups have welcomed a E480m Government plan to develop radiotherapy services at four major centres around the country by the year 2011.

The Irish Cancer Society is satisfied with the location of the new radiation oncology services but wants the Government to commit to timelines for implementation.

The group campaigning for cancer treatment services in the southeast, Cancer Care Alliance, said there is still some concern about patients in the northwest region.

The Cabinet programme provides for the development of two centres in Dublin two others at Cork and Galway University hospitals.

St Lukes in Dublin is also to be re-located to St James's Hospital.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Health, Mary Harney said the plan would ensure a world class service and access to cancer treatment in each region.

ComReg announces number changes
July 26th 2005

ComReg has announced phone number changes for Westmeath, Laois/Offaly and Wexford next year.

The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) plans phased changes in numbers in specific areas which will take final effect in the summer of 2006.

The changes will affect telephone numbers with the following dialling areas: Westmeath (044)

Laois/Offaly (0502)(0506) & (0509) Wexford (053)(054) & (055).

These changes will affect the following STD code areas: 044, 0502, 0506, 0509, 053, 054 and 055.

All local numbers in the affected areas will get two extra digits changing them from 5 digit numbers into 7 digit numbers.

From December 5 it will be possible for customers to use both the old and new numbers. The old and new numbers will operate in parallel for a period of approximately six months until the new numbers replace the old ones in May and June of 2006.

After the number change date, only the new 7 digit numbers can be used to complete a call.

Venues for fourth round qualifiers announced
July 17th 2005

The venues for this weekend's Bank of Ireland Football Championship qualifiers have been announced this afternoon by the GAC.

Mayo will travel the short distance to Hyde Park in Roscommon to meet Cavan on Saturday afternoon with a 5.30pm throw-in.

Sligo, on the other hand, will trek to Portlaoise, also on Saturday afternoon to meet Cork. Throw-in in Portlaoise is at 4.00pm.

The winners of the Cavan versus Mayo clash will meet Kerry in the quarter-finals, while the winners of Sligo and Cork will meet Connacht champions Galway.

Meanwhile, the remaining two fourth round ties will take place on Saturday week as a Croke Park double-header.

Laois and Derry will play first at 2.00pm, while Tyrone will play Monaghan at 4.00pm.

Dublin await the winners of the all-Ulster clash, while Ulster champions Armagh will face the winners of Laois and Derry.

More people regularly in debt - survey
July 12th 2005

A new survey by the ESRI and IIB Bank reveals a significant increase in the number of Irish adults regularly in debt and a rise in the amount of money they borrow.

The survey suggests the acceleration in non-mortgage borrowings may indicate that consumers' incomes are not rising as quickly as people had expected.

It reveals that one in three people are regularly in debt, with personal loans other than mortgages. One in five said these loans were imposing a strain on their household finances which suggests that up to 150,000 adults are experiencing significant financial strains.

Consumers surveyed said that 60% of non-mortgage debt is used to finance their current lifestyles rather than to fund investment.

People earning less than E25,000 a year expressed particular concerns as did those in the 40 to 49 year age bracket.

The survey also found one in five mortgage holders have been encouraged to increase borrowings because of the rise in property values. Half of these loans are used for extensions and repairs.

IIB Bank's chief economist Austin Hughes says that the sharp rise in non-mortgage borrowing likely reflects weaker than expected income growth of late as well as the cheap cost of money.

'The fact that the rise in personal debt is due to broadly similar increases in the number of people borrowing and in average loan size is less threatening to the economic outlook than a more concentrated rise in borrowing,' the economist said.

However, he noted that while more people are comfortable with their borrowings, a small and increasing number of people are under pressure because of a buildup of debt.

David Duffy of the ESRI, who analysed mortgage borrowing in the survey, says it indicates that consumer's perceptions of the burden of their mortgage debt have remained broadly unchanged over the past year. 'The results suggest that consumers are less concerned about their mortgage debt than their other borrowings,' he adds.

He says that those who have purchased property since the beginning of the recent house price boom in 1996 are more likely to indicated that they find their mortgage repayments to be a heavy burden.

Judge raises serious questions about NAC
July 12th 2005

A High Court judge has said there are serious questions about what is going on at the National Aquatic Centre.

Mr Justice Peter Kelly made his comments after the court was told that the company that rents the centre from the State, Dublin Waterworld Ltd, has not traded for two years.

The State company that owns the centre, CSID Ltd, is suing Dublin Waterworld for breach of the lease.

A full hearing will be held on 26 July.

Model pension scheme on SSIAs
July 12th 2005

Bank of Ireland's life division has proposed a new pensions product aimed at increasing pensions coverage from the current level of just over 50%.

The bank says the new product, to be called the Bonus PRSA, would combine the success of sepcial savings accounts (SSIAs) with lessons learned from Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs).

BoI suggests a reversal of the way tax relief on pension contributions is applied. It says the relief should become a tax bonus, making the incentive for long-term savings easier to understand at no additional cost to the Government.

There would also be access to cash from the fund, though no withdrawals would be allowed after age 40. Consumers could access 20% of their fund after five years and an additional 10% after ten years. Customers who started a Bonus PRSA before May 1 2008 would benefit from an extra tax bonus for the first year. BoI says this would give people an incentive to continue saving once their SSIA matured.

BoI Life managing director Brian Forrester said PRSAs had failed in their objective of increasing pensions coverage, and the bank had submitted its new proposal to Social and Family Affairs Minister Seamus Brennan. The bank says pension coverage in Ireland remains 'middle class, middle-aged and male'.

