'I am floating on air' - March 2024 Laois news review

A young Stradbally boy was crowned a world champion on his first attempt at the World Irish Dancing championships in March.

Bobby Kinsella, aged just 10, beat off tough competition to win the Under 11 category at the championships in Killarney. He truly has dancing in his blood.

Bobby is a grandson of Gabrielle Lynam, who founded Lynam School of Irish Dancing, and a son of dance teacher Carmel Menton.

“I am floating on air still, especially as it was my first time to dance this championship,” he told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

He sums up his love of Irish dance.

“The most exciting thing is meeting new friends from all over the world and getting to travel,” he said.

A memorial bench was proposed in March to honour a homeless woman from Laois who died in Dublin.

Ann Delaney, 47, originally from Crettyard, was laid to rest back home in Doonane cemetery.

Streetlink Homeless Support lodged an application with Dublin City Council Parks Division to place a bench where Ann used to sit.

It would have the following inscription; “R.I.P. Nurse Ann Delaney, Queen of Aungier Street. Thank you for your service; even in your darkest hours, you were a beaming light of hope to those in need. You'll Never Walk Alone."

It emerged in March that Emo Court was in line for a major overhaul due to failings to the roof and dome which could require two years of repairs that will likely incur a multi-million euro bill.

Planning permission for major conservation improvement works at Emo Court House has been granted by Laois County Council to the Office of Public Works (OPW).

The approved works will include the preserving and renovation of roofs and overhaul of the landmark copper dome. The work is required due to leaks and other failures in the 1780s structure.

Another landmark, but a less historic Laois building, was also earmarked for repair in March when it was announced that a €100k repair of Portlaoise's St Mary's Hall would begin in the summer. 

It followed a commitment from Laois County Council to repair the leaking roof after a recent protest march was held in the town.

St Patrick's Day was once again a huge day in Laois with communities celebrating their Irishness and the patron saint with parades all around the county.

There was an extra special celebration on The Heath where the community celebrated on March 17 with its first ever parade.
There was a near tragedy however in Stradbally after a crash in the parade that injured a mother and her child .

A car had collided into the back of a miniature steam engine and trailer they were on while taking part in the parade on Main Street. A video of the shocking incident was shared widely.