The German crew conducting an interview with the Phoenix Project’s, Juilie Sadlier

A GERMAN TV crew visited Laois last week to see how Irish people are helping each other to cope in these recession times.

A Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen (ZDF) TV crew visited the Kilminchy-based Phoenix Project last Wednesday. The Phoenix Project is a free multi-disciplinary advice service, which helps those laden down with massive debts. The Laois centre receives a staggering 300 calls a month from distressed debtors and a similar number pass through its Laois office.

The group, which was established in 2008, deals with a full spectrum of people, from guards and nurses, to construction workers, to architects and barristers.

ZDF correspondent Yacin Hehrlein was in Ireland to film stories in the run-up to Ireland exiting the bailout. These will run on several current affairs and news programmes on the channel in the next week.

The three-person crew was in Portlaoise to hear how Irish people were helping each other.

“We’re here to see how people in this country are helping each other to get out of the problems many people didn’t create themselves. It’s great to see people come up with ideas to help them,” Yacin said.

The crew also visited Kildare Shopping Outlet to see evidence of the green shoots of recovery, according to Mr Hehrlein.

Mr Hehrlein was not himself aware of any similar service in his homeland, but highlighted that the economic situation in Germany is dramatically different.

He added that the bailout of Ireland and other countries had been the most contentious issue in German politics in recent years.

“This subject of the financial crisis and the following problems in several countries like Greece, Portugal, Ireland and Spain, I think it’s been the most important subject in German politics in recent years because people take Europe and its unity very seriously and are very worried. At the same time, they are worried how this could happen, how these people lend so much money that they did not have. It’s a little bit against the German psyche. They don’t borrow that much.”

Mr Hehrlein hoped that by giving an insight into the Phoenix Project, the German public would be better informed about people’s suffering.

“Reporting on a project like this will raise awareness. The more you inform people in Ireland about German people and vice versa, the more understanding there will be.”

ZDF correspondent Yacin Hehrlein and Phoenix Project chairperson William Prior

A BBC crew also visited the offices at Kilminchy Court on the same day.

2013 has been another busy year for the Phoenix Project.  With the ***Personal Insolvency*** Bill enacted during the summer, there has been some progress towards long-term resolutions for homeowners.

Emear Cullinan, a qualified financial advisor (QFA) with the Phoenix Project, recounted one case involving a 76-year-old woman, who had been struggling to reach agreement with her bank.

“She had a year left on her mortgage and they increased that by 15 years to let her pay a very small amount. Basically, she can stay in that house for the rest of her life. We have a lot of people coming in from that age bracket, from their 60s, like those who bought a second house as an investment property.”

Whereas before solutions for distressed debtors were only interest-only payments or reduced payments, the Central Bank’s demand for banks to come up with long-term solutions is bearing fruit slowly

“The banks want us as much as they can and we want people to give a more realistic amount, which lets them have a life,” said QFA Tom O’Reilly. “We broker those deals. We can do the figures, bring them to the bank and make suggestions. They’re agreeing to some of those.”

There is no panacea, however. Some people have been in contact with the Phoenix Service for three years looking for finality.

Phoenix is staffed by a team of trained volunteers and full-time and part-time experts.

The chairperson of the Phoenix Project, Emo man William Prior, said that one benefit in paying staff was the assurance of continuity of service and retention of expertise.

The service provides tax, social welfare, legal, accountancy and stress sections.

The project is funded solely by donations and fundraising.

One of the more recent additions to the service is the personal insolvency section. It is currently dealing with around half-a-dozen cases a week. Bankruptcy, for some, is the best option, according to Sara Garland of Grant Thornton, who run a clinic once a week at the Phoenix Project.

“It’s not for everyone, but it’s an option now that was not there before. There wasn’t really any resolutions before the personal insolvency came in,” she said. “There was some negative media when it came in because it was new, but I think over the next few years people will see it as something positive. It re-engages the banks with their debtors and gets a resolution.”

To contact the Phoenix Project or for more information, ring 057 8636830 or e-mail support@phoenixproject.ie.

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FINE GAEL councillor John King has said that he is “delighted” at the allocation of €50,000 for a youth café in Rathdowney.

The funding has been allocated to Rathdowney in the 2013 youth café funding programme. The programme had a budget of €1 million from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to fund youth cafés across the country.

“I am delighted that funding has been secured for this project. This was a community-wide effort involving Youth Work Ireland Laois, Ossory Youth Services and the Rathdowney Vision committee. The Rathdowney Youth Café will be located at the old convent school, having secured a long lease from the parish” said cllr King.

Cllr King commended his party colleague deputy Charlie Flanagan for securing the funding for the Rathdowney community. There are currently 200 young people in Rathdowney who would benefit from having a youth café in the locality.

