Former RTÉ Washington reporter to speak at Laois Novena

RTÉ's former Washington news correspondent, Carole Coleman, is among the speakers confirmed with a popular Laois Parish Novena near Carlow.

Ms Coleman, is among the guest invited to address the Novena in St Clare's Parish Church through April, May and June. Ms Coleman is now one of the main presenters of the flagship Radio 1 Sunday news programmes This Week.

During her time in the United States Ms Coleman interviewed the then president George Bush junior.

Laois woman and Managing Director National Ploughing Association Anna May McHugh is among the other speakers at the Solemn Novena of Our Lady of Perpetual Help

The 17th Solemn Novena begins on Monday, April 25 and will run for nine consecutive Monday nights. 

"We invite people during Lent to place their petitions in the petition boxes in St Clare’s.  During our Novena, through the prayers of our Faith Community and the intercession of Our Lady we will ask Jesus to relieve whatever burdens we carry," said the Graiguecullen Killeshin Parish.

Guest Speakers for this year’s Novena as follows:

25th April  Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo      Papal Nuncio to Ireland

 2nd May    Jessica Wade Tiglin Evening Service Manager & Outreach Worker

 9th May     Andrea Hayes TV & Radio Broadcaster & Writer

16th May   Bishop Paul Dempsey Bishop of Achonry & Carlow Native

23rd May   Michael Kelly Editor Irish Catholic Newspaper

30th May   Anna May McHugh Managing Director National Ploughing Assoc.

6th June     Jim Deeds Pastoral Worker, Author, Poet & Retreat Facilitator

13th June   Martina Lehane Sheehan Author, Psychotherapist & Spiritual Director

20th June   Carole Coleman Journalist & RTE Presenter