Midweek LaoisToday: Recent Episodes
LaoisToday
Hello and welcome to episode 23 of the Midweek podcast with LaoisToday.
Coming up on the podcast this week:
Liz Kennedy is a member of the Ballinakill Community Development Association and joined us on the podcast this week to discuss the recent development that commenced in Ballinakill last week.
Ground was broke on a new state of the art playground for the village and the community and committee are delighted that work is finally underway.
The outdoor swimming pool in the village recently underwent some refurbishment as well and even seen a new air-to-water system installed which will be the pool now fully heated. Liz, discussed this and the excitement about the reopening in a couple of weeks time.
Garda Sergeant Graham Kavanagh joins us every month for our monthly crime prevention chat. This month, Graham, discussed the retail checklist for those businesses that will be reopening following a number of months closure.
Garda Kavanagh gives some really important tips on your premises, the use of alarms and cctv and also making sure your staff are trained to prevent a crime from happening.
Graham also discussed recent scams that have been making the rounds and urged people not to give any personal details over the phone and not too panic if they receive the call from a scammer.
The Midweek podcast is presented by Portlaoise native Paul Downey and is available to download wherever you get your podcasts.
Hello and welcome to episode 22 of the Midweek podcast with LaoisToday.
Coming up on the podcast this week:
Consider it Cakes is a new community group set up by Franciska Acs. The aim of the group is to make cake and sweet treats for those in direct provision and emergency accommodation.
Jamie Deery is the coordinator for the Laois area and she explains how they are looking for baking enthusiasts to help meet the demand for their sweet treats.
Recently revealed as Laois's number one TikTok account, Mary-Claire Fitzpatrick is the creator of the page MCluvs2laugh. With over 400k likes and over 15k followers MC puts serious work into making top quality TikToks.
The Rathdowney native is a tv presenter with RTE and is no stranger to our screens both big and small. We spoke to MC about her shenanigans on the platform as well as her love for her county and her Live, Laugh, Laois merchandise.
Portlaoise AFC are one of the many local clubs that use the facilities at Portlaoise Leisure Centre. Following the leisure centres closure there is still no date in sight for re-opening. Mick Coleman from Portlaoise AFC joined us to discuss Portlaoise Leisure Centre and how it has become run down in recent months.
The Midweek Podcast is presented by Portlaoise native Paul Downey and is available to download on all podcast platforms.
Hello and welcome to episode 21 of the Midweek podcast with LaoisToday.
Coming up on the podcast this week:
Alison Dyer is a nurse from Portarlington and has recently been crowned Miss Laois in the 2021 Miss Ireland competition.
Aly joins us on the podcast to discuss stepping outside of her comfort zone, how the last few months have been for her and what the future holds for the 23 year-old.
May 16th 2021 marked the 100th year since the Barrowhouse Ambush. Nessa O'Meara is a local to the area of Barrowhouse and the author of The Barrowhouse Ambush and she joins us to discuss the story about the ambush, how her aunty helped her decided to write the book and just how brave the local men were and risked their lives.
The Midweek Podcast is presented by Portlaoise native Paul Downey and is available to download every Wednesday on all podcast platforms.
Hello and welcome to episode 20, of the Midweek podcast with LaoisToday.
Coming up on the podcast this week:
David Finn is the owner of the Stylebar in Portlaoise and he like many other business owners reopened their doors to the public this week to offer their services after five long months.
David speaks to us about reopening, how challenging the last five months have been for the industry and getting to meet their clients once again.
Laois is a wonderful county with so many wonderful tourist spots for you to visit. Caragh Burns-Sharma is the Chairperson of Laois Tourism and she joined Steven Miller to discuss her top picks of the top tourist destinations our county has to offer.
Later this year, two ladies will represent Ireland in the Argentine Women's Open. One of this ladies is April Kent, from Abbeyleix.
April has been involved in Polo for just over 10 years and April discusses on the podcast how her love for the sport began, fitness, heading to Argentina to play and how determined her and her team are to do well at the competition.
The Midweek Podcast is presented by Portlaoise native Paul Downey and is available to listen to wherever you get your podcasts.
Hello and welcome to episode 19 of the Midweek podcast with LaoisToday.
Coming up on the podcast this week:
Rebecca Houlihan is a 20 year-old student from Portarlington who suffers with severe asthma. As this week marks Asthma Awareness Week, Rebecca tells us her story and how she lives with asthma on a daily basis, what she does to keep well and living with the condition in a global pandemic.
