He was jailed during the farmers' protests of 1967.
A farmer turned TD is opening up about his experience of serving two-months in Portlaoise and Mountjoy prison in the 1960s.
Bernard Durkan was part of a road blockade in 1967 and subsequently refused to pay his £7.50 fine, incurring the prison sentence.
The Kildare-North Fine Gael deputy was incarcerated along with some of Ireland's most notorious criminals at the time.
He's now describes it as a learning experience:
Enoch Burke Criminal Contempt Proceedings To Be Decided Before Christmas
Mr Burke was told in a High Court hearing today he needs to purge his contempt to end his fourth stint behind bars.
Enterprise Minister Calls For End To Nuisance Objections Amid Infrastructure Plan
It follows a radical 30 point plan.
Mercosur Trade Deal 'Cannot Proceed' - Midlands MEP
There has been an EU-wide recall of Brazilian beef.
Public Urination Leads Gardaí To Apprentice's €17k Drug Haul
The urination “drew the attention” of the gardaí.
Laois Cathaoirleach Pushes For Redesigned Road Layout
He is condemning speeding drivers.
Dreams Come True For Westmeath EuroDreams Winner
This is the second win in two days for players in Westmeath.
Department Of Agriculture Confirms €2.5m In Midlands Beef Welfare Payments
Agri Minister Martin Heydon says work is being done to ensure the scheme continues next year.
Laois And Offaly Rivers To Benefit From Funding
Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Barrier Mitigation Programme is approving projects in Laois and Offaly.
Supporter Receives Ban For Disorderly Behavior At Quarter-Final
The passionate Offaly and Kilcormac-Killoughey GAA supporter is well known in the local GAA community.
Fianna Fail Will Back Midlands Hospice Location If Granted By Council Planners
Peter Ormond says he and his colleagues will support the proposal if put before them this month.
Offaly Comedian To Headline Comedy Festival
Neil Delamare will jon the line for a new comedy festival being trialled in Carlow.
Ukrainian Community In Midlands Welcome Zelenskyy Visit To Ireland
The Ukrainian President makes his first official visit to the country today.
Laois County Council Still Awaiting Landfill Authorisation Certs From EPA
A new Journal.ie investigation shows that they're the only local authority to apply for all landfill sites.
Midlands Ireland Showcase Taking Place Tomorrow
TUS International Arena in Athlone at 10am, and runs until 4pm.
Christmas Enforcement Campaign Launches For Midlands Roads
166 people have lost their lives on Irish roads this year.
Domestic Abuse Support Service Expands To Westmeath Town
Esker House now has a Mullingar base.
Revenue Seize Over €1m Worth Of Cannabis
Multiple seizures have led to the discovery of cannabis, tobacco, and various other drugs.
Former Midlands Fastway Distribution Hub Up For Let
Clement Herron Real Estate is listing the facility.
€50 Million Investment In Westmeath Hospital To Create New Jobs
200 new jobs are set to be created in Ballinderry.
Recall Of Brazillian Beef From EU Markets Raises Questions
Hormones were discovered in beef exported from Brazil.
