Alan and Steven are joined by two of the main men behind Portlaoise TradFest - Ruaidhri Tierney and Bill O'Brien. 

The Portlaoise duo are music mad and they begin with a chat about their musical careers to date. 

How Comhaltas shaped them as children and instilled a love of traditional music that burns bright today. 

Tierney was on a European tour with his band Buíoch last year and they have just recently completed a series of gigs in the Guinness Store House. 

Speaking on the Podcast, the lads have unveiled an exciting and diverse programme for this year’s TradFest, which returns to Portlaoise over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

Now in its fourth year, the festival will once again celebrate Irish traditional music through a wide range of events designed to appeal to both performers and audiences of all ages.

Across the weekend, festival-goers can enjoy a series of headline concerts, alongside late-night entertainment and a lively festival club atmosphere.

Traditional music sessions will take place throughout the town, bringing a vibrant energy to local venues and creating opportunities for both musicians and spectators to get involved.

Workshops will form a key part of the programme, offering musicians of all levels the chance to learn from experienced performers, while a variety of youth-focused events aim to encourage the next generation of traditional artists.

These include dedicated youth sessions, an inclusive session, and the popular Youth Trad Battle.

The festival will also feature a mix of performances across the weekend, with gigs taking place in established venues as well as informal settings, ensuring a balance between structured concerts and spontaneous music-making.

Late-night DJ sets will add to the festival atmosphere, rounding off each evening.

You can get the full details of the festival here.

Readers of LaoisToday will have seen Samanta's name popping up on articles in recent months as she has been on work experience with us. 

A Law and Criminology student at Portlaoise Further Institute, Portlaoise native Samanta has a fascinating story to tell. 

Her mam is from Latvia and her dad is Russian so she is one of the most culturally diverse people that we have ever had the pleasure of interviewing. 

Steven Miller and Alan Hartnett join Samanta to talk about her life so far, her love of languages and her hopes for the future. 

The lads also discuss the latest news from around Laois including the relaunch of Penneys and the goings-on in the Council. 

While Steven also unveils plans for a story that will see Alan tackle the one thing he hates more than anything in the world - cycle lanes! 

Fianna Fail's Padraig Fleming has announced that he will retire from politics in the coming months. 

It was a shock to everyone with Alan Hartnett and Steven Miller giving their initial reaction on the episode. 

After that, the discussion meanders on to matters in the Middle East where a number of Laois people got caught up in the US/Iran/Israel conflict. 

Finally, there is high praise for a Laois County Council initiative celebrating people who reach 100 years of age.  

He has worked with over 1,000 organisations across Ireland and internationally, ranging from SMEs to global brands, helping people improve focus, execution and results in fast-paced environments.

Gerry chats to us about some of the the challenges that business owners have - and what they can do to improve.

Gerry is speaking in the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel on Tuesday, March 3, from 6-7pm.
His talk in Abbeyleix is titled 'Five business resources every leader should use - but most never do'. 

The event is free to attend and you can find out more information here.

The LaoisToday LoveLaois Business podcast is brought to you in association with the Local Enterprise Office Laois. 

Work-experience student Samanta Danne made her official debut as the host as she sat down to interview the rising Laois act.

Fresh off their 2025 Electric Youth win that gave them an amazing opportunity to perform at the Electric Picnic, Samanta gets to know the group — drummer Adam Reilly, singer Erin O’Dwyer, bassist Neive Leith and guitarist Aidan Dermody — and their experiences as young musicians in Laois.

They talk about how they first met through Friday Jam sessions and how they played their proper first gig together as a band while competing in the Electric Youth competition.

Each member opened up about their musical backgrounds, writing their own original music, how they balance band practice alongside other commitments like school, and the wide-ranging influences – from Jazz to Rock- that have shaped them individually and collectively into a fresh, innovative band.

In true newsroom fashion, Alan also made an impromptu appearance to ask Aidan more about his Costa Rican background, as he’d just moved to Ireland two years ago.

The band also spoke about what it’s like to grow within the Laois music scene and the support they found locally like Music Generation.

They even bravely answered– with plenty of hesitation – the question of naming their dream collaborations with musicians both dead or alive.

With their next gig set for Sally Gardens on March 7, this is the perfect time to get to know more about this up-and-coming Laois band, The Controversy.

To follow them on social media, you can find them on:
Tiktok: @thecontroversy_official
Instagram: @the_controversyofficial.

Steven Miller is joined by Alan Hartnett where the pair reflect on the recent goings on in Laois County Council. 

Steven was at the Portlaoise Municipal meeting while Alan was at the Graiguecullen-Portarlington equivalent. 

The lads go threw the motions and pick out their favourites - and award their 'Councillor of the meeting'. 

They also discuss the decision to remove SNAs, which has been paused, and also somehow end up talking about the Eurovision!

Steven Miller is joined by Alan Hartnett where the pair reflect on recent Laois County Council meetings that they attended. 

Steven was at the Portlaoise Municipal meeting while Alan attended the Graiguecullen-Portarlington meeting. 

They each give a run down of the various motions and issues that were raised. 

The lads also chat about some of the other news stories from the last week. 

18-year-old Harry McGree, a Leaving Cert student in Portlaoise CBS, was one of just 200 people who attended the event in Dublin Castle. 

Harry played a role in the Connolly campaign and was invited along with his parents Noel and Antoinette. 

In this interview, Harry explains how his interest in politics came from what he has endured since a very young age. 

Harry's dad Noel made protected disclosures against the Irish Prison Service where he highlighted alleged corruption.

Public Accounts Committee ­hearings were told a Department of Justice report put the cost of the alleged wrongdoing exposed by Mr McGree at more than €20m.

