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by Walter Lawler   Introduction: The 2021 British and Irish Lions Tour will take place in July and early August.  It effectively begins with a warm-up challenge v Japan in …

  By Walter Lawler   Introduction: I decided so much happened personally, sports wise, historically and politically this year that it deserved a special reflection, 30 years on.  I was …

By Walter Lawler Introduction: In the first part of ballads for Bealtaine I looked at over 50 ballads of differing genres.  When it was completed, I felt there were at …

By Walter Lawler Introduction: During the 1980s and 1990s when visiting relatives and at various get togethers a sing song generally ended the night.  Most had their song of choice, …

By Walter Lawler  Introduction: (Please note language describing race, used in quotations, from contemporaneous accounts, may not be deemed appropriate today, they are used for historical accuracy) The American Civil …

‘I am fascinated by the bog’s strange beauty and its layered history…’ Welcome to Lynn Buckle – artist, writer, poet and UNESCO Cities of Literature Writer in Residence 2021. Lynn …

On the 30th April 2021 we commemorate the bicentenary of the birth of John Canon O’Hanlon (1821-1905).  To mark this occasion, Laois Local Studies has digitised the History of the …

  ‘I’d encourage writers of any standard to participate in the competitions. Deadlines are great and help us all put pen to paper. Its therapeutic too, especially in the dark …

  So many of us have spent a lot of time working, living, exercising and wondering about the 5km that we live in. Luckily for us Laois, as part of …

Mate, as we approach the last few episodes of everyone’s favourite AC-12 team battling organised crime and police corruption, we have to start bracing for the inevitable withdrawal. Once over, …

By Lori Moriarty Usually when I see an author described as ‘the queen of (insert specific genre of fiction here)’ my brain hops straight to Agatha Christie. Her works have …

By Walter Lawler  Introduction: We entered the new millennium with an Olympics that year from 15 September until 1st October.  Throughout this and the following four Olympics standards increased, and …

As Niamh takes a well earned rest today, we’re putting together all her Tuesday’s Writer posts here for you to look back over! From animation to historical fiction, there are …

By Walter Lawler  Introduction: It’s unusual to be looking forward to a Summer Olympics in an odd year, but circumstances we’re all too aware of have dictated so.  Given to …

‘Charlotte Brontë’s connection with Offaly holds a personal resonance for me…’ #writingtips #publicationjourney #charlottebrontë #authorinterview #debut #irishwriters #novel #laoiswriter  #IWCnovelfair This Tuesday we’re delighted to welcome award winning author Pauline …

Julie Ann Shead- Stradbally Library April is an important month for the vegetable garden. Now that the days are longer and warmer plants grow stronger and faster. Sowing outdoors can …

‘Writing is so good for the soul and it’s free therapy.’ #tuesdayswriter #fertilityjourney  #writingtherapy #writersgroups #inktankcreativewritersgroup #journaling #thefemcast #podcasts Tuesday’s writer is delighted to welcome Anita Whyte. Based in Kilcullen, …

Alan Hartnett Your first Library and what do you remember about it? My first library was Portlaoise Library. I remember the excitement of getting my first library card and how …

Our Primary and Secondary schools did very well to stay in session from September to December. Following the abrupt finish to the traditional school year in March, it was very …

  ‘Just remember those Disney shows and Marvel comic book artists that you love, are made in Ireland… and artists like Declan Shalvey and Will Sliney are working for Marvel …