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.

Soon the summer solstice will take place. This is when the sun is at its furthest point from the equator, making it the longest day of the year. It has been marked as the high point of summer – or midsummer – since the Neolithic era. I’m very conscious of the growing harvest and all The post The brightest days of the year appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

This week, more than 150 events nationwide will celebrate Ireland’s 600,000+ family carers during National Carers Week 2026 (June 8–14). Carers Week 2026 has a simple but powerful message: ‘Thank you for caring’. Events will take place nationwide and online throughout the week, providing opportunities for family carers to connect, access information and support, take The post Thank You for Caring appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.