He has received formal apologies from the Department of Justice and the Irish Prison Service after his disclosures ­resulted in him being subjected to harassment and intimidation.

But Harry is very much his own man and, despite being made homeless last month, he is an extremely positive person who says he wants to make a difference in the world.

Steven Miller is joined by Alan Hartnett to look back at some of the stories that have made the headlines on LaoisToday. 

Catherine Connolly has been inaugurated as president since we last recorded following her election. 

There were plenty of council stories while the lads also took a trip to the AVIVA stadium recently. 

Cllr Aisling Moran (Independent) and Cllr Paddy Bracken (Fianna Fáil) got embroiled in a war of words with Cllr Bracken provocatively suggesting that Cllr Moran return to Fine Gael, her former party. 

"You are more Fine Gael than me," thundered Cllr Moran in response. "The big Fine Gael head on you," she told the staunch Fianna Fáiler. 

Alan gives the backdrop to that story and he discusses with Steven whether you can have a certain political head or not. Steven is adamant that he could identify the leanings of politicians by just looking at them. 

They also discuss Jim Gavin (of Fianna Fáil) and his presidential campaign visit to Portlaoise on Thursday where he put down a lengthy canvass around the town. 

Steven Miller is joined by Alan Hartnett for this one where the duo start with Intermediate. 

The championship final between Park-Ratheniska and Arles-Kilcruise forms most of the chat as the lads evaluate both teams. 

They also look ahead to the B and relegation finals at that grade. 

While they briefly look at the Junior A semis and Junior C final which will also take place. 

Last month, Katelyn Cummins was crowned International Rose of Tralee - the first ever winner from Laois. 

On Monday, she was at Downey's to collect her brand new Kia car which she will drive for the year. 

Our own Steven Miller headed over for the event and caught up with Katelyn. 

Less than a month after her win, she speaks about how much her life has changed - and the parts she is trying to keep the same. 

Learning how to say 'no', what lies ahead for her in the next 12 months and her excitement at upgrading her car are also hot topics.

But before all of that, Steven Miller joins Alan Hartnett to look back at the weekend. 

LaoisToday performed on Friday with our sports quiz while Steven then took to the Main Stage with the Timahoe Choir. 

Tickets for 2026 went on sale this morning and sold out in an hour - leaving many locals disappointed. 

Alan was at the press day on Tuesday - which is generally regarded as the Junket of the Year. As well as a free lunch and a bag load of goodies, he also came back with an array of random thoughts, chief among them his observations on other members of the media. 

Alan tells us all about who he met at the press day and who he's looking forward to seeing while Steven discusses his Main Stage appearance as a newly signed-up member of the Timahoe Male Choir. 

The lads also chat about a debut appearance in Hazelwood for the Stradbally Community Choir, the impact of the Electric Picnic locally and, of course LaoisToday's QuizCast in the Ah Hear tent in the Mindfield arena on Friday afternoon. 

As Director of Digital Marketing and Communictions with the British and Irish Lions, he's currently in Australia for this year's tour. 

It's his fourth tour to work on, having been in Australia in 2013, New Zealand in 2017 and South Africa in 2021. 

From Abbeyleix, he previously worked in communications roles with Basketball Ireland and the IRFU before moving to the role with the Lions where he oversees their considerable marketing, communications and social media operation. 

On this week's LoveLaois Podcast he chats about what the role entails, the team he oversees, being in the dressing room for some of the big moments and being away from his family for long spells of time. 

This episode was recorded on Tuesday of last week while Shane was in Brisbane ahead of the warmup game against the Queensland Reds. 

They then moved to Sydney to play the NSW Waratahs on Saturday and they play the ACT Brumbies in Canberra this Saturday. 

Indeed it's a tour that sees them traverse Australia - from Perth to Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide and Melbourne. 

The first test against Australia takes place in Brisbane on July 19 with the second and third tests in Melbourne and Sydney on the subsequent Saturdays. 

For the exam students they can take a well-earned collective sigh of relief.

Over the past couple of weeks, Aoife Fitzpatrick from Cullenagh near Ballyroan and a Leaving Cert student in Scoil Chríost Rí in Portlaoise has penned a Leaving Cert column for LaoisToday.

She described her experience, her hopes and what each exam was like. Her column was informative, entertaining and very well-received.

And this week she's a guest on our LoveLaois Podcast. She joins host Steven Miller to chat about the various subjects, the reaction she got to the column and what is next on the agenda.

She hopes to study Global Media in the University of Galway but says she's taking a year out first to work and undertake a PLC.

She chats about what her dream job might look like and how she uses social media.

Steven Miller is joined by Alan Hartnett and they begin by discussing some of the rows that have taken place in Laois County Council this week. 

They also chat about the Laois Abroad series which is in full swing and has covered a range of countries already. 

The new careers series is also up and going with the wonderful Martina Mulhall interviewing a range of people. 

On Saturday, in St Anne's Park, 18,000 people gathered for Pints In A Field 3 - a music event hosted by The 2 Johnnies. 

The show saw performances from Basshunter, The Tumbling Paddies, The Vengaboys, Jimmy Buckley, Pat Shortt, Super Ceili and The 2 Johnnies themselves. 

But before all of that, the show was officially opened by The Timahoe Male Choir. 

With our own Steven Miller now an 'honorary' member of the group, they took to the main stage at 5pm and played for 25 minutes. 

Steven joins Alan Hartnett, who was present in the crowd, to look back on an incredible day. 

We also have interviews from Damien Bowe and Padraig Clancy while the episode ends with a snippet from their performance.

The Friday Panel is here to look back at the news stories that made the headlines on LaoisToday this week.