Second airport terminal site not finalised
July 12th 2005

The Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen, has confirmed that the Dublin Airport Authority has not yet finalised a site for the second terminal at Dublin Airport.

However, Mr Cullen said that the selection of a site was a matter for the DAA and he expected that consultation with the airlines which would be using the new facilities would be completed by late August or early September.

Mr Cullen also said he expected the business plans for the three airports at Dublin, Cork and Shannon to be delivered by the end of the year at the latest.

He described speculation that Aer Lingus might run the new terminal as 'mischievous', adding that he had no specific request to that effect.

But he said that he was not interested in duopolies with terminals run by different airlines, which he said would act to the detriment of the paying public.

The minister also took a sideswipe at airlines operating from Dublin Airport, saying they needed to do more to open extra check-in desks well ahead of flights to ease overcrowding in the current terminal.

Portlaoise A&E to double in size.
June 13th 2005

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has approved a 63 million euro package to help alleviate pressures on A&E units nationwide.

The package forms part of the 10-point action plan announced by Health Minister, Mary Harney last year. The money will be used to fund a number of initiatives, including:

-Completion of a new A&E unit at Portlaoise General Hospital.

-The provision of a new 25-bed A&E admission unit in the Mater Hospital, Dublin.

-Minor injury units at St John's Hospital, Limerick and Waterford Regional Hospital.

-An eight-bed medical assessment unit and soft tissue trauma clinic in Cork University Hospital.

-A third A&E consultant for the north western area.

According to the HSE, the new A&E department at Portlaoise will be 5,000 square feet - that is double the size of the current facility. It will include 17 treatment cubicles, two resuscitation rooms and improved staff facilities.

The package also aims to tackle the problem of appropriate care for people who have finished the acute phase of their treatment, but still require ongoing care.

To this end, the National Hospitals Office (NHO) has commissioned additional services, including 38 long stay beds in west Dublin and Kildare, 16 in Baggot Street Hospital and 14 at Leopardstown Park Hospital. "All initiatives will be monitored by the NHO for implementation and effectiveness on an ongoing basis", the HSE said.

Irish Football team go on holidays with big challenges ahead
June 9th 2005

Ireland gained a two goal victory over the Faroe Islands they desperately craved to ease their fraying World Cup qualifying nerves, thanks to a penalty and a deflected shot.

The win sends Ireland into the summer break on top of group four, but with some challenging games ahead.

Brian Kerr’s side had to wait until the 51st minute to make the breakthrough, with left-back Ian Harte scoring with a powerful spot-kick.

The win was secured eight minutes later and when Faroes captain Oli Johannesen steered Kevin Kilbane’s beyond goalkeeper Jakup Mikkelsen. It was the Everton man’s first international goal for almost two years.

The opening 45 minutes of this game, though, were about as uncomfortable as Ireland have endured throughout a campaign which has raised hopes and broken hearts in equal measure.

Ahead of this match, skipper Kenny Cunningham was asked if he would have settled for an ugly 1-0 victory. The Birmingham centre-back said no, believing it was Ireland’s responsibility to play brave football and impose themselves on their less-than-illustrious opponents.

Fog enveloped the world’s smallest capital over the course of the day, forcing the cancellation of a number of flights carrying Ireland fans into the Faroes. A swirling rain and a bumpy pitch added to the miserable conditions.

By the end of the first half, it is likely Cunningham would have given anything to get out of the Faroes with an ugly win as the Premiership status of so many of Kerr’s side counted for little on this remote outpost of European football.

Watched by one of the smallest-ever recent travelling supports for the boys in green, with around 300 braving the elements, early cheers died in their throats when Ireland’s attacks persistently fell foul off the offside flag.

John O’Shea, driving forward from his centre-back role due to Andy O’Brien’s suspension, linked up with Damien Duff who in turn played in Clinton Morrison for a sidefoot tap-in from inside the six-yard box, but to no avail.

Roy Keane then mouthed off at Bulgarian referee Anton Guenov and was immediately cautioned for dissent.

Harte followed up in the 17th minute with a free-kick from an almost identical position from which he scored the opener against Israel on Saturday, leading to an uneasy save for goalkeeper Mikkelsen as he eventually held on to the ball at the second time of asking.

But the Faroes, growing in confidence, almost stunned the visitors midway through the half as a breakaway move culminated in Julian Johnsson playing Hedin Lakjuni in behind a stretched Carr.

But after unleashing a first-time left-foot drive that had advancing goalkeeper Shay Given beaten, his angled shot shaved the left-hand post.

In the 29th minute, Andrew Flotum found a gap through the legs of Carr with a left-foot shot from the edge of the area, but this time it was more comfortably wide for Given.

Flotum then drove a speculative ball into the area forcing an unsighted Given to push it round the post. Indeed, it was looking like it was going to be another of those games for Ireland.

More so in the 40th minute when Ireland should have taken the lead as Andy Reid’s low 18-yard curler was superbly saved by Mikkelsen, with the rebound falling into the path of Stephen Elliott, starting his first competitive game.

The Sunderland striker making his competitive debut for the boys in green clipped the top of the crossbar from only 12 yards out, with the empty goal at his mercy.

But it was Elliott’s energy which eventually helped ease the tension shortly after the break, winning a ball and earning a penalty.

Harte converted for his second goal in five days upon his return from the international wilderness.

Then came the degree of comfort which helped Ireland play with a greater freedom in the closing half hour as Everton midfielder Kilbane scored his fifth goal for his country courtesy of a comical deflection.

Elliott and Morrison then tested Mikkelsen in the following minutes, while Given was forced to tip a Lakjuni drive onto the post before the final whistle.

