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Laois Connects Week 2024 has come to a close, and saw various programmes surrounding mental and physical health. The event ran from Monday October 7, to Sunday October 13. The week of events was kicked off with a ballroom dancing event in Portlaoise Parish Centre, and finished on a high note with a 14km cycle from Clough village on Sunday. This year’s theme was “connecting” and throughout the week, activities were held to connect people with themselves, others, music, nature, sport, craft and much more. "The benefits of connecting are proven and there were plenty of opportunities to do just this throughout Laois during the week," a spokesperson for Laois Connects said. More on the story below. Pictured: The Laois Live Well Expo "For lovers of music and dance, there was a performance by the Sing for Joy Choir and Sequence Dancing lessons in Portlaoise. Jiving lessons commenced in Crettyard," Tom Curran, Senior Staff Officer of Laois County Council's Community section said. "Getting out and active is also so important and activities were provided for all ages and abilities with Laois Sports Partnership providing Fun Days for all abilities, chair yoga, Pilates, and even aqua aerobics! "The sports section of Laois County Council provided Chi Walking activities in Portlaoise, Portarlington, Abbeyleix and Stradbally," he said. Dunamaise Arts centre hosted a movie screening of Irish movie “The Sparrow” for Transition Year students. "The writer and director of the movie, Michael Kinirons joined the students after the movie to discuss the making of the movie and the themes within it. There was a question-and-answer session with students asking some very insightful questions of him. Dunamaise also hosted Bressie with his live podcast “Where is my Mind” where Dr Eddie Murphy joined him," Mr Curran explained. Other events during the week including a mindfulness workshop at Portlaoise Family resource centre, sound meditation at Portlaoise Library, a “Minding your mental health” event in