What do a former US president, the Canadian prime minister and two of the world’s biggest rock stars have in common? They’re all celebrating. Mayo overcame a 75-year-old ‘curse’ and finally broke its barren run in one of Ireland’s biggest sporting occasions. Victory in the Gaelic Athletic Association’s (GAA) All-Ireland Senior Football final had eluded The post Mayo for Sam……. appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

I was greatly inspired recently by the story of the Ulma family, patrons of family life and the unborn child.  In a world overshadowed by terror and brutality, the story of Józef and Wiktoria Ulma and their six young children shines as a beacon of humanity and moral clarity. Living in the quiet village of Markowa The post The Ulma Family appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

One day a farmer’s donkey fell into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway-it just wasn’t worth it to retrieve the donkey. He invited all his neighbours to The post The Donkey in the Well appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

Much focus these days is on the United States of America. The U.S. hosts this very enjoyable World Cup, true to form the various stadia are exuberant and very big in every sense of the word!  The recent celebration of the 250th anniversary of its foundation celebrated the extraordinary contribution The United States has made over The post Sr. Helen and the death penalty appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

Addiction is a lived reality for many good people. The life story of an Irish man and his recovery is an inspirational one. Matt Talbot was born May 1856 in Dublin Ireland. He was one of twelve children, six of whom lived to adulthood. His father was a heavy drinker and, as a result, the The post A Saintly Addict appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

The cuckoo is an extraordinary bird. It’s first soundings are warmly greeted as its song reminds us that winter has passed and much brighter days ahead. Here in Abbeyleix local bog walk, the cuckoo’s presence brings comfort and healing. Yet the cuckoo itself is painfully unaware of how valued and loved its beautiful life is.  A The post The Cuckoo Song appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.