Alan Hartnett and Steven Miller are up for this one and they have plenty to talk about. 

The start with the case of Beniamin Petre who is accused of making threats against Irish children, babies and people in general - who turned up in Laois this week. 

We had a line up announcement from Electric Picnic which leads to some musical entertainment from Steven. 

There is also the story of the missing €200,000 for Timahoe and a proposal to build a museum in Laois. 

Our Transition Year series is brought to you in association with People First Credit Union.  People First Credit Union support young minds in shaping their future.

People First believe in the power of community and the potential of youth. People First Credit Union – building a future of opportunity, one saver at a time.

From Vicarstown, Sean chats about his TY experience this year, his various work experiences, his subject choices for the Leaving Cert and what he'd like to do in college. 

He also discusses his use of social media, how he consumes news and what his attitude towards spending and saving. 

Our Transition Year series is brought to you in association with People First Credit Union.  People First Credit Union support young minds in shaping their future.

People First believe in the power of community and the potential of youth. People First Credit Union – building a future of opportunity, one saver at a time.

Conor and Ross Dunne impressed the Laois judges with their project Mooving.ie.

The TY students’ victory ensured that Portlaoise CBS retained the title following David Reddin and Johnny Phelan’s win last year.

Conor and Ross are the sons of John Dunne who has owned Hume Auctioneers since 1999.

The idea for Mooving.ie came from working with their dad where they noticed a particular need.

When people are buying or moving home, they often require the services of solicitors, painters, surveyors etc and Mooving.ie is the one stop shop for all of that.

Ahead of the final next week, the lads joined Steven Miller to chat about their journey so far.

Primarily, it's school, college, work, then business. 

But for Alison O'Kelly, a young woman from Portlaoise, she doesn't tend to follow the trend. 

A head girl in Scoil Chríost Rí, she didn't conform to the stereotype, opting to take a backdoor route to university, set up her own business in the meantime and then manage her degree course with working and building a business. 

Owner of AOK Mentoring, a "modern day communications company" that offers digital marketing and public speaking services, she's also finishing her studies in DCU. 

In this LoveLaois Podcast, she discusses her background, what she does and how she balances it all. 

Nina Carberry certainly doesn't do things in half measures. 

Elected as a Fine Gael MEP in last June's European Elections, she is quickly getting around her sprawling 15-county constituency that makes up the Midlands North West. 

It stretches from the very top of Donegal to the bottom of Laois, includes all of Connacht as well as Louth, Longford, Westmeath, Offaly, Carlow, Kildare and her native Meath. 

Last Thursday night she was in Portlaoise for the retirement dinner of long-serving Fine Gael TD Charlie Flanagan. She was then back on Friday to visit Mountmellick and Stradbally and rounded the day off by stopping by in LaoisToday for a podcast interview. 

In a good-humoured chat, she discusses how she arrived in the political world, what her week in Brussels and Strasbourg entails and why she thinks her party colleague Mairead McGuinness would make a great President.

Having been well-used to a hectic life as a jockey, she's now balancing her political role with the family life and young children.

After her trip to Laois, she was heading back home to Meath to bring her daughters to ladies football training in Ratoath.  

Alan Hartnett is joined by Steven Miller where issue range from a new book, a fundraiser, to housing and April Fool's. 

The pair also chat about the Electric Picnic line up, a Laois company that was sold for €31.6 million and much more. 

A Chief Prison Officer in Portlaoise Prison, he was shot by the IRA outside the National Boxing Stadium in March 1983 and died 18 months later, leaving behind his wife and three sons. 

For many years now his family have sought information, and justice, for their late dad. 

In a recently-released book, Brian's son Austin details a lot more context, detail and, indeed, feeling than has been the case in the straight news reporting up to now. 

He tells what the journey has been like for the past 40+ years. 

He describes his memories of the time of the shooting, his father's death and state funeral, his own decision to go into the Prison Service. 

But he also describes his frustration in dealing with the state, how the Garda investigation was never really an investigation at all and coming face to face with Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams and a meeting - following a journey in a blacked-out van - with the IRA. 

In this latest LaoisToday podcast, Austin sits down with us to chat about his decision to write this book, what that process was like, his frustration over the years and why the victims of the Troubles are people like his mother who was widowed at the age of 39. 

Steven spent the St Patrick's weekend with the Timahoe Male Choir and is back to tells us all about it. 

From running around Central Park, ice hockey matches, lads getting lost, Ellis Island and amazing shows, this was the trip of a lifetime. 

The lads also chat a bit about the latest from Electric Picnic where they plan an increase in capacity by 5,000. 

Steven Miller and Paul Dargan are across the water for LaoisToday and are continuing their coverage. 

In this episode, Steven speaks to Mike Dunphy, the president of the Laois Association in New York, in the Irish-American Historical society.

While we also hear from other members of the Laois community in New York at the parade.

As well as that, Steven chats with Michael Rainey, the CEO of Laois County Council, and the Cathaoirleach, Cllr Padraig Fleming.

We then hear from a number of members of the Timahoe Male Choir as they march past Central Park in the St Patrick’s Day parade on Monday. 

We’ll finish out with their performance of Lovely Laois, which was recorded on 5th Avenue, outside the Louis Vuitton building, and close to Trump Tower and the Plaza Hotel.

David Walsh-Kemmis of Ballykilcavan Brewery in Stradbally joins the lads for a chat. 

He is currently starring on a six-part RTE TV series called 'Saol Na Feirme' on Monday evenings at 8.30pm. 

While most known for being a tillage farmer and brewery owner, the show demonstrates how David is also fluent 'as Gaeilge'. 

