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:
Man Hospitalised With Serious Injuries Following Offaly Crash
It happened in Killaderry yesterday afternoon.
Biodiversity Children's Book Launches In Midlands
The Three Billy Goats Gruff of Carlow' is a project by the local authority in Carlow.
Over €3.8m In IT And Minor Works Grants Going To Midlands Schools
Standardised payments are also being brought in for the grants.
Midlands Property Prices Continuing To Rise
CSO figures show national prices are up 7.3% in the year to September.
Mercosur Vote Down To The Wire - Midlands MEP
EU countries like France and Italy are looking to delay a final vote on the deal.
Offaly Community Sports Facility To Remain Closed Over Christmas
Geashill Playground's astro-turf is currently closed over insurance policy issues.
Westmeath Security Expert Welcomes Gardai Training For EU Presidency
Gardai are being trained on how to deal with scenarios like a large scale attack.
Lower Childcare Fee Caps Could Lead To Closures - FECP
Laois member Sonya Duggan from Kilminchy School House in Portlaoise says more support is needed.
Gardai Investigating Potentially Suspicious Approach Of Child In Laois
It took place yesterday afternoon in Portarlington.
Midlands Animal Rescue Shelter Unequivocally Against Fox Hunting
A bill is expected to be voted down by Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, and Sinn Fein.
Judge Disappointed And Surprised By AG Ruling On Burke Contempt Of Court Referral
His family have also avoided a criminal charge.
Five Maternity Reviews At Portiuncula Hospital Ongoing
Seven of those reviews have now been completed.
Gardaí Confirm Discovery Of Man's Body At Midlands Premises
The man's body was found in Longford Town on Tuesday.
Laois Senator Warns Blister Pack Funding Cut Will Lead To Dangerous Confusion
The packs separate daily tablet doses into individual pockets, allowing patients take the right tablets at the right time.
Call To Fast-Track Living City Initiative For Westmeath Town
The Living City initiative is designed to revamp city centers by encouraging renovation and conversion of properties.
Midlands Community Sports Facility Closing With Immediate Effect
The Geashill Community Playground Facebook page posted the update last night.
Man Arrested In Connection With Fatal Offaly Fire Released Without Charge
A prisoner in Midlands Prison was questioned over an alleged assault which related to the fire.
Westmeath Waste Facility Remains Temporarily Closed
The site on Athlone's University Road is closed due to a direction from the HSA.
Laois Man To Be Laid To Rest Friday
The funeral of Ballacolla's Sean Geoghegan takes place on Friday.
Laois Community Safety Partnership To Start January
The 20 members of the committee have been approved.