A draw against Israel on Saturday meant tonight’s match was a must-win and Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr said: We could stay on top if we do our stuff in the three games.

We wanted six points from these two games and the next best we could get was four and we’ve got four.

It was always going to be a hard group and it was always going to go down to the last games.

Kerr was relieved to see his side getting the second goal.

Switzerland were leading here and they conceded with 20 minutes to go and I thought we needed the second goal, he added on Sky Sports.

We kept plugging away and we kept our composure.

Stephen Elliott felt the 2-0 scoreline was fair.

We got the result we deserved, said the Sunderland striker, who was certain the penalty was correctly awarded.

I knocked it by the keeper and he took me down. We got the goal and it helped settle us down.

Department of Agriculture Portlaoise move receives criticism
June 8th 2005

A lack of wisdom surrounds the closure of the Agricultural offices in Castlebar, according to Deputy Michael Ring.

Transferring the Department of Agriculture from Castlebar to Portlaoise doesn’t make sense, argues the Westport deputy.

It will cost almost E80m to provide the necessary accommodation in Portlaoise. There was ample space in Castlebar to continue the work, which was being efficiently dealt with, said Deputy Ring. The present proposals to close the Agricultural offices in Castlebar will see all agriculture work transferred to Portlaoise with the exception of the District Veterinary Office (DVO) and the Agriculture Environment Structures section.

Staff in Castlebar, who do not wish to transfer to Portlaoise will have the option of working on the Garda Pulse Project but Deputy Ring is adamant that many don’t favour this type of shift work.

Not all of the staff in Castlebar are interested in transferring to shift work on Pulse. It does not make sense to spend so much from the state coffers on new accommodation when sufficient accommodation is available in Castlebar.

It seems clear to me that this arrangement is to suit the purposes of certain Cabinet Ministers and Junior Ministers rather than suit the cost-efficient operation of the Department, concluded Deputy Ring.

Leinster Council announce semi-final will be Croker double-header
June 7th 2005

Following speculation that LSF semi-finals would be held separately in Croke Park, the Leinster Council has confirmed that the football semi-final double-header will take place as scheduled at Croke Park on June 19.

With more than 65,000 attending the Dublin/Meath and Wexford/Carlow games last Sunday, the Council could have been forgiven for scheduling the semi finals games independently of each other.

The momentum is growing in Dublin following their victories over Longford and great rivals Meath and it is expected that their semi-final will be a eagerly anticipated.

For that part the meeting of neighbours Kildare and Laois will draw a huge crowd in a game which will be a massive tussle to determine Leinster finalists.

Provincial secretary Michael Delaney has allayed fears that demand would exceed supply when Dublin meet Wexford and Kildare play Laois.

"We have an 80,000-plus capacity so the games will go ahead at Croke Park," he said.

"With due respect to Wexford, their core support is only about 4,000, Laois 8,000 to 9,000 while Kildare can expect a greater number, but it should still be around 12,000 to 15,000."

Following last Sunday’s quarter-final victory over Meath, Dublin could have as many as 40,000 supporters cheering them on.

O'Dwyer to stay with Laois for another year
May 25th 2005

Laois football has received a major boost with the news that Mick O’Dwyer is to continue as senior manager until the end of next year.

The Waterville maestro has informed Laois officials that, regardless of how the team fares in this year's championship, he will be honouring his contract to remain until next season has ended.

"I'm appointed for two years and I don't see any reason why that is going to change," he said.

"I firmly believe that if we can avoid injuries, we have a fantastic panel of players in Laois to work with over the next few years."

Begley gets start for Laois against Offaly
May 25th 2005

Laois boss Mick O'Dwyer has handed Stradbally's All-Ireland minor medalist Colm Begley his debut at right half-back for Sunday's Leinster quarter-final clash against Offaly at Croke Park.

Joe Higgins returns at corner-back, Begley is in at right half-back, Portlaoise's Ian Fitzgerald leads the attack, with Gary Kavanagh on his left, while former skipper Chris Conway and Donal Brennan are in the top corners.

However, there is no place for attacker Brian 'Beano' McDonald. The Arles-Killeen forward broke his leg during the All-Ireland qualifier defeat to Tyrone last year, but has since recovered and returned to action in a recent challenge against Carlow.

LAOIS (SFC v Offaly) F Byron; A Fennelly, D Rooney, J Higgins; C Begley, T Kelly, P McMahon; P Clancy, N Garvan; R Munnelly, I Fitzgerald, G Kavanagh; D Brennan, K Fitzpatrick, C Conway.

Laois overecome The Dubs in Leinster SHC
May 22th 2005

Laois made amends for last year's Leinster SHC quarter-final replay loss to Dublin by firing four goals past the outclassed Metropolitans today at Nowlan Park.

Paudie Butler's men, odds-on before the start to progress, booked a quarter-final date against Wexford at Croke Park in three weeks time as corner forward Damien Culleton banged home two goals in either half.

Culleton was sharp from the off and his third-minute goal fired Laois towards a 3-03 to 0-09 half-time lead. Dublin, who started with championship debutants in Greg Bennett at corner back, and Magnus Breathnach and Stuart Mullen in the full-forward line, rallied briefly as Ronan Fallon and Emmett Carroll helped themselves to three of the Dubs' five unanswered points.

Humphrey Kelleher's men led at 0-06 to 1-01 before a James Young penalty and a Liam Tynan major shortly before the break saw them back to their best.

Butler's charges, with Brian Campion impressing on his first championship start, powered clear on the restart, outscoring the Dubs by 1-11 to 0-05.

Young tallied up a personal tally of 1-09, with all bar two of his points from placed balls, and Culleton's second goal early into the second half saw the result never in doubt.