‘‘There is currently no dedicated space for young people in the town to socialise and interact with their peers. The establishment of this café will allow young people from all backgrounds to interact in a safe and friendly environment,’’ said cllr King.

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Mountmellick Ceili Party at the Gandon Inn

MOUNTMELLICK Comhaltas celebrated its 25^th birthday with a night of festivities in the Gandon Inn on 7 December. They have been holding traditional music classes in the town since 1988.

Margaret Culliton, chairperson of Mountmellick Comhaltas, was on hand to oversee the celebrations. Margaret thanked secretary Brenda Campion-O’Toole and treasurer Yvonne Keady, as well as all of the other members, past and present, for making the club as successful as it is today.

County board secretary John Conway was also present on the night. He presented Irish medals to Mary T Culleton, Mary B Culliton and Agnes Conroy. The medals were presented to the ladies for their hard work over the years to promote Irish in the area.

There were some nostalgic moments as members of Comhaltas recalled the early years of Comhaltas in Mountmellick. Catherine Lalor spoke movingly about her father, Stephen Conroy, who was instrumental in establishing the branch in Mountmellick.

Branch founder Mary Culliton spoke of her memories throughout the last 25 years and praised the role parents played in keeping the classes going over the years.

There was a wonderful atmosphere and a great turnout to celebrate with Comhaltas.

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WITH new year’s day just around the corner, Ballacolla village will again be the place to be for the annual walk, pony and trap and vintage display. Proceeds will go to the senior citizens and national school fund.

An invitation is extended to all walkers, pony owners, vintage owners and clubs and Hi-Nelly clubs to take part. Participants will follow the usual route by Begadon’s Forge, Harvey’s Cross and Lalors, Ballygague, where the usual Christmas cheer will be served. Entertainment and refreshments will be available at the finish in St Patrick’s hall in Ballacolla village. The start time is 2pm, with registration at 1.15pm.

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A SENIOR consultant who worked in Portlaoise hospital is facing a medical council inquiry over allegations of poor professional misconduct.

Senior consultant Vincent Osunkwo is facing five separate allegations of poor professional misconduct arising out of his treatment in Portlaoise GeneralHospital between 9 March and 12 April in 2009.

Among the allegations is that he attempted to read an X-ray upside down. That he told members of his medical team that a patient was ‘fine’ when the patient was receiving oxygen in the intensive care unit. It is also alleged that he informed a consultant that a scan performed on a patient’s kidney was ‘fine’ when it showed multiple abnormal masses.

Dr Osunkwo returned to his home country of Nigeria and failed to attend the inquiry which is set to continue this week.

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Fr. Brian D’Arcy signing copies of his book “Food for the Soul” with Catherine Harty, Michael Harty and Angela McEvoy at Easons, Portlaoise on Saturday Photo:Tim Keane

FR BRIAN D’Arcy has threatened to leave the Catholic church if his latest book ***Food for the Soul*** is censored by the Vatican.

He made his comments to the ***Laois Nationalist*** while promoting the book in Eason’s Portlaoise over the weekend.

He also revealed in the interview that: “I took a vow of poverty. I don’t have a ha-penny. I was born with nothing and I will die with nothing.”

***Food for the Soul*** is a compendium of his sermons and newspaper columns from the past few years. He said that among the pages the reader can find little pieces of God to feed their souls. It covers such topics as faith, hope, forgiveness, and perseverance. If you struggle at times but you know that God is out there somewhere, this book of insights, stories, and reflections will help to feed your soul and keep you on the road.

Father D’Arcy said: “Grandparents have a huge role to play in gathering the scattered flock, far more so than priests. Young people see their grandparents with their faith. They experience kindness from their grandmothers and grandfathers but when they die the grandchildren are heartbroken. They reflect on how their grandparents lived and try and learn from their lives, and follow in their footsteps.”

He said he began noticing about 20 years ago that children coming for communion didn’t have practicing catholic parents. “That’s now into the second generation. It’s easy to tell, because when somebody dies nobody knows the prayers.”

Fr D’Arcy said that social media sites and the internet can be beneficial sources of research and communication. “For example when somebody dies young, people can talk and console each other on such sites as face book. The Pope tweets every day and has the biggest following on twitter in the world. Social media sites are very powerful tools and can be used for good or bad, depending on who controls them.

Fr D’Arcy has threatened to leave the church if his book is censored by the Vatican. He said that he does not want this to happen nor do, he said, the 99% of the people who wrote to him.

