Eoghan MacConnell, Leinster Express Journalist Profile

Articles

New Rock of Dunamase experience to attract thousands of paying vistors to Laois

4 days ago | leinsterexpress.ie | Eoghan MacConnell |Lynda Kiernan

Ambitious plans have been drawn up for a new Dunamase visitor experience linking Portlaoise and the Rock of Dunamase. It’s envisaged that thousands of paying visitors will be attracted to the experience each year and there is a proposal to run an electric shuttle bus service to the Rock of Dunamase from a visitor centre in Portlaoise town.
Motorist who live-streamed garda traffic stop banned from driving following conviction

4 days ago | waterfordlive.ie | Eoghan MacConnell

A driving ban was handed down to a man who began live-streaming on social media when he was stopped by a garda. Patrick McDonnell, aged 35, of The Maples, Forest Park, Portlaoise, County Laois was before the local district court accused of holding a mobile phone while driving at Colliers Lane, Portlaoise on June 16, 2024. Garda Roy Cooper said he was on patrol when he observed the man holding a mobile phone while driving a 10D registered Ford Focus car. Garda Cooper pulled the man over.
Portarlington should be chosen for future Regional Sports Complex, a Laois community groups says

4 days ago | leinsterexpress.ie | Eoghan MacConnell

A community group believes that any future Regional Sports Complex should be located in Portarlington. The Portarlington Community Development Association (PCDA) has formally written to local TDs and Laois County Council CEO Michael Rainey, calling for a comprehensive feasibility study to explore the potential for locating a Regional Sports Complex in Portarlington.
Knife wielding man arrested for attempted robbery in Laois

4 days ago | leinsterexpress.ie | Eoghan MacConnell

A man has been arrested following an attempted robbery at a premises in Laois at the weekend. Gardaí in Portlaoise arrested and charged the man following an attempted robbery of a commercial premises on Sunday. “Shortly before 12pm, Gardaí responded to a report of an individual that had entered a business in the Fairgreen estate brandishing a knife, threatening staff and demanding money from the till,” gardaí said. The man was apprehended at the scene.
Big benefits expected as GreenPlan to be rolled out across all Laois Fire Stations

5 days ago | leinsterexpress.ie | Eoghan MacConnell

Durrow Fire Station has been chosen to lead the roll out of The GreenPlan for Laois Fire and Rescue Services countywide. The GreenPlan aims to bring about environmental improvements across Laois’s fire stations and in the communities they serve through behavioural change. Dublin Paramedic, Firefighter and Founder of The GreenPlan, Neil McCabe, signed a contract with Laois County Council at Durrow Fire Station on Wednesday morning.
REVEALED: Over 450 bench warrants outstanding in Offaly and Laois

1 week ago | ireland-live.ie | Eoghan MacConnell

There were over 450 bench warrants issued in Offaly and Laois that were outstanding at the end of 2025, including one that is 17 years old. The information was revealed in a response to a parliamentary question from Labour TD Alan Kelly who put a question to the Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan about the situation nationally.
REVEALED: Over 450 bench warrants outstanding in Offaly and Laois

1 week ago | offalyexpress.ie | Eoghan MacConnell

There were over 450 bench warrants issued in Offaly and Laois that were outstanding at the end of 2025, including one that is 17 years old. The information was revealed in a response to a parliamentary question from Labour TD Alan Kelly who put a question to the Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan about the situation nationally.
Laois Senator wears shorts into Seanad chamber

1 week ago | leinsterexpress.ie | Eoghan MacConnell

Senator Maria McCormack wore a pair of shorts into the Seanad chamber to show solidarity with camogie players who are calling for the right to choose between wearing shorts or skorts during matches. The protest follows recent actions by players from Dublin, Kilkenny, and Laois, among other counties, who wore shorts instead of the traditionally mandated skorts to their matches – a move that led to players being told to leave the pitch to change into skorts, or the match would be abandoned.
New playground opens to the public in Laois

1 week ago | ireland-live.ie | Eoghan MacConnell

Portarlington’s new playground in the People’s Park has opened to the public. Laois County Council had planned to open the playground weeks ago but were delayed due to repeated incidents of vandalism. Independent Cllr Aidan Mullins said a replacement part which had to be sent from Italy had been installed and an inspection was carried out earlier today. The inspector approved the opening of the new playground this afternoon.
New playground opens to the public in Laois

1 week ago | leinsterexpress.ie | Eoghan MacConnell

Portarlington’s new playground in the People’s Park has opened to the public. Laois County Council had planned to open the playground weeks ago but were delayed due to repeated incidents of vandalism. Independent Cllr Aidan Mullins said a replacement part which had to be sent from Italy had been installed and an inspection was carried out earlier today. The inspector approved the opening of the new playground this afternoon.