Leo Kavanagh from Raheen, is the driving force behind a new national organisation called Physical Impairment Ireland. The group have met weekly over the last number of months and are there to give a voice to those with physical disabilities and impairments.
Leo discusses many pressing topics on the podcast including the lack of public transport for this with physical disabilities nationwide.
The Midweek podcast is presented by Portlaoise native Paul Downey and is available on all podcast platforms.
Hello and welcome to episode 18 of the Midweek podcast with LaoisToday.
Coming up on the podcast this week:
On this months crime prevention segment, Garda Sergeant Graham Kavanagh discussed the lifting of restrictions and how people will now be venturing from their homes.
Sergeant Kavanagh, is encouraging people to make sure their houses are fully protected and has some important tips to ensure you don't become a victim of burglary crime.
300 members of the Defence Forces lead by Lieutenant Colonel Conor Bates from Clonaslee will shortly be embarking on a journey to Lebanon to continue the ongoing peace keeping mission over there.
Connor joins Steven Miller to discuss the six month trip and what it will entail, quarantining in the Glen of Imaal and the support and sacrifices the army families make when saying farewell to their loved ones.
Brian Killeen is a member of the band ShadyBird. Brian joined us on the podcast recently to discuss his own music and that of his new band. Their new single 'Those Cruel Mornings' is available to download now and you can have a listen at the end of the podcast.
The Midweek Podcast with LaoisToday is presented by Portlaoise native Paul Downey and is available to listen to wherever you get your podcasts.
Hello and welcome to episode 17 of the Midweek podcast with LaoisToday.
Coming up on the podcast this week:
Evin Joyce is a native of Glenbarrow in county Laois and is currently doing extraordinary work in Malawi. Having been an aid worker professionally for almost 10 years, Evin decided to return to Malawi in February 2020 to help locals with educational needs amongst other projects.
Evin is the founder of Ulemu.com and has been working hard over the last 18 months with his wonderful team to continue to provide life changing services to Malawians.
Miriam Keegan is a primary school teacher from Emo. Miriam has recently been awarded the Fulbright-EPA Student Award to study her masters in fashion and sustainability.
Miriam spoke with us about her love for fashion, her excitement about heading to the States, not buying clothes for a whole year and much more!
Dr. Marie-Louise Bowe from Stradbally, has spent her life with music. Marie-Louise who is currently the Assistant Professor of Music Education in the school of Arts Education and movement in DCU.
Marie speaks to us about her involvement in music from a young age, studying, her career in music and about a wonderful concert she recently recorded from home for DCU.
We finish out this weeks podcast with a lovely Slow Air performed by Marie-Louise and her good friend Michelle Mason.
The Midweek podcast is presented by Portlaoise native Paul Downey and is available to listen to on all podcast platforms. Don't forget subscribe, rate and review with your podcast provider.
Hello and welcome to episode 16 of the Midweek Podcast with LaoisToday.
Coming up on the podcast this week:
SOSAD Laois is a charity that aims to help teenagers who are dealing with Mental Health and Bereavement issues. The charity are currently looking for a new home in Portlaoise and one of the committee members is Portlaoise native Christy Bannon.
Christy, who is known for speaking publicly about his own mental health battles discusses what the charity does and who they will help.
Cormac Moore is an Historian with Dublin City Council and a proud Emo man. Cormac has spoke to Steven Miller to discuss 50 years since the controversial GAA ban.
In their conversation, they touched on many items including what games the GAA forbid its members to play.
Mountmellick woman Emer Dunne recently released a new single, 'Daisy'. All funds raised from the purchasing of this song are going directly to the Irish Cancer Society.
The song is available to download from iTunes and Bandcamp now.
Hello and welcome to episode 15 of The Midweek Podcast with LaoisToday.
Coming up on the podcast this week:
As the pandemic continues, Laois Martial Arts also continues to teach classes virtually. Shane Culleton is the Head Coach of the club and he joins us on the podcast to discuss the club, his online classes and how important it is to encourage kids that better days are coming.
On this months Crime Prevention discussion, Garda Graham Kavanagh discusses dogs and how important it is to continue to look after your dog and know their whereabouts at all times.
Letting dogs roam freely for long periods of time could lead to serious issues for local farmers or indeed the public.
Garda Kavanagh also discusses how to keep your dog safe from theft and having the dog licensed and microchipped as well as keeping them on a lead in public.
The Hearty Boys from Portarlington have recently released a new single called 'Bobby Sands - My Hero Today'.