Fr D’Arcy has been a priest for 50 years and a journalist for 45 years. He said that he wishes that he “could be married and still be a priest,” and left his true love behind when he chose the church.  He said that if he was excommunicated by the church he would not seek out that special person to spend his golden years with. He would simply carry on writing and broadcasting. Adding: “You can’t unravel life.”

Fr D’Arcy said that he took a vow of poverty and does not profit from any of his earnings. The Helping Hand Foundation for the poor, the St Vincent De Paul, and several third world charities receive all of the monies that he earns from his work.

***Food for the Soul** is available from Eason’s Portlaoise and all good book shops priced at €14.99.

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THERE is some confusion within the Fine Gael Party in the west of the county this week over the failure of a sitting councillor to show up at its Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick local election selection convention in Mountrath last Friday night.

Both the party’s long-serving councillors John Bonham and Marty Phelan had announced in advance that they would not be contesting May’s local elections. Four names were put to the selection convention on Friday night, sitting Mountmellick town councillor Bobby Delaney and sitting county councillors Michael Lalor, John King and David Goodwin.

However, cllr Goodwin failed to turn up despite his proposer and seconder present.

The ***Laois Nationalist*** contacted cllr Goodwin for comment. Despite saying he would return our calls he failed to do so before we went to press.

Insiders said that there are deep historical divisions within the party branches in Mountmellick and Rosenallis. It is thought cllr Goodwin will be added to the ticket.

There were no issues in the Portlaoise electoral area for the party as three outgoing councillors Willie Aird, Mary Sweeney and Kathleen O’Brien were selected with Jim Ring from Abbeyleix adding to the ticket.

As we are too late to bring you the outcome of last night’s election convention for the Fine Gael party in the Graiguecullen/Portarlington electoral area, party member say they expect all four present sitting councillors John Moran, James Daly, Tom Mulhall and James Deegan to be nominated for the May local elections.

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Alison Keenan, Meteor €25,000 Prize Winner.
Picture by Shane O’Neill / Copyright Fennell Photography 2013.

A LUCKY Durrow woman was delighted to receive a €25,000 windfall from phone company Meteor. Twenty-four-year-old Alison Keenan won the prize as part of Meteor’s €1 million giveaway.

The company has been running the competition for a month now. So far, more then €800,000 has been given away in cash prizes. Prepay customers were automatically entered into the competition when they paid for their top-up by laser, and bill-pay customers had to enter online.

Alison lives in Durrow with her partner Stephen and their three-year-old daughter Aoibhe.

“I got the call while I was out shopping with mam and Stephen – Stephen had to go sit in the car to recover from the shock! I just couldn’t believe it; this kind of thing is really once-in-a-lifetime!” said Alison.

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THE Christmas period is a crucial time for the Midlands Simon Community. As people go about their shopping and socialising, they will be working to get people off the streets.

It’s also a crucial time for fundraising and the group that fundraises for it in the county, Laois Friends of Simon, would welcome any support from the public.

According to the vice-chairperson of Midlands Simon, Cormac Lally from Abbeyleix, there is very much a homeless problem in Laois with up to seven or eight people sleeping rough in Portlaoise currently.

Midlands Simon is dealing with around 30 Laois cases a week in its settlement service. Laois people continue to pass through the emergency accommodation for Laois/Offaly in Tullamore.

Mr Lally said that over the last five years, demand had increased for homeless services dramatically.

“It certainly would have increased, and I’m being conservative, 50%,” he said. “Midlands Simon works with a minimum of 30 cases a week in Laois. The problem is increasing. We welcome any help we get. With donations and charities being questioned at the current time, we’d hope people would be generous, as usual, for Simon.”

Christmas is a crucial time for the Midlands Simon Community in terms of raising money, with up to 50% of funds raised throughout the year occurring in the last three months of the year.

“Every penny raised in Laois goes to the charity in Laois,” said Mr Lally.

The charity is one of several to be manning the remembrance tree in the Kyle centre in Portlaoise, where donations can be given. One Direction concert tickets are also being raffled off and would make the perfect stocking filler and are available from any committee member.

Donations can also be made to Laois Friends of Simon bank account.

Last weekend, the Laois Friends of Simon was out in force coordinating a flag day countywide and bag packing in Mulhall’s SuperValu. Shops take charity boxes and local groups such as Ratheniska Forogie and Stradbally Youth Group have fundraised for the Midlands Simon. It’s planned to open a charity shop on Main Street, Portlaoise in the future. Micheal Martin, chairperson of Laois Friends of Simon, said that the group would welcome any local youth or community group which wished to adopt Midlands Simon as its chosen charity in 2014.

