The LoveLaois Podcast

By-election memories | Council meetings | Bertie's comments

We’re back with a new episode of the LoveLaois Podcast and there’s plenty to talk about. We have had three Municipal meetings since our last Podcast. Alan attended Borris-Mountmellick and Graiguecullen-Portarlington while Steven was at Portlaoise.  The lads run through the various motions and also give a shout out to Cllr Aisling Moran who is off to Uganda.  Steven also recalls the 1984 By-Election and gives his thoughts on the Bertie Ahern comments fiasco.

The people, the fun, the history and the routes behind the Gordon Bennett Classic Car Run

The annual Gordon Bennett Classic Car run is an event steeped in history and brings a selection of overseas visitors to these parts.  The brainchild of Tommy Treacy, proprietor of the legendary Treacy's Bar and Restaurant on The Heath, the memorial event has run (excuse the pun) every year since 2003.  That year marked the centenary of the Gordon Bennett Cup in Ireland in 1903, a race that is often referred to as the race that saved motorsport.  Classic car enthusiasts from across Ireland and the UK converge on Laois every June Bank Holiday to travel a version of that original route - that includes parts of Laois, Kildare and Carlow - and this year's event takes place from Friday, May 29, to Monday, June 1.  It's a weekend that includes a reception in Laois County Council on Friday, a visit to a private collection of historic and classic cars at Grangecon Stud Farm, a Gala night in the Midlands Park Hotel and a visit to the new Shackleton Museum in Athy.  There is also plenty of socialising around the event's HQ in Treacy's.  Ahead of this year's event, we were joined by four members of the local organising committee - David Clegg, Cecil Lewis, Joyce Chambers and Neil Yearsley.  They chat about the history of the original race, the idea of a commemorative run, the fun and friendships involved - and the importance of keeping it going.

Convent housing | Dr Sean | Council goings-on | Greenfields | Tradfest

We’re back with a new episode of the LoveLaois Podcast and there’s plenty to talk about. Steven kicks things off with his account of the new housing project that was officially opened this week at the old convent in Portlaoise.  Alan speaks about Dr Sean Montague who has written and released a new book.  The monthly council meeting took place on Monday and Steven has some suggestions on how things could be quickened up.  We also have details on two big Bank Holiday weekend festivals - Greenfields and TradFest.

FF decides | Minister in Mountrath and Portarlington | Main Street challenges

We're back with a new episode of the LoveLaois Podcast and there's plenty to talk about. Steven gives an insight into the incredibly dramatic Fianna Fáil selection convention contest where Elva Kelly beat off stiff competition from Willie Ramsbottom. Alan chats about his trip to Mountrath where Minister Dara Calleary was on hand to open two new facilities while Steven met him in Portarlington where he opened the Market House and the People's Park. Plus with the retirement of Alan Flynn and the imminent closure of the AJ Menswear in Portlaoise, the lads discuss Portlaoise's Main Street, its future and the proliferation of vape shops, nail bars and barbers.

Growing up with music, European tours, two bands and Portlaoise Tradfest

The LoveLaois Podcast returns and we bring you an interview that we can almost certainly guarantee that, should you listen to it, it will make you laugh.  Alan and Steven are joined by two of the main men behind Portlaoise TradFest - Ruaidhri Tierney and Bill O'Brien.  The Portlaoise duo are music mad and they begin with a chat about their musical careers to date.  How Comhaltas shaped them as children and instilled a love of traditional music that burns bright today.  Tierney was on a European tour with his band Buíoch last year and they have just recently completed a series of gigs in the Guinness Store House.  Speaking on the Podcast, the lads have unveiled an exciting and diverse programme for this year’s TradFest, which returns to Portlaoise over the May Bank Holiday weekend. Now in its fourth year, the festival will once again celebrate Irish traditional music through a wide range of events designed to appeal to both performers and audiences of all ages. Across the weekend, festival-goers can enjoy a series of headline concerts, alongside late-night entertainment and a lively festival club atmosphere. Traditional music sessions will take place throughout the town, bringing a vibrant energy to local venues and creating opportunities for both musicians and spectators to get involved. Workshops will form a key part of the programme, offering musicians of all levels the chance to learn from experienced performers, while a variety of youth-focused events aim to encourage the next generation of traditional artists. These include dedicated youth sessions, an inclusive session, and the popular Youth Trad Battle. The festival will also feature a mix of performances across the weekend, with gigs taking place in established venues as well as informal settings, ensuring a balance between structured concerts and spontaneous music-making. Late-night DJ sets will add to the festival atmosphere, rounding off each evening. You can get the full details of the festival here. [https://www.laoistoday.ie/2026/04/09/we-do-it-for-the-love-of-music-organisers-of-portlaoise-tradfest-unveil-exciting-plans-for-latest-edition/]