Fallon, Carroll and David Curtin did emerge with some credit up front for Dublin.

PAC finds cost overruns of nearly E400m
May 13th 2005

A Dail committee has uncovered cost overruns of nearly E400 million in major road projects over three years.

The Public Accounts Committee has recommended tighter controls and more accurate cost forecasts by the Department of Transport and the National Roads Authority.

The committee examined a number of motorway and bypass projects completed between 2000 and 2003.

The projected cost of the Youghal bypass in east Cork was E10m, but it ended up costing over E40m. The Drogheda bypass should have cost E112m; the final bill was over double that at E244m.

The committee recommends that the NRA and the Department of Transport should have more expertise at their disposal when negotiating with well-resourced private contractors.

The vice chairman of the PAC, Fianna Fail's John McGuinness, said too often the relationship was akin to that between a plump hen and a crafty fox.

The chairman of the PAC, Michael Noonan, said that while the situation was improving, the taxpayer was still getting very bad value for money.

The PAC also questioned the operation of public private partnerships in big road projects, and examined tolling on Dublin's Westlink bridge.

Labour leader Pat Rabbitte said the situation was a complex one but buying out the operators, National Toll Roads, might be hugely punitive for the taxpayer.

McManus says pressure is on Laois
May 13th 2005

Offaly midfielder Ciaran McManus believes all the pressure will be on Laois when the midland rivals meet in the Leinster championship quarter-final on May 29.

It will make a change for Offaly who were overwhelming favourites to beat Louth in last Sunday’s championship opener at Navan, a game which the Faithful County eventually won by nine points.

"Laois are raging hot favourites and All-Ireland contenders. They’re 8/1 for the All-Ireland, we’re 50/1 and 12/1 for Leinster," the Ireland International Rules veteran said.

"They’re massive odds but I can see where the bookies are coming from. We didn’t look good on Sunday and we’ve been out of the limelight.

"Everybody thinks that Laois, Wexford, Westmeath and Dublin will be fighting it out but we’ll have to try and change that. A lot of people might have thought that we were useless on Sunday but we didn’t care whether we won by one or 10 points.

"It’s very tight in Leinster this year and if I had to put EUR10,000 on a team to win it, I wouldn’t know who to back. Westmeath got a bit of luck last year, capitalised on it and went on to win the title. Laois were the same the year before and they beat us after a replay."

While Offaly were beating Louth last Sunday, Laois were losing a challenge match to Roscommon at a pitch opening in Ballinteer, Co. Dublin. The O’Moore County will have to plan for the Offaly game without the versatile Kevin Fitzpatrick, who is due to have a groin operation in the coming weeks.

Fitzpatrick to miss Laois openers
May 12th 2005

Laois boss Mick O'Dwyer has received an injury blow with the news that Portlaoise stalwart Kevin Fitzpatrick will sit out the opening rounds of the Leinster football championship after deciding to undergo surgery on a groin injury.

The Portlaoise club man first picked up the injury last October and is set to go under the knife as soon as later this week.

His recovery means he will miss the Leinster championship clash against Offaly at the end of the month, and should Laois win that tie, the Leinster semi-final on June 19.

GAA: Bryon a doubt for Laois opener
May 3rd 2005

Laois goalkeeper Fergal Byron is a doubt for Laois' Leinster Football opener against Offaly or Louth on May 29th.

The All-Star-winning keeper twisted his neck in an awkward fall during a challenge match against Carlow in Portarlington last night.

The Courtwood clubman was taken to hospital last night but his injury is not believed to be too serious.

Beano McDonald made his comeback as sub in the same match following last summer`s leg-break, supplying Ian Fitzgerald with a goal in a 1-17 to 1-4 win.

Lansdowne Stadium contracts move forward
April 26th 2005

Development plans for the new Lansdowne Road Stadium moved to a new phase today with the awarding of the design and project management contracts for the stadium.

Minister for Sport John O'Donoghue confirmed the timetable for lodging a planning application is on course for December 2005.

The design contract has been awarded to a consortium led by HOK Sports, one of the world's largest sport architectural practices. The winning consortium includes Irish architects Scott Tallon Walker.

HOK Sport, which was also involved in creating the masterplan for the redevelopment of Croke Park is currently involved with both the new Arsenal and Wembley stadia in the UK.

The contract for project management services has been awarded to a consortium led by Project Management Ltd. Recent PM projects include work at Pfizer, UCC, Abbott in Cootehill, Co Cavan and Dublin Bus.

Minister O'Donoghue said he was confident a competent team had now been assembled by Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company.

He said the team would be consulting widely with all of the different stakeholders, including the local community to develop the best possible stadium.

The Minister reaffirmed the decision of the Government to provide an amount of €191m towards the cost of the project which is estimated to cost €292m.

Electric Picnics line-up revealed
April 26th 2005

The line-up for the Electric Picnic has been announced, with Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Damien Dempsey, Flaming Lips, Kraftwerk and Mercury Rev among the acts confirmed for the festival at Stradbally Hall, Co Laois.

The festival takes place on 3 and 4 September, with this year's site almost four times the size of last year's and capacity limited to 25,000.

Other acts on this year's bill include The Arcade Fire, De La Soul, Laurent Garnier, Goldfrapp, The Human League, Mr Scruff and Stereo MCs.

More artists for the five stages at the festival will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tommy Tiernan and Des Bishop will host the International Comedy Club Stage, with other attractions including the Silent Disco and an 800-capacity cinema.

Tickets are on sale now, priced E62.50 for a one-day ticket, E105 for a two-day and E135 for a two-day ticket plus camping.