Midlands Simon needs €1.3million to run its budget across Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath. The charity receives €700,000 from government, however, this year that amount has been cut on three separate occasions in the last year, totalling roughly €100,000. It’s where groups like Laois Friends of Simon come in to make up the shortfall. Donations can be made to the Laois Friends of Simon, AIB Portlaoise, Account Number 27834015, Sort Code 93-32-79. To purchase a One Direction raffle ticket, contact Micheal on 086 1223421 or Conor on 086 2416322.

The tickets will be raffled off at a social night in the Wheel Inn, Ballyouskill on 11 January.

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OVER 4,000 gift-filled shoeboxes left Laois before Christmas for Moldovan’s poor.

The Laois branch of Team Hope expressed their gratitude to the public, who contributed to their recent children’s shoebox appeal.

The generosity of the people of Laois meant that the branch was able to send an additional 289 shoeboxes this year, with 4,336 gift-filled shoeboxes leaving Portlaoise bound for Moldova. The group is grateful for the support received from all age groups, from crèches and playschools right up to many of the active retirement groups across Laois. In addition, almost every school in the county participated this year and everyone’s efforts has meant that the charity can help so many children living in abject poverty.

A spokesperson said: “Our thanks must also go to those who graciously donated toys, clothing and money to assist this cause.  It is much appreciated, particularly in these difficult economic times.  We have become a fixture at Parkside Shopping Centre by this stage and every year we are so grateful to John Grace and all in Parkside for the fabulous facility and their unfailing kindness to us.”

It is a huge task to ensure every shoebox is collected, checked and prepared for shipping and a great deal of thanks must go to all the volunteers who make sure each box is perfect. Another group which always rows in for the charity is the Portlaoise and Rathdowney Macra, who always ensure these shoeboxes get on the lorry every year. If you or your organisation would like to be involved in the 2014 campaign, feel free to contact coordinator Tania Thompson on 086 3668395.

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A DECISION by An Bord Pleanála on the proposed EirGrid substation in Coolnabacky may be known in February.

Initially, the decision date for the Laois/Kilkenny reinforcement project had been set for new year’s eve. However, with a lengthy oral hearing on the project taking place in mid-November, it was widely assumed that this date would not be met. This has been borne out with the decision date changed on the planning body’s website, stating that one “is not available at this time.”

A spokesperson for An Bord Pleanála said that an estimated time for the decision was February, but this was not guaranteed.

The spokesperson said with an oral hearing for a medium sized strategic infrastructure development application such as the Laois/Kilkenny reinforcement, a lengthy report in excess of 70 pages may be written, taking a minimum period of six weeks.

“It’s a fairly lengthy process. There is a lot of information for the inspector to collate,” he said.

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The Full Company of Portlaoise Pantomime Group’s forthcoming 30th. Anniversary Production “Treasure Island” which will run at the Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise from Saturday 18th to Saturday 25th January (incl)

A NEW hostelry of questionable repute will open in Portlaoise on Saturday 18 January. However, the landlord, one Jim Hawkins, will oversee the running of the Admiral Benbow Hostelry for one week only in the Dunamaise Arts Centre.

All will not be plain sailing for Mr Hawkins, as the inn is owned by his mother Dilly, who is not the easiest of people to get on with and she does not always make life easy for her son.

The occasion will, of course, be Portlaoise Pantomime Group’s 30th anniversary production, which this year is ***Treasure Island***. The group has a reputation for entertaining productions full of song, dance, comedy and laughter suitable for all ages. This year, they promise, will be no exception.

As with all pantos, there will be many a twist and turn taking in journeys to exotic faraway places with more than a fair share of surprises along the way.

Directed by Paul Laycock with musical director Dale Hennessy and choreographer Denise Donohoe and a cast of over 50, including a junior chorus of 16, rehearsals are progressing nicely with a great show promised.

Comedy Duo, Sarah Stapleton and Sarah Conlon as Willing and Able in Portlaoise Pantomime Group’s forthcoming 30th. Anniversary Production

The main characters are Jim Hawkins (John Coss), Mrs Dilly Hawkins (Damien Halpin), Captain Lesley Deck (Lisa Langan), Squire Trelawney, (Christy Bannon), Rum and Raisin (Rory Chadwick and Paul Kenna), Long John Silver (Noel Tuohy), Israel Hands (John McEvoy), Blind Pew (PJ Mulhall), Billy Bones (Tim Keane), Matron Bendover (Lynda Byrne), Queen Latifah (Gillian Haslam), Odious (Deirdre Phelan ), Willing and Able (Sarah Stapleton and Sarah Conlon) and Princess Noelle (Hayley Dunne).

The pantomime runs from Saturday to Saturday, 18-25 January with matinees on Saturday 18, Sunday 19 and Saturday 25 at 2.30pm and nightly at 8pm.