Fran Hearty is one of the members of the group behind the track and he speaks to us about the new song, the band and his love for writing music.
Hello and welcome to episode 14 of The Midweek Podcast with LaoisToday.
Coming up on the podcast this week:
On Monday night, Bernard O'Shea brought his new show 'Bernard's Working Comics' to RTE Television. On the show we seen the Durrow comedian try his hand at being a member of An Garda Siochana.
Bernard then coached two Gardaí who then went on to present their colleagues with a three minute comedy sketch for the first time.
One of them Gardaí that took part is Laois Community Garda Joe Fahy. Joe joined us on the podcast to discuss the show, his time with the comedian and if comedy is something he would like to do again.
During the first lockdown, Maurice O'Carroll decided to put together a short documentary film about Mountrath called 'Mountrath Unlocked'.
Maurice, originally from Kerry but now resides in Mountrath spoke to businesses and locals about the impact the pandemic is having on them.
Maurice tells us how the idea came about for the documentary, what it was like speaking with business owners and how difficult locals found it to deal with certain situations.
Ballyroan musician Brian Carroll joins us for a musical chat this week.
Brian has recently released a new three track EP and started a new fundraising campaign in aid of the Cuisle Cancer Support Centre in Portlaoise.
The Ballyroan man is asking the public to donate what they can to help the Centre and in turn you will get a copy of the EP.
Brian discusses why he chose to do the fundraiser, his music and missing live performances because of the pandemic.
Thank you for choosing this LaoisToday podcast. The podcast is presented by Portlaoise native Paul Downey and is available on all podcast platforms every Wednesday. Make sure to never miss an episode by subscribing now. Please feel free to rate and review the podcast and most importantly share it with other podcast listeners.
Hello and welcome to episode 13 of The Midweek Podcast with LaoisToday.
Coming up on the podcast this week:
On January 31st John 'Ulick' Conroy died following his battle with Covid19. As the family continue to come to terms with John's passing, they have started a fundraising campaign to help raise funds for Portlaoise Hospital ICU, St James Hospital ICU and Kolbe Special School in Portlaoise.
John's daughter, Audrey Norton joined me on the podcast to discuss the fundraiser, how you can donate and the wonderful care that her dad received from the nurses battling this pandemic everyday on the frontline during her dad's stay in hospital.
Garda Sergeant Graham Kavanagh is back with our monthly crime prevention discussion. Sergeant Kavanagh, discusses car crime, particularly that of theft of vehicles and theft from vehicles. Graham also gives advice on how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of these crimes.
Abbeyleix man Brian Killeen has been involved in music for many years, Brian is currently working on his own music career as well as working with the recently founded band, Shadybird. Brian chats to me about writing music, his love for The Beatles and performing in his favorite venue in his hometown of Abbeyleix.
Thanks for listening to the Midweek Podcast with LaoisToday. This podcast is presented by Portlaoise native Paul Downey and is available to download every Wednesday on all podcast platforms.
Hello and welcome to episode 12 of the Midweek Podcast with LaoisToday.
Coming up on the podcast this week:
On the 17 February, a draft bill was published by the Labour Party to end the link between entertainment and betting. One of the Senators behind the bill is local Senator, Mark Wall.
Senator Wall joined us on the podcast to speak about the draft bill, how it came about and the ads that are currently out there at the moment promoting betting.
Maureen Culleton has been involved in Irish dancing for many years. This year, Maureen will be dancing virtually for St. Patrick's Day with people from all over the world. Over the last few weeks, Maureen has been teaching people over Zoom the St. Patrick's Day dance.
Maureen speaks to us about her love for Irish dancing, her home in Ballyfin and the people worldwide that are dancing with her.
Continuing with our local artist feature: this week we are joined on the podcast by Portlaoise native Chris Conroy. Chris joins us to discuss his recent releases, his future work and who inspires him in the music industry.
Welcome to episode 11 of the Midweek podcast with LaoisToday.
We have yet another jampacked line-up on the podcast this week:
Mountmellick woman Joan Fennelly is currently preparing to swim across the Bristol Chanel. This follows on from her epic swim of the English Chanel in July 2020, with her fellow group members from the Henley Mermaids.
We speak to Joan about preparations for the swim, life in the UK and her first time swimming in the Four Banks in her hometown of Mountmellick.
At the age of 19, Niamh Cahill's life changed forever. Niamh was struck down by a rare brain infection that left her fighting for her life. After a tough journey through hospital and intense rehabilitation, Niamh has made a miraculous recovery.
