Literary Events during the Lovely Laois Homecoming Festival, Saturday 6 September 2025 

LITERARY EVENT at Preston House, Abbeyleix

On Saturday 6 September 2025, a very memorable series of Literary Events were held as part of the Lovely Laois Homecoming Festival. Four separate hour-long events took place in an intimate setting at Preston House, Abbeyleix, County Laois.

Literary Event Poster

Distinguished Hollywood Actor, Patrick Bergin, enthralled an attentive literary audience as he shared his poetry, stories and a few songs. Stephen Simmons provided beautiful guitar accompaniment throughout.

Actor Patrick Bergin
Actor Patrick Bergin

Noelle O’Connell interviewed Patrick about his life and extensive acting career including his screen performances in ‘Sleeping With The Enemy’, ‘Robin Hood’ and ‘Patriot Games’; and his TV roles in ‘Red Rock’ and ‘Eastenders’.
Patrick Bergin is also a singer and poet. He read extracts from his extensive creative output and performed some of his favourite songs in this special intimate setting. Answering questions from Noelle O’Connell, Patrick revealed that he is currently working on the new Martin Scorsese series as he chatted about his work and career.

Patrick Bergin with Noelle O'Dwyer and Stephen Simmons
Pictured L-R: Noelle O’Connell, Patrick Bergin and Stephen Simmons

Open MIC Event

Following the extraordinary session with Patrick Bergin, some of the audience remained on to participate in an engaging Open MIC session in which several local writers read poems or extracts from their published literary works.

Johnny Thompson at Open MIC, Preston House
Johnny Thompson reading one of his stories at the Open MIC session at Preston House, Abbeyleix

Gala Dinner during the Lovely Laois Homecoming Festival, 6 Sept. 2025 

Special Recognition Award for Chairman Gerry Thompson

The inaugural Lovely Laois Homecoming Festival Gala Dinner was held at The Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise on Saturday 6th September 2025. It was such an enjoyable & prestigious event, all so professionally organised, fast flowing, and great entertainment. It was a very special evening for our Chairman Gerry Thompson, his family, and the Laois Association Dublin.

In addition to the special award for ‘Supervet’, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, four ‘Unsung Heroes’ and their organisations were recognised – Christy Cullen (song writer of ‘Lovely Laois’), Jack MacDonald (Laois People Worldwide Photographic Archivist), PATH (Portlaoise Action to Homelessness), and our Chairman Gerry Thompson.
Each award was a specially commissioned piece of bog oak carved as a map of County Laois.

Gerry Thompson congratulated by Trudi Lalor
Our Chairman receiving his well deserved award from Festival Organiser, Trudi Lalor
Gerry Thompson being congratulated by Members of the Laois Association Dublin
Gerry Thompson being congratulated by our Vice President, Mary Doyle, our President, Sandy Metcalfe, and Committee Member, Dorothy Murphy
Gerry Thompson is congratulated the Rose of Tralee, Katelyn Cummins (from Laois)