Tickets are now available from the Dunamaise box office, visit www.dunamaise.ie or phone 057 8663355. There is a special rate for group bookings of ten or more from Saturday 18 to Tuesday 24 January only. Early booking is advised as this event always sells out quickly.

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PORTLAOISE town councillors are preparing to spend €300,000 on ‘vanity projects’ such as ‘statues or ornamental lighting’ instead of spending it to improve community facilities.

That’s according to cllr Caroline Dwane, who has called for the money to be spent on such community projects as  an extension to St Brigid’s Place Community Centre, fund equipment for Aras Eoghan childcare facility at O’Moore Place or grants to adapt houses for the disabled.

The Sinn Féin councillor is “demanding that the remaining capital funding belonging to Portlaoise Town Council be spent on projects that will improve community facilities and bring social benefits. These funds have to be allocated this year due to the abolition of town councils. No part of this public money, which comes to approximately €300,000, can be wasted on vanity projects and I will not support them.”

Cllr Dwane said: “Despite several meetings throughout last year, no agreement has been reached on where to allocate the money. Proposals to use some of it to develop the new library, install a basketball court at the leisure centre and support a third-level education centre in Portlaoise would have my support. The allocation to Portlaoise Christmas lighting also has my support.
“But I cannot and will not have any part in allocating a large chunk of it, as is being suggested, to vanity projects such as statues or ornamental lighting. Proposals put forward by me for a badly-needed extension to St Brigid’s Place Community Centre to cater for the after-school club and to fund equipment for Aras Eoghan childcare facility at O’Moore Place were not supported. Both of these facilities cater for children from various parts of the town and are doing excellent work. I also believe that a portion of it should be spent on grants to adapt houses for the disabled, due to severe government cutbacks in this funding.
“It’s time the people of Portlaoise had their say on how this money is spent. While only a limited number of projects can be funded, it’s important this is used in the best possible way. I believe that in the current climate, vanity projects are out and should not be given a second thought. This is public money and we have a duty to ensure it’s not squandered,” said cllr Dwane.

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PORTLAOISE remains rooted to the bottom of the all-Ireland litter league.

Despite the town receiving major success in the recent national tidy towns competition and the small group of volunteers on the tidy towns committee receiving a silver award for their Trojan efforts in keeping the town tidy, IBAL (Irish Business Against Litter) has ranked the town among the worst littered in the country.

When IBAL’s litter league table was established in 2002, the town stood in 26^th place out of the 29 towns and cites This year, IBAL has put Portlaoise in 40^th position out of 42 towns and deems it as moderately littered.

The latest report by IBAL was described by the secretary of Portlaoise tidy towns committee cllr Kathleen O’Brien as “not constructive criticism.”

In 2008, IBAL lavished glowing praise on the railway station staff, describing it as “an excellent site. Credit is due to the station staff who are, clearly, very attentive. The area was clean, tidy and well maintained.” However, this year the judges said: “The level of litter at Portlaoise train station was such that if not addressed could easily become a serious litter problem.”

In their 2013 review of the town, the judges said: “We would like to see Portlaoise move up the table. It does much better in the tidy towns, but the IBAL anti-litter league is a 365-day programme. With just two top ranking sites, Portlaoise was very much towards the bottom of the ranking. Seven out of ten sites were moderately littered and there was one seriously littered site (road between town centre and Gandon Court roundabout on the Mountmellick Road). ClonminamBusinessPark was lucky to get a grade B – hardly conducive to attracting business.”

IBAL’s full report said of Bull Lane: “There were some attractive street lamps and hanging baskets, but the overall impression was of a somewhat untidy and littered environment – broken glass, grubby paving and heavy levels of cigarette butts and chewing gum were very much a feature on Bull Lane.”

On Portlaoise railway station it said: “There was a definite litter presence in the train station, particularly some corners of the car park – mostly food-related litter and some cigarette butts. The level of litter was such that it was verging on becoming a serious litter problem.”

IBAL rated the Killeshin Hotel as a grade A site, saying: “The approach, entrance and car parking area of this hotel were all in very good order – clear of litter and well maintained – a top ranking site throughout.”

Also receiving a grade A rating was Hawthorn Drive “This was a superbly presented and maintained residential area – the signage at the entrance was surrounded by colourful flowering, the grass was in immaculate condition, there was a nice seating area with a table and lovely mature trees – the whole area has been so well respected and cared for.  There was a complete absence of litter throughout.

“Food-related litter was scattered outside the entrance to O’Moore Park and within the grounds. There were no visible bins outside the stadium,” the report stated.