We spoke to Niamh about her journey, living with a brain condition and her work with Acquired Brain Injury Ireland and brain injury awareness.
Continuing with our musical interviews, this we we speak with Brian O'Mahony. Brian known for his time in many bands over the years is currently with the well known band Pogueology and is now embarking on a new journey with a band called The Street Parade.
Brian speaks to us about new music, recording music online, working in a studio during the pandemic and his bands new single out March 15th called 'Rabbit Hole'.
The Midweek Podcast with LaoisToday is out every Wednesday and is presented by Portlaoise man, Paul Downey.
Please remember, to rate, review and subscribe now to never miss and episode.
Hello and welcome to episode 10 of the Midweek Podcast with LaoisToday.
Coming up on the podcast this week:
Following a workplace accident in 2014, Portlaoise native Gary O'Reilly was left paralysed from the waist down. After his accident, Gary spent the next year going through intense physiotherapy and rehab.
Fast forward seven years and Gary is now preparing for the final qualifying stages of Tokyo 2021 as Paracyclist.
Gary is currently undertaking extensive training and he explains to us about paracycling and what it is.
Having amassed nearly 13,000 Instagram followers, my next guest was named the LaoisToday Top Instagrammer in 2020.
Lisa Sheppard from Durrow in Co. Laois is the founder of StayHomePlay. The page shares simple play and learning ideas for parents to follow.
Lisa joined me to discuss life as a teacher, being mum to Tommy and how important it is for parents to take some time for themselves.
Continuing on with our local musicians, The Electrix are a successful and very popular wedding band who have had what they love doing taken from them in the blink of an eye.
Damian Carroll is the front man of The Electrix and he joined me to discuss many things including how important it is to keep the bands name out there during these challenging times for musicians.
Music by: James Bay - Hold Back The River - The Electrix cover.
Hello and welcome to episode nine of the Midweek Podcast with LaoisToday.
Coming up on the podcast this week:
Former Scoil Chriost Ri student Anna Lee Dowling is heading to the European Debating Championships.
The current NUIG student is one of only two first year students to be chosen to represent the college. Anna Lee spoke about her excitement of being chosen, sitting her Leaving Cert in a pandemic and much more.
"About Milking" is a short story penned by Laois man, Peter Farrell. Peter was crowned winner of the Macra na Feirme short story competition this week.
Peter caught up with Steven Miller to discuss his recent win, studying law, working with RTE and Macra.
Continuing with our musical guests, Abbeyfolk are a four piece band based here in the midlands.
I caught up with lead singer and guitarist John Hosey and Jim Ring who plays the whistles and Harmonica, to discuss how life has been for the band throughout the pandemic.
Hello and welcome to episode eight of the Midweek Podcast with LaoisToday.
Coming up on the podcast this week:
From a career break in Brazil, to a book deal in Ireland, O'Dempsey's man and school teacher Michael Egan has had a busy few weeks. Michael has wrote a series of children's GAA books and they are now set for release in the coming months publisher, Gill Books. Michael joined me to talk about school life, The GAA and how important it is for children and his new books.
Continuing with our musical guests, Laois lady Emer Dunne speaks to me as like many artists she continues to adapt to this new way of living throughout this pandemic. Emer plans to release a new single and album in the coming months as well as continuing to teach and do what she loves doing, making music.
Music by - Emer Dunne - Untold Story.
Hello and welcome to episode seven of the Midweek podcast with LaoisToday.
Coming up this week:
As we begin a new year and the Christmas season is behind us, how can we save money? Steven Miller speaks to David Peavoy of Peavoy Financial Planning about some top tips for saving you money and also how important Life Assurance is.
Portarlington is home to Paralympic Swimmer Nicole Turner. Last year, hopes were dashed for Nicole as the Coronavirus pandemic saw the cancellation of the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo.
Two weeks ago, the Olympic Council set a provisional date in August for the 2021 games to go ahead. Following on from that, we speak to Nicole about her current training regime, travelling, school life and how important it is to shut off from social media during games.
It's every bands dream to travel the world and play music. Back in March, Laois band The Crooked Jacks embarked on their yearly trip to the U.S. Unfortunately, they were no sooner there when they were told they would have to return home as a lockdown was imminent.
Nearly one year on I speak to David Fitzpatrick from the band and we talk about what it is like travelling with the band, playing to different crowds and how The Crooked Jacks are coping throughout the pandemic.
Music from The Crooked Jacks - 'Home Tonight'
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Hello and welcome to episode 6 of the Midweek podcast, with LaoisToday, presented by Paul Downey.
