A new exhibition inspired by the work of James Fintan Lalor will be launched at the Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise, on 3 October. Laois native Lalor (1807-1849) dedicated his life to lobbying on behalf of those who were too downtrodden to speak for themselves and he had a profound effect on Irish political developments. Artist Brendon Deacy was commissioned by Laois County Council to produce an exhibition as part of the James Fintan Lalor School 2014 and his series of paintings revitalise Lalor’s words with images of contemporary Ireland. The exhibition runs until 8 November and is accompanied by a newspaper enriched with incisive commentaries from Robert Ballagh, Ken Loach, Sr Stanislaus Kennedy, Jim O’Brien and more. Visit www.dunamaise.ie