At the Lidl shopping centre, the judges noted: “A light scattering of food-related litter and some cigarette butts prevented this site getting the top litter grade – with a little extra effort, this could easily be attained.”

The Main Street of the town was given a grade B rating. “Some of the features along this street were a little old and grubby/rusty, e.g. cigarette butt units, metal grills, signage and bins. Cigarette butts were very prevalent, with lower levels of sweet papers and some broken glass.”

Cllr O’Brien said: “We are very disappointed with the report. Everyone had been working together very well in the town over the past year to keep it clean. The local committee even received a silver award in the recent tidy towns competition. I don’t know what IBAL has against Portlaoise.”

She added: “Maybe we should take this report as a wake-up call and everyone in the town must redouble our efforts and focus on keeping it clean and litter-free in the coming year and move it up the IBAL league.”

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DJ meets the Naughtons from Portlaoise

ON the Sunday before Christmas, former Kilkenny hurler Denis Joseph Carey, who celebrates his 44^th birthday this year, attracted a large crowd to Eason’s book centre, Portlaoise. They came in their droves to meet the nine times All-Star and get a signed copy of his autobiography.

Martin Breheny is the chief writer of the book, which details the highs and lows of a man who is regarded as one of the finest ever to wear the black and amber. It tells of the time he announced his retirement, only to be persuaded to return six weeks later and add more honours to a long list.

Success on the field usually generates success off the field, but in DJ’s case the opposite applied. Today, he is involved with IT Carlow in a coaching capacity, which has already seen it claim the freshers league trophy.

The book has attracted great attention and has been on the bestsellers list since it was launched early in December and looks set to remain there for a while yet.

In Eason’s, the Kilkenny great talked at length with young and old and was delighted to sign autographs and pose for photos. He also spoke at length with Laois hurling mentors Pat Critchley and Seamus Plunkett.

He met with Val and Adrian McCartney from Ballacolla and they reminded him of his Clough connections. Paddy Phelan, who hurled with Tullaroan and won four All-Ireland medals in the 1930s, was his granduncle.

He said that he always wanted to meet a Cuddy and here he was faced with three of the clan from Aughduff: Alan, Jack and Ryan. Gerry McCarthy, who hurled with Tipperary and Clonad, was there, too, as well as the Norton clan from Clonad.

Ann Fennell, whose husband Ollie played with Clonad and the Heath and won a Railway cup 50 years ago, called in to shake his hand, as did Dicksboro man Alan Murphy. Gerry Browne, another Railway Cup winner, was there, as was DJ White, who just wanted to be pictured with the real DJ.

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A LAOIS farmer had 14 sheep mauled to death by marauding dogs last week.

Clonaslee farmer Joe Kennedy, who had 58 sheep grazing on lands at the Bornass on the Bay Road about a mile from Mountmellick, came across the dead animals that night.

“I went to check on the animals. When I got to the field, I knew straight away that something was wrong. There were sheep carcasses scattered around. I went further into the field and found 14 or 15 more sheep in a corner and two dogs attacking them. The rest were in an awful stressful state,” he said.

Mr Kennedy said that two other sheep had to be put down since the dog attack, bringing the total so far to 16 dead. He said that he was not yet in a position to say whether other sheep will have to be put down because of the wounds inflicted or the stress that they have endured. He said that none of the attacked animals were in lamb and that, luckily, his breeding ewes were kept on other lands in Clonaslee, otherwise he was facing far greater losses.

Two years ago, he lost eight lambs to a dog attack on the same lands on the Bay Road.

Mr Kennedy said that he has the two husky type dogs that attacked his sheep and was waiting on an inspector from the ISPCA to come and humanely put down the dogs.

He said that gardaí are following up on a line of enquiry and are not in a position to comment any further on the matter while awaiting the outcome of their investigations.

Neighbouring farmer and IFA national livestock chairman Henry Burns lost 20 lambing ewes at the same time last year in nearby fields. He estimates that between sheep and lambing ewes that were attacked that he lost an estimated €6,000 to €7,000. He said that he picked up a stray Alsatian-type dog wandering his fields on St Stephen’s night.

He reminded dog owners that they are totally responsible for any damage that their dogs cause.

Mr Burns said: “People need to have more control of their dogs and keep them secure at night time. The owner of any dog that causes damage or worries sheep are responsible for their dog’s actions.

“It’s getting to the point now where farmers are thinking whether it’s worth raising sheep because of the losses they face on a yearly basis. The issue is not getting any better, despite the IFA investing in raising awareness about the matter.”

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Emmett McConville RIP

IT was with deep sadness that Laois business owners learned of the untimely passing, on Christmas day, of businessman Emmett McConville, who died at his family home in Newbridge, Co Kildare following a short illness.