The lads chat about the TV show, how David's love of language was fostered in primary and secondary school, boarding school memories, GAA involvement and Steven's Gaeltacht antics. 

From Monday's very eventful full meeting of Laois County Council to the Laois man who will be Grand Marshal of the St Patrick's Day parade in San Francisco, they also chat about a devastating recent fire, two unspeakable local tragedies and a new era for an iconic business site in Portarlington.

In the hotseat this week is Doireann Brennan from Portlaoise, who is in school in Presentation Thurles. 

Doireann spent the first three years in Scoil Chríost Rí in Portlaoise before moving to the Tipperary school to link up with their highly-regarded soccer team. 

She gets the train to Thurles every morning and has played with the school this year at both U-17 and U-19 level. 

As if that wasn't enough, she is also playing for Wexford Youths in the U-17 League of Ireland. 

She chats about her training schedule, what it's like changing schools, why she did Transition Year, her favourite subjects and her attitudes to spending, saving and social media. 

Our Transition Year series is brought to you in association with People First Credit Union.  People First Credit Union support young minds in shaping their future.

People First believe in the power of community and the potential of youth. People First Credit Union – building a future of opportunity, one saver at a time.

It is an all LaoisToday affair as Steven Miller is joined by his colleagues Alan Hartnett and Mark Comerford. 

The lads begin with a detailed discussion on the Seanad elections where Maria McCormack was elected. 

They also discuss some of the most read stories from the last couple of weeks. 

From Stradbally, Joe is spending the second half of the first term on work experience with LaoisToday.

Joe plays football for Stradbally Parish Gaels and is currently on the Laois minor panel.

Joe sits down with Steven Miller where he talks about school, TY and social media.

Alan Hartnett also joins the pair for the chat as they discuss TY mini company memories of their own. 

Memories of Covid and the impact it had on children feature plus playstation games.

Joe also talks about his attitude towards money and his hopes for the future.

Willie Aird (Fine Gael), Sean Fleming (Fianna Fail) and Brian Stanley (Independent) have been elected in Laois.

While nationally, Fianna Fail are the largest party with 48 seats in the new Dail.

The count in Laois took a day and a half to complete and was one of the first in the country to finish.

Steven Miller is joined by Alan Hartnett to reflect upon it all.

The picture in Laois, the winners and losers, what it means for the future and the madness surrounding the Monk.

Our Transition Year series is brought to you in association with People First Credit Union.  People First Credit Union support young minds in shaping their future.

People First believe in the power of community and the potential of youth. People First Credit Union – building a future of opportunity, one saver at a time.

And so, for one final time before it all happens, Steven Miller and Alan Hartnett sit down for a chat. 

In this Podcast we set the scene for the election where Laois is now a three-seat constituency.

The lads explain when and where the voting is on, where the count will be and speculate as to when can we expect a result.

They look at the likely turnout and explain how the quota is calculated plus what that actually means. 

We have 12 candidates and for one final time, Steven and Alan give one minute of a description for each of them.

How might the whole controversy effect both Brian Stanley and Sinn Fein?

Can Willie Aird hold the seat held by Charlie Flanagan?

Can an Independent break through? Can a woman be elected for first time in history?

We will know the answers to all of these questions by the end of the weekend. 

Four days away from polling, Alan Hartnett and Steven Miller sit down for the final time to discuss the latest goings on. 

Locally, both have them have been 'On The Canvass' and recall their encounters. 

Nationally, the latest polls have shown a slump for Fine Gael and the lads discuss what that might mean in Laois.

After resigning from the party, Stanley is now an Independent Republican and looking to to retain his seat.

All candidates were asked to address the same three items: how they came to be a candidate, what they would like to see achieved in the lifetime of the next Government and why someone should vote for them.

A retired prison officer, Austin is the son of Brian Stack who was murdered by the Provisional IRA after being shot in 1983.

All candidates were asked to address the same three items: how they came to be a candidate, what they would like to see achieved in the lifetime of the next Government and why someone should vote for them.

But that was a tough day for the Greens and she got just 296 first preference votes and was never in contention. A Parliamentary Assistant with Minister Pippa Hackett, she has fronted up again on this occasion.

All candidates were asked to address the same three items: how they came to be a candidate, what they would like to see achieved in the lifetime of the next Government and why someone should vote for them.

A founding member of Independent Ireland in early 2023, she was an influential figure in their Local and European Election campaigns – but parted ways shortly after.

All candidates were asked to address the same three items: how they came to be a candidate, what they would like to see achieved in the lifetime of the next Government and why someone should vote for them.

A candidate in the recent Local Elections in Portlaoise, she got just 276 first preference votes though if the 2020 General is anything to go by, there could be considerable growth on that.

All candidates were asked to address the same three items: how they came to be a candidate, what they would like to see achieved in the lifetime of the next Government and why someone should vote for them.

A paramedic from Portlaoise, his story is very interesting and he outlines the reasons he put himself forward.

All candidates were asked to address the same three items: how they came to be a candidate, what they would like to see achieved in the lifetime of the next Government and why someone should vote for them.

Co-opted as a Laois County Councillor by Fianna Fail following the death of Jerry Lodge in 2018, she lost that seat in 2019. She ran for the party in the 2020 General Election and as an Independent in the Local Election in June.

All candidates were asked to address the same three items: how they came to be a candidate, what they would like to see achieved in the lifetime of the next Government and why someone should vote for them.

This is his first attempt on a national level and he is looking to hold the seat vacated by Charlie Flanagan.

All candidates were asked to address the same three items: how they came to be a candidate, what they would like to see achieved in the lifetime of the next Government and why someone should vote for them.

