Tánaiste Simon Harris hints appearance at Laois festival
The Lovely Laois Homecoming Festival takes place this September
Tánaiste Simon Harris TD has hinted that he may take a trip to Laois this autumn for a much anticipated festival.
Laois singer Trudi Lalor has organised the Lovely Laois Homecoming Festival, which will see an array of music, entertainment, community, cultural and sporting events from Friday September 5 to Sunday September 7.
Tánaiste Simon Harris has recently penned a letter to Ms Lalor, praising the event and hinting that he may be in attendance himself.
Pictured: Tánaiste Simon Harris with Deputy Willie Aird and Cllr John King during his 2024 visit to Portlaoise. Photo: The Leinster Express
"This festival not only celebrates what Lovely Laois has to offer but also gives a hearty 'Céad Mile Fáilte to visitors from all over the world.
"It is a wonderful reason for Laois people to reunite as they travel back home to their native county for this special weekend, and also for people who have made Laois their home to connect with their community," he said.
Pictured: A letter from Tánaiste Simon Harris recently shared online by festival organisers
The festival gets underway on Friday, September 5 when Leo Moran of The Sawdoctors is joined by former member Padraig Stevens in a songwriting workshop for inmates of Portlaoise Prison as part of helping with their rehabilitation.
Friday also features an art exhibition with Tommy Gorman (living with Autism) in Hares Corner, Mountmellick at 3pm. Tommy’s work will then be displayed in Mountmellick Library until September 13.
That evening in the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel features The Spirit of Luke Kelly & The Dubliners. Kevin Morrin and Abbeyfolk, plus support by Ian Delaney, will also perform at the fully seated show.
Doors open at 7pm with the show starting at 8pm sharp. Tickets €15 on sale now from The Abbeyleix Manor Hotel 057 8730111 and through Eventbrite.ie
Saturday, September 6 features Brush Dancing in Ballyfin with Maureen Culleton from 11am - 1pm. Admission is free but email [email protected] or phone (087) 648 2038 to book a place.
Saturday features a bus tour around Lovely Laois taking in the various landmarks and scenic spots in Lovely Laois with Martley Buses. It departs the Midlands Park Hotel at 11am and returning at 2pm. To book your seat call Martley’s Buses on 057 - 8620888.
Pictured: Pat Critchley in the line up.
To book your workshop check out The Lovely Laois Homecoming Festival Facebook Page and Eventbrite.ie
Laois Hire O’Moore Park in Portlaoise is the home of GAA action on Saturday and Sunday.
Later in the day the legendary Kilfenora Ceile Band will perform in the Castletown Community Centre 8pm - 11pm. Doors open 7pm. Tea / coffee, sandwiches and buns are included in the ticket price. Tickets €15 on sale from Betty’s shop Castletown on (087) 633 7133 or from eventbrite.ie
If Céil is not your cup of tea then the gala dinner in the Midlands Park Hotel is a good alternative. When the guest of honour will be Ballyfin man and “Supervet” Professor Noel Fitzpatrick.
Four unsung heroes from Laois will be honoured. They are:
- Christy Cullen songwriter of Lovely Laois .
- Ger Thompson , Chairman of The Laois Association in Dublin .
- Jack McDonald founder of The Laois Worldwide Facebook Page with over 23,000 members .
- The PATH Foundation .
The night features music and Ballads with “The Musketeers” - Mick Foster, Billy Morrissey & TR Dallas followed by dancing to Trudi Lalor, Shawn Cuddy & Damien Bowe.
Timahoe Male Choir to entertain.
Events concluded on Sunday, September 7 starting with a community Mass in SS Peter & Paul’s Church Portlaoise. The Timahoe Male Choir, The Laois Community Choir and SS Peter & Paul’s Contemporary Choir plus Trudi Lalor will perform at the Mass which will be celebrated by Msgr John Byrne, Portlaoise PP. Admission is free and all are welcome.
Sunday also features seven Community Tea Dances across the county in the following locations.
- Mountrath - Bloom HQ
- Stradbally - St. Colman’s NS Hall.
- Spink - Knock Hall
- The Heath - GAA Hall
- Arles / Killabbin - Killeen Hall
- Durrow - Castle Arms Hotel
- Mountmellick - ICA Hall
All Tea Dances are kindly Sponsored by Martley’s Bus Company Portlaoise.
The festival Grand Finale is a Country Music Concert in The Midlands Park Hotel Portlaoise featuring Brendan Shine, Paddy O'Brien, Olivia Douglas, PJ Murihy, Aidan Quinn (Philomena Begley’s son) and more !
Laois Taste food producers will have their stalls with their food and drink on Saturday and Sunday outside The Midlands Park Hotel.
There will also be free art and photography exhibitions taking place in various locations across the county.
There will be be a Chess Blitz over the weekend with ASH (Academy of Success and Happiness) in Portarlington.