Golf: Heritage is worth going the extra mile
April 26th 2005

The true measure of a great golf course, TV pundit Dave Marr would say, is in the answer to a simple question - would you urge a friend to get off the motorway to play it? Clearly, The Heritage, near Portlaoise, falls into this category.

Make a right turn off the M7 for the village of Killenard and there it is, the brightest pearl in Ireland's oyster of new resort courses. If you thought there were no more undiscovered gems in golf, you'd be wrong. Here is one that will satisfy even the greediest of appetites for something different.

Designed by Seve Ballesteros, and refined by the Canadian Jeff Howes, it will shortly host its first big tournament, the AIB Seniors' Open from June 3-5.

"Where are the trees?" quizzed Ballesteros when he first set eyes on Tom Keane's gently-rolling 300-acre spread. Now there are 5,000 of them, plus five man-built lakes, the biggest, most lavish clubhouse in Europe, and a finishing hole that will not only excite and terrify, but looks drop-dead beautiful. It's an intimidating two-shotter, 450 yards of seductive torture with water hugging a narrow fairway on the port side. Eddie Dunne thinks the hole should be played with a patch over the left eye. "Otherwise you don't feel safe until you leave the green," grins the former amateur international whom hotelier Keane has engaged to manage this major-league package.

Eddie was in banking before filling a similar role at Druids Glen. It takes vision and imagination to transform a bland piece of land into a great golf course, and at The Heritage, the Ballesteros signature is instantly recognisable. The course is as diverse as the architect himself, starting with the second hole, a regal par-5 to a target protected by water and sand; the shorter but picturesque sixth of similar design, and four short holes, every one a classic. Most greens are mightily bunkered, but Seve feels that deep rough is superfluous, a links-only hazard, in his view.

The 48-year-old Spaniard has a house on the course, the first of over ninety exclusive dwellings in a privately-owned resort-style complex that will cost nearly 100 million euro to complete. The three-storey, 38,000 square feet clubhouse is a magnificent structure dominated by an atrium which ascends to a circular glass dome. From here, you have a great view of the course and surrounding countryside.

The nearby Ballesteros School includes a 10-bay floodlit range, nine-hole short course, and state-of-the-art video technology, and there are two huge bowling greens, one weather-proofed with a splendid restaurant. The hotel and pool should be ready in time for the Seniors' championship.

Howes' influence is much in evidence here. Jeff was a major player in the Nicklaus team that built Mount Juliet, and a firm believer in good drainage. Thus the installation of nearly 80 miles of slit drains and extensive use of sand. A fenced-in walking track round the course perimeter is probably unique in Irish golf. The Heritage is only 40 miles from Dublin and already a candidate, I'd say, for a top-10 ranking among Britain's newest courses.

Portlaoise to become Irelands transport hub
April 16th 2005

Portlaoise could become Ireland's leading transport hub, if ambitious plans brought forward by Loais County Council get the green light.

The plan, to make Portlaoise the focal point for road, rail and other transport related services, is being sponsored by the local county council and has the backing of national and international developers.

The plan is to turn a 250-acre green field site at the junction of the M7 and M8 motorways into a E250 million transport and logistics park, including retail development, a hotel, a motorway services centre, as well as tourism and leisure facilities. The park would be linked to Portlaoise by a light rail system.

Laois County Council flagged the idea last year and it has spent much of the intervening period drumming up interest amongst investors and developers.

It is understood one local businessman is ready to heavily invest in the project, but the bulk of the investment is coming from international, most UK sources.

Full details of the project will be unveiled in the coming weeks, when county councillors will be asked to approve or reject the proposals. The council has, already zoned the land required for this development.

Esat BT ploughs on with unbundling in Portlaoise
April 11th 2005

Esat BT announced that it has unbundled its 40th exchange in Ireland, in the Portlaoise region. The exchange will go live on 11 April, enabling businesses and consumers in the Midlands to avail of the firm's broadband offerings.

Esat BT unbundled its first exchange in May 2002. It now offers both ADSL and SDSL services to 2,500 corporate and enterprise customers.

Local Loop Unbundling, or LLU, is the process whereby part of Eircom's telephone network can be rented by a competitor who can then install its own equipment in Eircom's telephone exchange to supply a range of products, from high speed broadband to digital TV.

"The unbundling of a 40th exchange by Esat BT is a momentous achievement," said Mike Maloney, chief operating officer with the telecoms operator. "Our further commitment to bringing broadband to both Irish businesses and consumers is undeterred, and we will continue to invest in LLU over and above the 40 exchanges we have unbundled to date."

Antrim earn late draw against Laois
April 10th 2005

An injury time point by Karl McKeegan from a 20-metre free gave Antrim a 1-18 to 3-12 draw with Laois in their Div 1 relegation game at Casement Park but it was no more than the Saffrons deserved.

In fact, Antrim looked the more compact side throughout, leading by 1-10 to 1-3 at the interval - their goal hit home in the 24th minute by Karl McKeegan with Michael Herron firing over four points, three from frees.

Indeed the home side should have been further ahead as they fluffed at least two more chances of goals. However, backed by a strong breeze, the leaders picked off some great long-range points with midfield man Paddy Richmond sending over three great points.

It was Mark Rooney who snatched Laois' first goal in the 13th minute and two minutes into the second half he found the Antrim net again. That score was the launching pad for a strong second half show by the visitors.

Star man James Young moved from midfield into attack and caused Antrim a lot of trouble. He hit four points - two from frees - midway through the half, and when Joe Phelan and Tommy Fitzgerald added two more points only the minimum separated the side with 14 minutes left.