A native of Cullyhanna, Co Armagh, Mr McConville (54) had been living in Newbridge for many years, firstly in Rathcurragh and then at Fenview House on Blackberry Lane.

A popular and highly-regarded businessman, he was widely known as the operator of the SuperValu stores in Mountmellick, Portarlington and Monasterevin. Tributes have been paid by his colleagues at SuperValu and its parent organisation Musgraves, where he will be sorely missed.

Aside from his business activities, he was also a strongly committed community activist, offering support and sponsorship to many local initiatives and getting involved in various ventures. He  served for a period as chairperson of the board of management of St Conleth’s and Mary’s Primary School in Newbridge, where he was highly regarded among fellow board members, staff and parents.

Along with all of this, he had a real passion for gaelic games and he devoted a massive amount of time and commitment to Moorefield GAA club and, in particular, to the training and support of young players. In 2010, he became chairman of the south board Kildare branch and continued to work in promoting gaelic games at both club and county level, serving as Moorefield’s underage section chairperson right up to his death.

In a tribute, the club stated: “The entire Moorefield club deeply regrets the very sad and untimely passing of our underage chairperson Emmett McConville. We offer our sincere sympathy to his wife and family on their sad loss.

“Emmett was a wonderful supporter of Moorefield in so many ways, as a leader, motivator, coach, mentor, sponsor and friend. He will be sorely missed in our club, but our loss will be in no way like that of his beloved family. May he rest in peace.”

To those who knew him, Emmett was a warm, friendly and approachable individual, but his loss will undoubtedly be most keenly felt by the family which was at the very centre of his life and to whom he was totally dedicated.

Profound sympathy is extended to his wife Sandra, daughter Niamh, sons Darragh and Caolán and his partner Lisa, grandson Fionn, along with his brothers, sisters, parents-in-law, nieces, nephews and extended family and his many friends.

There was a large turnout for the funeral Mass at Cill Mhuire, Ballymany on Saturday 28 December, followed by burial in St Conleth’s cemetery. Emmett will be much missed in his adopted home of Newbridge. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.

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Miller’s Farm

A SEVENTEEN seconds tornado that whipped through the farmyard of a Ballickmoyler family left a €40,000 trail of destruction in its wake.

Martin and Mary Claire Miller, who live at Cloneybeacon, Ballickmoyler, were left reeling from the episode

Martin takes up the story: “It was the Wednesday before Christmas. That morning was quite mild. But, as the day wore on, it got quite windy and rainy. The cattle had been out in the yard the day before being tested. It was a good day to be sweeping up the yard, as it was soft.

“I decided to go to bring in the two mares. Normally, they’d come running when I’d give the gate a rattle, but they didn’t this time. The wind was getting up at this stage. The dog was out and I sent him off to round up the mares. The wind was getting up quite serious by this time. I put the mares in the shed and made a run for the house. There were slates from the house flying everywhere by this stage. I was quite worried about the mares, as one of them is quite valuable and bred a few winners. A 14- span shed was destroyed and the roof of the shed was blown down the field.

“My son Brian was feeding cattle with the digger in the yard. He drove around to the back of the yard and said it was like a powerhose hosing down the cab of the digger with grease, so fierce was the wind.

“Brian came in and Mary Claire ran down the stairs of the house. We gathered in the kitchen where we thought we’d be safe.

“The windscreen of the car was smashed by flying slates, one stuck in the side of the car. The chimney pot on top of the house was bent. PVC windows of the house were blown in. The teak hall door was burst when a flying slate smashed into it. The yard was covered in slates and nails. Three trees along the lane were flattened, two ESB poles and a telephone pole were felled and the entire orchard of about 50 trees, with the exception of two trees, were completely uprooted and lost.”

Mr Miller said that the orchard was a well established one and that locals and parishioners would come to pick apples from it every year.

Mr Miller added: We’ve made temporary repairs to the house and sheds. Since then, despite the bad weather, everything seems to have held up. But last night (Sunday) we got very little sleep with the high winds hearing the slates on the roof shaking. I fear the entire roof may have been weakened.”

Mr Miller and his son Brian said that they did not see the tornado, but said that two local men saw it and described it “as a whirlwind, something you’d see in America on the television.”

Brian said that assessors from FBD Insurance had assessed the damage and that he (Brian) would estimates the repair bill will run from anything between €30,000 to €40,000.

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Louis Brennan, chairman and Michelle de Forge, director of Dunamaise with Robert Sheehan

A HOODIE with two holes in it would normally end up in a bin. However, when it’s the bullet-ridden iconic hoodie of Love/Hate’s Darren Treacy, well, you can understand why it will soon hold pride of place in the Dunamaise Arts Centre.

