13 men are set to begin their priesthood studies this autumn.
The Catholic priesthood is now in a better place than it was 25 years ago - despite falling numbers in Irish seminaries, according to a Laois priest.
Only 13 men are beginning their studies for the priesthood this autumn.
Fr Paddy Byrne, Parish Priest in Abbeyleix, says the decline in numbers is not surprising; but there have been positive changes also:
Three Midlands Companies Recognised At Annual Deloitte Awards Ceremony
Mergon Group and Writech Industrial Services and Glenisk were honoured alongside 115 homegrown companies.
Two In Five Women Delay Doctor Visits Over Fears Of Not Being Taken Seriously
For men, the figure stands at one in five.
Counselling Notes Are Used To Undermine Victims - Hazel Behan
A bill put forward by TD Ruth Coppinger aimed at banning the practice has started.
Plans Approved To Transform Disused Offaly Library Into Multi-Use Community Space
Shinrone Library has been vacant since 2009.
"Terrible" Presidential Debate Leaves Neutrals Cold
All three candidates were doing their best not to miss-step in their first tv debate last night.
Westmeath Pharma Workers Facing Potential Job Losses
The job cuts are set to be implemented in October.
Protest Held Over Use Of Counselling Records In Gender Violence Trials
Demonstrators are standing in solidarity with rape survivor Hazel Behan.
Roscrea Hotel Proposal Sparks Local Concern Ahead Of Council Update
The closure of Racket Hall left Roscrea without a functioning hotel.
Offaly Sees Sharp Rise In New Home Prices
The prices are up 2.7% in three months.
Midlands Hospitals Spend Nearly €860k On Debt Collectors
The Health Service is accepting its historic performance on finance has fallen short.
Ryanair Chief Issues Israel Ultimatum
Michael O'Leary says he's considering a return to Tel Aviv Airport.
Deadline For Photography Competition Approaching
If you're an aspiring snapper there's a chance you could win a €100 to spend in a range of shops.
Gluten Free Roadshow Comes To Westmeath
The event will be held in the Mullingar Park Hotel this Sunday.
Gardaí Attend Scene Of Crash In Offaly
The incident was a single vehicle collision.
State 'Grovelled' Before High Court Judge Over IPAS Centre - Westmeath Councillor
A High Court decision has mandated the removal of 32 individuals from an asylum seeker centre in Athlone.
Calls For €21m Youth Work Investment As Survey Highlights Need For Offline Spaces
Nearly 90% of people say in-person spaces are vital to young people's mental well-being.
Support And Empathy Make Offaly Breastfeeding Group Nation Leaders
Breastfeeding numbers have increased significantly in recent years in the county.
Vape And Tobacco Vending Machine Ban Takes Effect As Part Of Youth Nicotine Crackdown
Plans are also being considered to ban single-use vapes and revise packaging rules.
Fine Gael And Fianna Fáil Split On Budget 2026 Priorities
The Budget will be announced on October 7th.
New Veterans Office Promises Support For 150k Ex-Service Members
Simon Harris has promised to deliver the Office by the end of 2025.