Liam Tynan cracked home Laois' third goal five minutes from time to give Laois the lead at 3-11 to 1-16 and Cathal Brophy added a point. However, Antrim finished strong for Karl McKeegan to rifle over two points from placed balls and earn a draw.

Antrim: Damian Quinn; C Hamill, K Kelly, M Kettle; M McCambridge, J Campbell, G Bell; M Scullion, P Richmond (0-3); M Herron (0-6, 0-3 frees), K Stewart (0-1), K McKeegan (1-5, 0-3 frees); Darren Quinn, M Magill, B Quinn (0-2) Subs: J McIntosh for Darren Quinn (33), J Connolly for Magill (49), C McGuckin for McIntosh (67)

Laois: K Galvin; P Campion, P Cuddy, M McEvoy; J Fitzpatrick, S Dwyer, P Mahon; J Young (0-6, 0-3 frees), J Walsh (0-1); J Phelan (0-1), J Rowney (0-1), C Coonan; L Tynan (1-1), M Rooney (2-0), T Fitzgerald (0-1). Subs: D Rooney for Mahon (0-6), C Healy for Fitzpatrick (half-time), C Brophy (0-1) for Coonan (59), E Jackman for M Rooney (59)

Referee: G Devlin (Armagh)

Laois' Fitzpatrick will not need surgery
April 05th 2005

Laois attacker Kevin Fitzpatrick will not require surgery on his groin, a scan has revealed.

The Portlaoise club man has been struggling with the injury since last October, but put off surgery until his side had finished their All-Ireland club campaign.

However, a scan has revealed the player will not need an operation to correct the injury.

He will return to training with Laois within the next fortnight ahead of the start of the Leinster championship.

Kildare snatch victory in thrilling U-21 game.
March 26th 2005

Reigning champions Kildare snatched a dramatic late, late victory over Laois in a thrilling Leinster under 21-football championship quarter final at O'Moore Park Portlaoise on a scoreline of 1-10 to 1-09.

With three minutes remaining Laois led by three points but then the game dramatically swung in the Lilywhites favor.

First they forced a penalty that James Kavanagh smashed to the net and with then two minutes remaining Tommy Archibald shot them ahead for the first time but the drama was not over yet as Laois came in search of an equalizer.

Two minutes into injury time they eventually got the opportunity when they were awarded a free some 25 metres out in front of the posts but to the utter dismay of the home supporters Chris Bergin screwed the ball for an equalizer wide.

A cracking first half goal from Peter McNulty when he took a perfect pass from Brendan Quigley to finish with real style was the difference between the sides at the break but Laois had squandered numerous scoring chances from in front of the posts and will rue their total of 12 wides in the game

Laois: C Gorman, C Healy, C Ryan, R Stapleton, B Mulligan, C Begley, N Donoher, B Quigley, P McMahon, P McNulty 1-2, D Brennan 0-2, C Bergin0-3, M Tierney 0-2, C Kelly, C Rogers. Subs: D Murphy for C Kelly, P Leary for C Rogers, C Kelly for C Bergin.

Kildare: T Corley, M Hogarty, R Nevin, C Fagan, M Scanlon, M Foley, J Lonergan, R Glavin 0-1, D Flynn, J Kavanagh 1-4, P O'Neill 0-1, H Lynch 0-1, T O'Neill, P Ennis 0-1, T Archibald 0-2. Subs: M Conway for T O'Neill.

Irish Broadband to expand network
March 24th 2005

Irish Broadband has ordered USD4.3 million of WiMAX-ready telecommunications equipment to make good on its promise to roll out WiMAX in Ireland in 2005.

The equipment has been ordered from Alvarion, an Israeli-based firm, which manufactures equipment for wireless broadband providers and mobile networks.

Irish Broadband had previously said that it plans to introduce WiMAX services by the end of 2005. WiMAX overcomes the technical limitations of existing wireless broadband services, which operate on the 3.5MHZ spectrum, because it does not require line-of-sight and would allow wireless providers to expand their reach significantly.

In a statement, Paul Doody the managing director of Irish Broadband, said that the company has been using Alvarion equipment since 2002, and used it to extend its coverage to Dundalk, Drogheda, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford in November 2004.

The company has since won another nine 3.5MHz licences from ComReg, to provide wireless access to Athlone, Arklow, Ennis, Kilkenny, Letterkenny, Newbridge, Portlaoise, Wexford and Carlow before the end of 2005. However, the company said that it actually plans to roll out its service nationwide by the end of 2005.

Irish Broadband says it has more than 6,000 wireless broadband customers and claims to be adding new customers at a rate of between 200 and 300 per week. The company has a stated goal of having 20,000 customers by the end of 2005. In January the company was one of the winners of the government contract to provide broadband to Irish schools, winning the contract for 592 schools.

The company has been taking on new staff to facilitate its expansion. At the end of January Irish Broadband said that it was to create 60 new jobs at its Dublin headquarters, increasing its workforce from 102 to 162 during 2005. The 60 new staff will take up positions in the company's sales and services divisions.

Irish Broadband is a subsidiary of National Toll Roads (NTR) and Kilsaran Concrete Products, who have invested an estimated EUR9 million each in the company.

Parkinson heads Down Under
March 22nd 2005

Portlaoise skipper and Laois captain elect Colm Parkinson departs for Australia today. However, the other seven Portlaoise county players are set to rejoin the panel on Thursday.

As captain of the county champions, Parkinson was entitled to lead the county side this year, but instead he has opted for an extended visit to Australia.

Kevin Fitzpatrick is likely to get the nod to skipper the side in his place, while Fergal Byron, who has deputised in the absence of the Portlaoise players, will be vice-captain.