Portlaoise actor Robert Sheehan donated the famous blue hoodie during a visit to his home town at Christmas. He was also presented with a certificate of his ambassadorship of the Dunamaise.

It all came about when Robert was on hand to launch the ‘Red or black’ fundraiser for the arts centre in January 2013. Some of Robert’s first theatre experiences were performed on stage at the Dunamaise Arts Centre, with the likes of the Open Door theatre company. In interviews, it’s obvious that the Dunamaise still holds a place close to his heart.

After the launch, Robert was chatting with the chairperson of the Dunamaise board Louis Brennan.

The cunning Louis enquired the whereabouts of the hoodie and asked would there be any chance of getting it for the arts centre. Robert said that it wouldn’t be a bother and over the last year the Sheehan family and the arts centre have kept in contact.

Marketing manager of the Dunamaise, Lorraine O’Callaghan, recalled how Robert’s mother Maria contacted the arts centre to say that the hoodie had arrived, but had two bullet holes in it.

The hoodie has yet to be framed and erected, but it will soon be placed in prominent place in the Dunamaise. Currently, it lies securely in the safe of the arts centre. Lorraine said that the donation represented the value the actor placed in the Dunamaise.

“It was the first stage he acted on; it puts it all into place. He values the arts and his local theatre,” said Lorraine.

The donation coincides with the upcoming launch of a ‘Sponsor your seat’ campaign at the Dunamaise to celebrate its 15^th birthday this year. Robert will be one of many to have his name acknowledged on a replica seating plan to be unveiled during the year.

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Roscommon Castle

ABOUT eight years ago, on a Saturday morning, I happened to be driving to Roscommon. Between Athlone and Knockrockery, I spotted two young men ‘ar an ordóg’ (thumbing a lift). I always use the Irish for this practice because I have many fond memories of days spent getting multiple lifts, as I made my way from my home in Kildare to the home of a life-long friend in Ballinasloe. We had met in the Gaeltacht in 1965 and our friendship has been conducted ‘as gaeilge’ever since.

It was probably my own days spent tramping the roads, hoping that the next car would be the one to stop, that prompted me to go against today’s trend and stop for these two young men.

I estimated their ages to be late teens. It also became apparent, judging by the accent of their multiple expressions of thanks, that they were not Irish. I would have said they were of Spanish extraction. I also noticed that one of them had a tome of a guide book. Though we were well outside the tourist season, before any proper conversation took place, I had them pegged in the tourist category.

They volunteered that they were both participating in the Erasmus programme and were studying in Athlone and they confirmed that they were, indeed, Spanish. (Interestingly, I read recently that this exchange programme celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2012).

When I asked them where they were going, the chattier of the two announced, rather excitedly, that, today, they were going to explore Roscommon city and went on to tell me that there was an abbey there and a castle, which they were really looking forward to visiting. Not wishing to dampen their enthusiasm, as I dropped them at Casey’s garage in Roscommon, I decided to let them discover the extent of this ‘city’ for themselves.

To my shame, it has taken me until now to explore Roscommon ‘city’ for myself and I have to say that the misgivings of possible disappointment for my two travellers all those years ago have been suitably put to rest, not least by the impressive sight of Roscommon castle and the manner in which this national monument has been preserved and presented.

Of course, there is quite a Laois connection, both with this castle and with the county of Roscommon. I have previously dealt with sir Charles Coote, one-time lord president of Connaught at the time of parliamentary rule.

If my two intrepid travellers delved into the history of the Cromwellian wars, they would have found that sir Charles Coote had taken the town of Athlone in 1651, effectively opening up Connaught to the parliamentarians, and Galway had surrendered to him in April 1652. Though his judicious change of sides in 1659 to support the restoration of Charles II gained him the earldom of Mountrath, I doubt if he would ever have been accorded the freedom of Roscommon ‘city.’

As with all castles, the fortunes of Roscommon castle ebbed and flowed over time. It was variously occupied by English and Irish forces as the fortunes of war dictated. Around the time that Owney O’Moore was causing some upset to the earl of Essex at the Pass of the Plumes, Roscommon castle was under siege by Red Hugh O’Donnell.

Much of the castle’s defences were dismantled following its surrender to Cromwellian forces in 1652, but such is the extent of this once great castle, that even in its ruinous state, there are substantial sections remaining.

Who knows where my two Erasmus students are today. Carefree student days, which allowed a Saturday in Ireland to be dedicated to exploring their surroundings, are probably far behind them, but I hope when next they find themselves visiting some castle or other, perhaps with their own children, they will recall the day they visited Roscommon ‘city.’

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