Laois Nationalist

6 days ago | laois-nationalist.ie | Andy Sims

By Andy Sims, PACarlos Alcaraz said he had “no expectations” coming into the grass-court season but he installed himself as a clear favourite to retain his Wimbledon title after beating Jiri Lehecka to win the HSBC Championships. The Spanish top seed regained his crown as the King of Queen’s Club and replicated his debut triumph of two years ago with a 7-5 6-7 (5) 6-2 victory.

1 week ago | laois-nationalist.ie | Carmel Hayes

A FULL house showed up for the launch of a draft Town Centre First plan for Mountmellick, which sets out ambitious but achievable steps to regenerate the town centre. Residents, community groups, shopkeepers and business owners were among the large turnout at a public information evening in Mountmellick Library on 17 June, where the plan was enthusiastically explored and discussed. There was also a strong turnout at a business breakfast the following morning.

1 week ago | laois-nationalist.ie | Carmel Hayes

THE official opening of a Reflection and Remembrance Garden in Abbeyleix next week will mark the closing stage of a poignant project, bringing justice and recognition for unbaptised babies buried in unmarked graves. The reflection area will also be used by a group of bereaved mothers from the local community, who gather for a prayer service every October to remember their own lost or stillborn babies.

1 week ago | laois-nationalist.ie | Carmel Hayes

HEARTBROKEN tributes have been paid to a popular Laois bakery café staff member, who passed away this week after a brave battle with cancer. Dora (Dorota) Gabrysiak was a familiar smiling face at Mueller & O’Connell Bakery in Abbeyleix and previously worked at Costa in Portlaoise. Originally from Poland, the mother of two made her home in Portlaoise and was loved by friends and customers for her cheerful personality and unfailing kindness.

1 week ago | laois-nationalist.ie | Carmel Hayes

A LAOIS care home for children with disabilities failed eight regulations when it was inspected by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). During a short-notice inspection, the residential centre for children aged six to 18 did not comply with a series of important care standards. Corrig Woods in Portarlington, which caters for children with autism and intellectual disabilities, was purchased by private operator Lotus Care Ltd in late 2022 and was registered with HIQA only a year ago.