Dramatic Laois Victory over Galway
March 20th 2005

Laois 1-17 Galway 2-13

Laois kicked a dramatic injury-time winner to take full points after a late Galway goal looked like the spoils would be divided in today's Allianz National Football League Division 1B game at Pearse Park today.

Laois had come back from a seven-point first half deficit to lead by three points as the game went into added time. But when a shot from Derek Savage was brilliantly save Michael Meehan was on hand to crash the ball to the net to level matters.

However, in one final attack, Shane Cooke kicked a massive point from way out on the left wing to end Mick O'Dwyer's losing sequence.

The day belonged to Laois underage star Donie Brennan who shot six magnificent points from play and took the man of the match award after missing Knockbeg College's Leinster final win yesterday through suspension.

The 18-year-old was on fire and tormented the Galway defense with a superb display of attacking and scoring from all angles in a game that produced football of the highest quality and scores to match.

The first half saw superb scoring by both sides, with Galway opening in whirlwind fashion and racing into a seven-point lead after 15 minutes.

Ross Munnelly did get the opening score for Laois but the visitors were rocked when a long low ball from Padraig Joyce into Sean Armstrong saw the corner forward shin his opponent and fire home a brilliant goal.

Points followed from Derek Savage and Pádraig Joyce before Michael Meehan shot three glorious points in a row and Laois looked in real trouble but then came a superb comeback with football of the highest order played.

Brennan started with a magnificent point and continued to torment the Galway defense and added two more before the break. Munnelly chipped in with three more, one from a sideline kick, with a Chris Conway point leaving the Leinster men just a point in arrears at the break.

With the exception of Munnelly's sideline kick all of the other 18 first half scores came from play. Munnelly equalized on the restart and then Brennan had Laois ahead for the first time in the half.

Galway responded with points from Meehan and Joyce to grab the lead again after seven minutes.

Again Brennan equalized with another magnificent score from the tightest of angles but Galway again forged ahead with scores from Paul Clancy and Michael Meehan.

Then after Munnelly narrowed the gap Laois won a penalty when Paul Lawlor was brought down and goalie Fergal Byron came forward and smashed the ball to the top corner.

Brennan kicked his sixth point from near the corner flag and a Tom Kelly's second gave Laois a three point lead with 15 minutes remaining. Laois had their chances to wrap up the game but failed to score until Meehan's late strike levelled the tie and a divide of the points looked a certainty until Cooke made himself the hero of the day for the O'Moore men.

Laois: F Byron 1-0, D Conroy, C Begley, T McDonald, K Kelly, D Rooney, P McMahon, P Clancy, T Kelly 0-2, R Munnelly 0-6, C Conway 0-1, C Bergin, D Brennan 0-6, S Cooke 0-2, G Kavanagh. Subs: P McDonald for T McDonald, M Dunne for G Kavanagh, P Lawlor for C Bergin.

Galway: B Donoghue, V Feeney, K Fitzgerald, C Monaghan, K Brady, D Meehan, D Burke, J Bergin 0-1, N Coleman 0-1, P Clancy, P Joyce 0-, N Meehan, D Savage 0-1, M Meehan 1-4, S Armstrong 1-1. Subs: J Devane for N Meehan, A Burke for K Brady, M Colleran for S Armstrong.

Laois Hurlers get league vitory over Dublin
March 19th 2005

Dublin 1-10 Laois 2-13

Paudie Butler's Laois won the battle of the fellow NHL Division 1A strugglers at a sun-kissed Parnell Park, raising green flags in either half.

Rob Jones bagged their opener - striking home past Dublin's Gary Maguire - from a Damien Culleton set-up as the midlanders garnered a 1-07 to 0-06 lead at the break.

David Curtin did take his league tally to 0-23 for the Dubs - with a well-hit seven points, but Laois' James Young almost matched him with five.

The visitors' Liam Tynan bagged a second goal in the closing stages to confirm a deserved first league win of the 2005 campaign for Butler's charges.

With Thomas McGrane having opted out of the Dublin squad earlier in the week, this defeat - their fourth - only serves to quicken their impending relegation.

Ballina Stephenites Edge Out Portloaise
March 17th 2005

Full forward Liam Brady booted Mayo's Ballina Stephenites to their first ever All-Ireland club football title at Croke Park with a 1-12 to 2-08 victory over Portlaoise of Laois.

Stephenites boss Tommy Lyons admitted a lucky charm turned their fortunes at Croke Park.

Lyons pulled a rabbit from the hat when he produced a winners' medal at half-time to inspire his players. Trailing by 1-5 to 0-6 at that stage it had the desired effect as Ballina showed nerves of steel to claim a first ever club title.

It was doubly sweet considering Mayo's own All-Ireland final defeat at the same venue just last September.

For Ballina players and fans the win will go a long way to erasing the painful memories of their 1999 decider defeat to Crossmaglen Gaels. And Lyons was feted as the master tactician afterwards as he helped turn a potential defeat into the club's finest hour with his half-time act.

"I had an All-Ireland club medal and I showed it to the lads and said they had half an hour left to achieve one for themselves," said Lyons. "David Brady also cried with determination during the half-time break and it just showed the level of commitment and desire that was there. No one deserved it more than David."

Mayo star Brady had a big game at midfield but his brother, Liam, stole the show with nerves of steel to slot over the winner.

With the sides tied at 2-8 to 1-11 in the run in full-forward Brady converted a free-kick from distance to seal victory.

