PHOTOS: Laois Year in Review: December sees tractor runs and Christmas fun!

Laois towns turned on their Christmas lights and held stunning markets and fun events all across the county.

Abbeyleix House and Farm held their hugely popular Christmas market, drawing crowds from far and wide. 

December saw Laois punk folk band The Outcast Crew earn a major accolade at an international music awards event.

The Portlaoise-centred outfit and producer Elliot Daniels won the Production Music Award for Epic Hybrid Trailer Track at this year’s Production Music Awards held at the O2 in London.

The occasion brought together students, staff, families, and friends for an evening that was both memorable and joyous.

Plans for a permanent partial or full merger of two Laois GAA clubs fell through in early December, after six years of unity at underage levels.

The development emerged when Ballinakill GAA club announced in a statement that the process of merging completely with Ballypickas GAA has, from their perspective, concluded.

Eurovision legend Phil Coulter enchanted Laois people in Mountmellick with a captivating night of music and song in the Mountmellick Arts Centre on December 14.

Laois locals braved the wind and rain on Saturday December 13, taking part in  Mountmellick Macra's annual Light Up Truck and Tractor Run, now in its fifth year.

The tractor and truck run drew a huge crowd, with locals entertained by a Christas grotto, musical entertainment from Willie Bracken, and a special dance performance from Louise Donohoe Ahern’s, Dance On Stage School.

Laois fire stations across the county have been holding their  annual family appreciation evenings. The events allowed the fire brigade to thank family networks that ensure a fully operational service, all year round.

Camross Camogie's Christmas came early after they were  crowned champions at the AIB All-Ireland Intermediate Club Camogie in Croke Park on Sunday, December 14.

Camross had trailed by a point at half-time before they caught fire in the second period to put Ballincollig to the sword and win by four points to seen a Laois camogie team claim silverware in Croke Park for the second time in 2025.

Young Ballinakill farmer Tom Gorman played his part in the IFA's campaign against the proposed Mercosur trade deal between the EU and South America.

Tom travelled with his dad Francie, who is the Laois IFA President, in a John Deere tractor to join a protest in Brussels of farmers from across the EU. They joined thousands of farmers opposed to the contentious deal.

The Annual Water Safety Awards were held in County Hall in Portlaoise, where the rescue of a young Laois teenager was highlighted.

The event in Portlaoise included the presentation of certificates and awards to participants of the Water Safety Ireland courses for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 periods.

December also saw RTÉ make the exciting announcement that Laois Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins will  take part in January's season of Dancing with the Stars.

Portarlington Senior Citizens celebrated 69 years of their annual Christmas party,  with a fantastic dinner and great company!

Artist Orla McDonagh held her exhibition in Mountmellick from December 16 to December 31.