From the Killeen-Ballylinan area, Moran has been a Laois County Councillor since being elected for the first time in 2019. On that occasion she retained the seat for the Fine Gael party, which had been previously held by her late father John.

All candidates were asked to address the same three items: how they came to be a candidate, what they would like to see achieved in the lifetime of the next Government and why someone should vote for them.

This will be his seventh election to contest and if the next Dáil runs its full term, he’ll be on course to serve 29 years in Leinster House.

All candidates were asked to address the same three items: how they came to be a candidate, what they would like to see achieved in the lifetime of the next Government and why someone should vote for them.

Though he is living and working in Dublin for the best part of 30 years now, his distinctive Cork accent is a staple on the airwaves. 

On top of that he has lectured a remarkable and wide variety of students over the years, including current Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, Oliver Callan and Catriona Perry. 

In this episode he gets into the nitty-gritty of the Laois constituency in this General Election as well as a potted history on TV debates and his view on the role posters play in election campaigns. 

Steven Miller is joined by Alan Hartnett to look back on the last week. 

The pair have been 'On the Canvass' with several candidates across the county. 

They tell of their experiences so far and look ahead to what is to come. 

But we have another two weeks of the campaign to go and have assembled a panel to discuss all that has gone on to date.

Steven Miller is in the presenters chair and is joined by a number of political personalities.

Fine Gael Councillor for the Graigueculllen-Portarlington area, Vivienne Phelan, is here.

While Brian Phelan, who ran for Fianna Fail in the Borris-Mountmellick area in the Local Elections in June, also features.

Helen Campion who ran for Sinn Fein in the same area during the summer also contributes.

While the panel is completed by Labour's Eoin Barry who ran for the party in the Graiguecullen-Portarlington district in June.

In what is at times a robust discussion, all four get their views across.

Our Transition Year series is brought to you in association with People First Credit Union.  People First Credit Union support young minds in shaping their future.

People First believe in the power of community and the potential of youth. People First Credit Union – building a future of opportunity, one saver at a time.

On Monday afternoon we chatted with broadcaster Ivan Yates, the former Fine Gael Government minister turned pundit. Unfortunately we ran into trouble with the file, which is now being examined to see can it be retrieved.

In any case, Steven and Alan sat down for a midweek General Election chat.

What has Alan’s favourite viral moment been? Steven looks back at the last time a General Election was held in November, in 1992, and what it’s like going on the campaign trail with the candidates.

We chat about our interview with Brian Stanley this week, our podcast plans and a variety of other topics along the way.

Here at LaoisToday, we plan to produce three Podcasts a week in the run up to November 29. 

This is the first one and Alan Hartnett is joined by Steven Miller to review what has happened to date. 

From Brian Stanley v Sinn Fein to various election launches, the lads cover it all. 

Megan had done all her primary school education in London before moving to Portlaoise ahead of her starting second year in Scoil Chríost Rí. 

Now in Transition Year and on work experience in LaoisToday, she is the first guest on our new Podcast series. 

"I moved over from England so I missed out on first year," she explains. "Transition Year was definitely a good chance to catch up on anything I missed. A lot to catch up on myself. 

"I was told it was a good break year - you get a lot of opportunities like musicals and trips and obviously work experience and you don't get that in England. 

"There are some teachers and students that still call it a doss year," she jokes. (But) I am definitely enjoying it. So much stuff has happened, so many opportunities have opened ... it's great fun."

In a good-humoured chat, she goes through some of the differences between growing up in Ireland and England, trying to explain to her English friends about the GAA and not having to do Irish in school. 

"Mainly the curriculum is a lot different - Irish history and English history are two very different things!

"I don't know if this is just me but the teachers are so much calmer here. In England I feel they were very serious about school. Obviously they are here too but just more friendly and easier to talk to."

And she describes how nervous an experience it was moving to a new school - and how she remembers how warm a welcome she was give.  

"I was shaking walking in ... I was terrified," she recalls now. "I was only shown around the day before in. I didn't have a clue what I was doing."

But it didn't take long to settle in. 

"It didn't take too long because I met a great group of girls. They welcomed me, they showed me around, they just hung out with me.

"They were great fun, still friends with them now. It was easy enough settling in because of them and the teachers as well once they understood I had never been here."

"We are very heavily involved in the community," says Carol Murphy, their Marketing Manager, speaking on this week's LoveLaois Podcast as People First Credit Union have come on board to sponsor our new Transition Year Podcast series. 

"We like to think we are member first, they are our people they are what make our credit unions."

Formed in 1969 as Portlaoise Credit Union, but more recently taking in branches in Abbeyleix, Stradbally and Athy to form People First Credit Union, it's an organisation that has helped countless people over the years. 

Whether it's for a student loan, a holiday loan or, in more recent times, a farm loan or a mortgage, People First Credit Union can be with you right throughout your life. 

Many savings accounts start with the Communion or Confirmation moment. 

"You see so many people that come back again and again and again because they might have been refused in other places or didn't meet certain criteria or whatever it might be," explains Carol. 

"You have had your loan and then maybe your daughter or son will come to them because you will start to process in the family. 

It is so rewarding for us to see, there is 'Tommy', he took his first car loan with us and now he is there with 'Nicola' and they're taking out a mortgage. Then they're coming in with their first child and it is lovely to see that progression."

And she says that people dealing with their local Credit Union has the circular effect of helping someone else. 

"They are helping us by taking loans. You are helping other people in the community by trusting us with your finances."

And they are quick to give back to the community too in other ways - their annual Community Champion award gives €10,000 to a local group; last year they gave €42,000 in supports through their Community Fund; they give a €1,000 scholarship to one student in each of the seven secondary schools in their Common Bond area; they have quizzes and art competitions for the primary schools and organise a massive careers night every second year for Leaving Cert students. 