It was a titanic struggle all the way through as Ballina sought to limit Portlaoise's stylish running game. A couple of timely goals from Kevin Fitzpatrick either side of the break kept Portlaoise in the game though, the first of which came from a 15th minute penalty to put them 1-2 to 0-3 ahead.

Liam and David Brady chipped in 0-5 between them in the half and Ballina trailed narrowly at 0-6 to 1-5 at the break.

It was then that Lyons and Brady stole the show in the dressing-room and Ballina returned the brighter. By the 36th minute they were 1-8 to 1-6 ahead, the Ballina goal coming from Stephen Hughes who collected Patrick McHale's pass, rounded the 'keeper and slotted home.

Credit to Portlaoise for a gutsy performance, much like their semi-final win over Crossmaglen. In fact, when Colm Parkinson and Peter McNulty combined to set up Fitzpatrick for his second goal after 46 minutes that put them 2-7 to 1-9 ahead, it looked like they may hold out for a second title.

But Ballina points from Liam Brady and Patrick Harte drew the scores level late on before Brady converted that 58th minute free to steal victory.

Portlaoise: M Nolan; T Fitzgerald, C Byrne, E Bland; B Mulligan, C Healy, A Fennelly; M Delaney, K Fitzpatrick (2-0; 1 pen); B McCormack (0-1), I Fitzgerald, C Rogers (0-1); B Fitzgerald (0-1; 1f), C Parkinson (0-1), P McNulty (0-4; 3f).

Subs: M Fennelly for Delaney 43.

Ballina Stephenites: J Healy; J Devenney, M Wynne, C Leonard; B Ruane (0-1), S Sweeney, S Melia; R McGarrity, D Brady (0-1); P Harte (0-1), G Brady (0-1), E Casey (0-1); P McGarry, L Brady (0-6; 4f), S Hughes (1-0).

Subs: P McHale (0-1) for Melia 27, E Devenney for McGarry 43, A Tighe for Leonard 54.

Referee: B Crowe (Cavan).

Laois beaten by Kildare
March 14th 2005

Kildare 0-13 Laois 0-08

Kildare earned a morale-boosting win over Mick O'Dwyer's Laois in Newbridge, thanks to top scorer Johnny Doyle's haul of four points.

Kildare led by 0-06 to 0-04 at the change of ends, with Laois unlucky to lose full forward Stephen Kelly on a straight red card for an off-the-ball tussle with Michael Foley just before the interval.

In the second half, the experience of Glen Ryan playing as the extra man in the Kildare defence proved significant as the Lillywhites held on for a good victory.

Kildare led by 0-06 to 0-04 at the change of ends, with Laois unlucky to lose full forward Stephen Kelly on a straight red card after an incident with Kildare's Michael Foley just before the interval.

Tigerish corner-forward Doyle - with 1-17 already to his name in the last month - pushed the Lilywhites onto greater things after they led 0-06 to 0-04 at the break.

Ross Munnelly (0-04) and Chris Conway (0-03) kept O'Dwyer's men in the hunt, but they still fell to a second successive defeat.

And with Ross Glavin and Tadhg Fennin keeping the scoreboard ticking for Kildare - Laois were edged out.

Parents protest over autism services
March 11th 2005

Parents of autistic children in counties Laois and Offaly have been holding a protest outside the office of the Health Services Executive - Midland Region in Tullamore, Co Offaly, over what they claim is a lack of proper education and support services.

The parents claim that in the Midland Health Board region there are up to 200 children on the autistic spectrum indicating a need for between 20 and 25 speech and language therapists, yet the HSE has only four therapists practising.

The Chairman of the Laois/Offaly Parents for Autism group, Gerry McLoughlin, said that one of the parents protesting this morning has been waiting for 18 months for a diagnosis to be carried out on her child's condition.

The family say the Midland Health Board had sought funding to get additional therapists but the Department of Health has not provided the finances.

Budget Travel takes over Portlaoise Travel Group
March 08th 2005

Tour operator Budget Travel has reached an agreement with the Portlaoise Travel Group which will see all six shops of the Group becoming Budget Travel shops from today.

The deal is expected to bring as many as 10,000 new packages to Budget Travel holidays a year and will increase the number of Budget Travel shops nationwide to 38.

Pam Ayres to visit Portlaoise in April
March 03rd 2005

British poet and comedienne Pam Ayres has announced two Irish shows as part of her upcoming tour.

Ayres first came to prominence on the talent show 'Opportunity Knocks' in 1975 and her poems have been taught in schools throughout the UK and Ireland.

She was recognised as the UK's fifth best-selling poet in 1998 and 1999, following such high profile poets as Ted Hughes, Sylvia Plath and Seamus Heaney.

Ayres will perform at the National Concert Hall in Dublin on Friday 8 April and at the Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise on 9 April.

Comfort Inn to build hotel in Portlaoise
February 25th 2005

Choice Hotels Ireland has unveiled plans for five new greenfield Comfort Inns around the country.

The new Comfort Inns will be built in Dublin's Smithfield area (93 rooms), Cork (125 rooms), Limerick (114 rooms), Portlaoise (90 rooms), and Kingswood in Dublin City West (120 rooms). The new properties represent an investment of €115m and will create 240 new jobs.

Choice Hotels Ireland will now represent up to 4,000 bedrooms nationwide between the Clarion, Quality and Comfort Inn brands, and is set to become Ireland's largest hotel operator, with a turnover expected to exceed €100m for the group in 2005.

Comfort Inn represents over 2,000 hotels and Inns worldwide, including 182 in Europe and is the largest international brand of the Choice Hotels group. The brand operates in the budget hotel accommodation sector and is a sister brand of the 4-star market leader Clarion Hotels and the Quality Hotel brand.

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