- On Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th February 2001 three members of Laois Civil Defence successfully completed an I.S.A. Level 2 Powerboat course at Lough Ree Powerboat School.

The three; Cdr. Liam Preston, T.O. Fergal Conroy and Vol. Anthony Tynan are now qualified to operate the Avon boat belonging to Laois Civil Defence.

ends