You can listen to the interview in full with Carol in this week's Love Laois podcast as she discusses the range of services offered by People First, memories of her own first job and teaching her own children about saving.

The glorious weather helped make for a wonderful event and LaoisToday were proud to record a live episode at the Briggs Equipment stand for Laois Hire, the official sponsors of Laois GAA.

Steven and Alan chat about the occasion, the seemingly improved food offerings, the phenomenon that is the popularity of GAA jerseys - and the large presence of politicians.

From eating Green Party apples to questionable Sinn Féin coffee, Fianna Fáil tea and a brief encounter with Taoiseach Simon Harris, there is no doubt they all have a General Election in their minds.

We also ponder the struggles of the Hippie Chippie, whose prospective customers may not necessarily be Ploughing clientele.

And we chat to Steven Reilly from Abbeyleix, who is fundraising for Childhood Cancer Ireland in the wake of his son Jude's leukemia over the past year.

Anyone wishing to donate can do so by clicking here

The long-serving Portlaoise-based councillor Willie Aird will be the party's candidate in the next election, whenever that may be, after his council colleague Conor Bergin withdrew his name at the last minute. 

What brought about the change? What does it mean for the future and why the LaoisToday team hopes the General Election isn't until early 2025!

We also discuss our interview with retiring Portlaoise publican Seamus Donoghue as well as our chat last week with Crettyard author Lorna Sixsmith and the publication of her first novel. 

Plus we chat about the return of the Laois County Council monthly meetings and some of the musings from this week's Municipal District offerings. 

It's a big week on the local political scene with the Fine Gael party in Laois set to select their candidate to contest the next General Election. 

The retirement of Charlie Flanagan means there is a wide open contest to see who replaces him and it should make for a fascinating contest in the Killeshin Hotel on Thursday night. 

It has also been a big week for Sinn Féin, with the decision of long-serving Portarlington councillor Aidan Mullins to leave the party. Plus we talk about the Independents and if more candidates will enter the race. 

Away from politics we talk about Dan Donoher's first day at school, our interview with Sean Smyth, the new principal in Scoil Chríost Rí, the heartwarming story of Ballyfin woman Cathy Clear who returned to education in her 70s. 

Plus we discuss the launch of this year's Ploughing, which is in Ratheniska from September 17-19, and the Clonaslee Show, which has it's 70th event on this Sunday, September 8. 

Elaine Mullally, who owns Clown Around play centre in Portarlington, officially announced her candidacy recently.

She joined us on the LoveLaois Podcast and outlined why she has decided to contest the election.

Elaine said: "In the last four years, I became completely disillusioned with the whole political system and politicians.

"It was complete frustration. I was writing to TDs and emailing them about different issues and getting no response.

"It is like for the last couple of years that they (elected TDs) are not listening to the people who voted for them.

"It is like we don't exist to a lot of them - not all, as there are good people - but the majority.

"And especially the parties. Again, they probably have good people involved, but they are just closed off to listening to people.

"I still am disillusioned. I can't understand how the main parties seem to think they are separate from the people in their towns and villages."

18 months ago, Elaine founded Independent Ireland - a then new political party.

It started out with three TDs and following the European and Local Elections in the summer, had 23 Councillors and one MEP.

However, shortly after, Mullally announced that she had left the party. 

While Ciaran Mullooly's decision to join Renew in the European Parliament upset many in Independent Ireland, Mullally says this wasn't the only factor in her choice to depart. 

She said: "I got on very well with everyone in the party but I just felt my voice wasn't being heard. 

"For me, I felt I was the voice of the people. I wasn't elected and I was on the ground, talking to people. 

"For the Referendums, I was hearing directly from people that they were voting 'No' 'No' - I was a complete advocate for that and I got it very hard to convince party members to come around to that."

Elaine has set out eight 'priorities' on which she will fight her General Election campaign - housing, cost of living, immigration, mental health, small business, farmers, education and crime. 

As she embarks on her campaign, Elaine will be hosting a series of public meetings across Laois.

She says that these meetings are designed not just for her to speak, but to listen to the concerns of her constituents.

"My public meetings are less about me talking and more about hearing the deep-held concerns of the people of Laois.

"I want to ensure that I am truly representing their interests on the ground."

The first meeting is scheduled for September 3 at 8PM in the Portlaoise Parish Centre.

Further meetings will be held in Portarlington Community Centre (Sept 4), Morrisey's Pub in Abbeyleix (Sept 10), Clonaslee Heritage Centre (Sept 12), Mountmellick MDA (Sept 18), Bloom HQ in Mountrath (Sept 19) and Killeshin Hall (Sept 25) - all scheduled for 8pm.

Steven Miller is joined by Alan Hartnett and Liam Cunningham to look back at a memorable few days in Stradbally. 

The lads pick out their top three acts and reflect on the success of the first ever LaoisToday QuizCast. 

The episode also hears from people who were part of the massive amount of Laois talent who performed.

Damien Bowe is on hand to talk about the success of the Timahoe Choir while Roisin Barrett of the Mary Wallopers also speaks about her experience on the Main Stage. 

We also hear from Alice Laffan who opened the Croí stage as Just Alice. 

The episode ends with her song 'Wait'.

After leaving in 2018, he became the deputy principal in St Conleth's Community College in Newbridge before taking up the role of principal in Duiske College in Graiguenamanagh.

Now, after Michael Carew’s retirement, John is set to return and before hand, he spoke to Alan Hartnett on the LaoisToday Podcast.