Coming up on the podcast this week:
The Irish Forest Owners (IFO) are a national organisation that have been formed to support independent primary producer groups within the forestry industry. The group consists of nine forest owner groups and of those groups is the Laois Farm Forestry group.
One man involved in the newly formed organisation is Laois native Andy Dunne and he discusses the role of forestry and what the Laois Farm Forestry group do.
Crime doesn't stop just because we are in the middle of a pandemic. Now more than ever, it is important to be mindful and prevent yourself from becoming a victim of crime. Garda Sergeant Graham Kavanagh is the Crime Prevention Officer for the Laois/Offaly division, and he joins us for the first of our new monthly crime prevention section.
Graham discusses many measures and tells us how important it is to update your emergency contacts on your phone.
And continuing with our music series, we speak to Shane, John and Ros from Laois band Cua. They speak to us about missing performing, world tours and we hear there new single 'Sunrise'
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Hello and welcome to episode five of the Midweek podcast with LaoisToday.
Coming up on the podcast this week:
Who doesn’t love a new car? The look, the new car scent and that first drive. Stephen Butler is the Sales Manager for Joe Mallon Motors in Portlaoise, and we talked to him about sales so far in 2021 and how they’ve been working throughout the pandemic.
Roghan Hayden is part of an organisation set up to enhance Timahoe. Tigh Mochua Le Cheile, have recently been granted €100,000 to carry out remedial works on the Timahoe Round Tower and Visitor Centre. Roghan tells us how Timahoe is better than Glendalough.
Continuing with our local artist interviews, Drops of Green are a fantastic band on the Irish music scene at the moment, we speak to two of the members of the band, brothers Robbie and Lee Campion hailing from Durrow, in County Laois.
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Welcome to episode 4 Midweek on LaoisToday.
On this weeks episode, Portlaoise Panthers have been around for many years and are in search of new home, somewhere they can call there own. Seamus 'Shay' Dooley and Peter O'Sullivan are two club stalwarts and they speak about their plans and what they want to see in the county.
Julie-Anne Miller is a LaoisToday photographer and this time last year she set off on a trip to Australia. She spent time in different parts of the country and met some Laois people along the way. She spoke to Steven Miller about her experiences in the country and also how the pandemic affected her trip.
Durrow man Davie Furey is no stranger to the stage. Unfortunately he has had to swap the stage for his spare room where he continues to write music and do what he loves. Davie has a brand new album out called "Haunted Streets" and he tells us about that as well as performing, the pandemic and performing with family.
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Welcome to episode three of the Midweek Podcast with LaoisToday.
On the podcast this week, we speak with Dr Michelle Byrne of the Maryborough Family Practice in Portlaoise. She was in conversation with Steven Miller about dealing with Covid as a GP, the influx of calls the practice has received and how people are dealing with the pandemic.
Portlaoise Pantomime Group should be in full rehearsals for their 37th production, unfortunately it is not to be this year. Paul Downey speaks with Ciara Dollard and Vikki Byrne from the group on what Panto life is like, virtual Panto's and performing on stage.
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Coming up on episode 2 of the LaoisToday Midweek Podcast with Paul Downey.
We speak to The Finns from Rathdowney about music, Covid19 and their future plans as well as a live performance of a great Christmas song.
Rathdowney's Own is a brand new annual published by some Rathdowney locals and we speak to one of the members behind the book.
Steven Miller speaks to Brendan McDonald from Arles about his new children's bedtime story, Elephant on the Farm.
And for the first time in 36 years, Michael Dowling a Publican from Mountmellick will not be opening his doors for Christmas. We hear from Michael and how he has been doing throughout the pandemic.
Welcome to this brand new podcast on LaoisToday.
The Midweek Podcast will be brought to you weekly, bringing you a round up of the weeks news stories and interviews from all across Laois.
On the podcast this week we are joined by Steven Miller to talk about the weeks news stories including, Brian Stanley's recent Dail statement, tickets for mass and the recent Laois GAA County Board appointments.
Also on the podcast this week, Mountrath native Jean Kennedy, joins us from Taiwan, as she is on tour with Lord of the Dance and we talk to her about her travels and performances to thousands of Irish dancing fans.
And finally, Portlaoise man James O'Connor, speaks to us about his new Christmas song, COVID19, his music and how he has continued to teach music during lockdown.
To get in touch with us on the podcast email: info@laoistoday.ie
Music credit: James O'Connor - Memories of Christmas Day