Steven Miller is joined by Alan Hartnett to pick out the main talking points from the election. 

After inadvertently leaving it out of the Portlaoise Podcast, we also hear from Tommy Mulligan. 

While the lads then return to give out some 'awards' from the election itself.  

He took the third seat in Portlaoise, with outgoing Fine Gael candidate Thomasina Connell the one to lose out.

Marie Tuohy was also a considerable success story as she held on to the seat she was co-opted into, impressively picking up a raft of transfers from across the board. Naeem Iqbal had polled strongly initially to be only eight votes behind Tuohy on the first count.

We look back at the count in detail as well as hearing from Tommy Mulligan (Independent), Naeem Iqbal (Fianna Fail), Catherine Fitzgerald (Fianna Fail), John Joe Fennelly (Fianna Fail), Marie Tuohy (Labour) and Barry Walsh (Fine Gael).

Plus, this episode plays out with an airing of the Skies oer Ballyroan, the famous Ballyroan song which gets an airing on big moments for that community as it did on this occasion when their man Barry Walsh was elected. 

And this year it was in the Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District where Fine Gael candidates PJ Kelly and Vivienne Phelan slugged it out for the final seat.

After the first count Kelly was 191 votes ahead but the transfer-friendly Phelan eat into that lead bit by bit before final getting in front following the distribution of Aisling Moran's surplus.

As well as looking back over the count, we hear from Vivienne Phelan, PJ Kelly, Aisling Moran (Independent), Joey Kennedy (Fianna Fail) and Aaron Kelly (Sinn Fein).

All interviews were recorded in the Count Centre so may contain references to upcoming counts, which now have been completed.

But there is still a lot to talk about. Conor Bergin's massive vote, the enduring vote-getting ability of Fianna Fail duo Seamus McDonald and Paddy Bracken and how Paddy Buggy missed out on a seat despite a huge first preference showing.

As well as looking back on the count, we hear from successful candidates Conor Bergin (Fine Gael), James Kelly (Independent), Ollie Clooney (Independent), Seamus McDonald (Fianna Fail) and Paddy Bracken (Fianna Fail) plus Paddy Buggy (Fine Gael) and Fintan Cuddy (Fianna Fail) who lost out.

All interviews were recorded in the Count Centre so may contain references to upcoming counts, which now have been completed.

Before the first count was announced, Alan Hartnett joined Steven Miller. 

The pair reflected on the first two days of the Local Elections and what has, or hasn't, happened thus far. 

And Steven also caught up with a number of the candidates who are contesting seats. 

Independent James Kelly was up first as he looks set to be re-elected in the Borris-In-Ossory-Mountmellick area. 

We are also joined by fellow Independent candidate Ollie Clooney who is likely to do the same in the same area. 

Fianna Fail's John Joe Fennelly is in a similar position in the Portlaoise area and gives his thoughts. 

Aaron Kelly (Sinn Fein) and Joey Kennedy (Fianna Fail) are unlikely in Graiguecullen-Portarlington and they speak about their experience. 

Former Fianna Fail TD John Moloney also joins in on the episode. 

So, Alan Hartnett and Steven Miller are here to explain all of the terminology and jargon that you are going to hear over the next few days. 

What are tallies? Who are tallymen (and women) and how do they do their work?

What is the quota? How it is calculated and what happens when a candidate reaches it?

How does Proportional Representation work? How are the votes that you cast, in preferential order, allocated?

Alan and Steven also discuss each of the three areas in Laois, how many candidates are in each and how many seats are available. 

He first ran in 2004 and then again in 2009, when he narrowly missed out in the old Portlaoise area after a marathon count. He chats about his upbringing, his interest in politics from a young age, his role as the MDA manager in Mountmellick and how he also balances it all with being a part-time farmer. 

From Borris-in-Ossory, he is looking for a second term in Laois County Council and chats, among other things, about his experiences to date, his year as Cathaoirleach and his General Election ambitions. 

He chats about his tough upbringing and how events early in his life helped to shape him to be the person he is today. Roads and housing are the two key issues he touches on in a wide-ranging discussion. 

She was a first time candidate in 2019 when she polled respectably but missed out. From Mountmellick and living in Clonaslee, she talks about how her interest in politics - and Sinn Féin in particular - began as well as some of the primary issues she sees in society at present. 

Hugely passionate about farming and the challenges the industry faces, he also speaks about the issues concerning rural Ireland, particularly his own base around Camross and Coolrain. 

A first time candidate, she chats about her background, why she has put her name forward and some of the changes she would like to see come about over the next couple of years. 

Re-elected in 2019, he is now seeking a third term on Laois County Council. He chats about his family history of local representation, his experience in the role and what work he'd like to see done across the next five years. 

An auctioneer, he discusses the challenges and opportunities facing a town like Rathdowney, the concerns for parents of young families and his political lineage, where his father Brendan, uncle Kieran and grandfather Pat were all elected representatives. 

She works with parliamentary team for Minister Pippa Hackett as well as being a part-time teacher and a heritage specialist. She is currently the chairperson of the Abbeyleix Bog Project and a member of Abbeyleix Tidy Towns.

Bryan gives his background as well as spelling out three key projects across the area that he would like to see prioritised across the next five years of Laois County Council. 

That was the topic of conversation on the latest episode of the LoveLaois Podcast. 

The long awaited Electric Picnic line up was announced a few weeks ago so Steven Miller, Alan Hartnett and Liam Cunningham sat down to discuss it. 

While going through the acts, the Wolfe Tones and their upcoming appearance on the Main Stage came up. 

Last year, prior to their performance in the Electric Arena, RTE One presenter Joe Duffy went on his radio show and described their music as 'brutal awful music which glorified violence to make money'.

After that, it was estimated that up to 30,000 fans sang along to the Wolfe Tones, the biggest ever crowd to descend on the Electric Arena in the festival’s history.

Steven Miller has been very busy recently, attending the various party election launches. 

Steven was present at the Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Sinn Fein launches recently and provides a review of each one. 

He is joined by Alan Hartnett and there is also a Podcast debut for our newest recruit - The Pike of Rushall's Liam Cunningham.

Steven Miller and Alan Hartnett are here and they begin by looking back on the two Referendums. 

Laois and Ireland voted No to both the Family and Care Referendums and now the political blame game is in full swing. 

The lads also discuss the expansion of a business in Durrow and the decision of one in Portlaoise to be put up for sale. 

They also look ahead to St Patrick's Day and give their verdict on the day as a whole.

Mountmellick native Gary Colton is the author behind a brand new thrilling book called 'Dark Finds'.

Set in Toronto in Canada, the book follows the story of a young detective called Eve Salah and her seasoned partner, Mitch, who are tracking a serial killer. 

Known as 'The Poet', the serial killer has bludgeoned an Irish businessman to death in Toronto’s financial district. 

So Gary joins the Podcast and gives us the fascinating story of how he went from doing security in a hostel in Canada to becoming a published author. 

It is a story filled with highs and lows and shows to everyone that no matter how old you are or what point you are in your life - you can truly do anything if you set your mind to it. 

This Podcast will allow us to look back on the various news stories that have taken place over the past week. 

Steven Miller, Alan Hartnett and Mark Comerford feature on this episode. 

Following the closure of Lilly's, they look at the overall nighttime economy and ask is culture changing? 

They also look ahead to the upcoming Local Elections and discuss Friday's Referendums. 

The great Pat Critchley was on Laochra Gael last week while the LaoisToday Schools QuizCast concluded on Friday in the Dunamaise Arts Centre. 

David chats to us about his family history, his decision to diversify away from traditional farming to set up a craft brewery and his plans for the future. 

He discusses some of the recent awards won by his business and how his approach now is different somewhat from when he started out a couple of years ago. 

The three-day festival takes place once again this year in Emo on the weekend of July 21-23 and Philip joins us to chat about how the whole thing came about. 

How does a solicitor end up as a concert promoter? What was his motivation for going down this route? And what are his plans for the future?

Plus he discusses what it's like dealing with some of the big names in the music industry and why being compared to the early days of Electric Picnic is a massive compliment. 

Shine is a joint venture between Emo GAA club and the Laois Chamber of Commerce and combines a trade fair featuring over 100 exhibitors alongside Ireland's Fittest Team competition, a gruelling sporting challenge that is centre stage of the event all day on Saturday.

Steven and Alan chat about the event, as well as about some of the other local stories of the past week.

Alan discusses the story whereby up to 16% of Laois County Council houses are refused by applicants. 

They also chat about the issue of auctioneers' 'For Sale' signs - and if they aren't permitted, then should politicians be allowed hang their posters?

Plus, could there be a walkway and cycle route from Portlaoise to the Rock of Dunamaise, a Castletown fundraiser with a very deep meaning and paying tribute to the recently deceased Will Sherlock and Jim McDonald. 

There's more chat about The Ditch as well as the story of Sean Mortimer, the Camross man who is set to contest for a seat on Offaly County Council

She chats to us about her photographic work in Sydney where she focuses on the Irish community and runs an Instagram page and website, An Astrail.

Julie Anne tells us about the type of event she covers, how it differs from what she did in Ireland - and the elements of working in LaoisToday that she misses the most.

Steven and Alan discuss some of the big stories of the week, including details on how Fianna Fáil are readying themselves for next year's Local Elections. 

They also chat about the story of a book being returned to Portlaoise library after 47 years as well as about Jimmy Kavanagh, the Portlaoise man whose face is now all over Dublin Bus. 

We also discuss Sinn Fein's announcement of their new candidate Maria McCormack, who will run alongside Caroline Dwane-Stanley, in Portlaoise. 

Plus we ponder the big saga at national level last week - that of Fianna Fáil TD Niall Collins following the coverage by The Ditch website. 

And our interview this week is with legendary local photographer Michael Scully. 

A native of Stradbally, he has been photographing events in the area for more than 50 years. 

He tells us of his early interest in photography, how his first job was in Leitrim and how he made the decision to come back home and start his own business. 

He describes how enjoyable a career it has been and how he's still as enthusiastic as ever after all these years. 

The #LoveLaois Podcast is free to download on all podcast platforms and will focus on some of the week's big local stories.

"With the local sports coverage well covered in our regular Talking Sport Podcasts, this production will focus on non-sport related stories," says LaoisToday owner and managing editor Steven Miller.

"It will have an upbeat tone, looking back on some of the LaoisToday stories that grabbed attention over the past week, and will give an insight into what we cover and how we approach various issues.

"We also intend on hearing from a variety of well-known local and national figures."

Our first guest is Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council Thomasina Connell, who chats about her recent trip to the USA, where she marched in the St Patrick's Day parade, met Hilary Clinton and also travelled to Williamson County in Tennessee which is twinned with Laois County Council.

She also chats about recently becoming a mother and how she balances that with her busy life as a county councillor and self-employed solicitor.

As well as that, Steven and Alan reflect on the April Fools story that reported that exiled Royals Harry and Meghan were to move to live in Clonaslee. 

The lads also chat about a Michelin Star chef setting up a restaurant in Abbeyleix, the Honest Egg children in Durrow and the passing of well-known Laois women 'Pippy' McEvoy and Lillian O'Neill.