Economy:

Fleming's Fireclays was started by PJ Fleming in 1935. It generated employment for the village and the surrounding areas and provided housing for many of its workers. These houses constituted nearly all the dwellings in the village until 2003, when two new housing projects began and the number of houses has alost doubled as a result. The factory utilises fireclay, which is an abundant local resource, to make bricks and chimney flues. The factory was rebranded as Lagan Brick when Flemings Fireclay was absorbed into the Lagan Group  and is now owned by the Breedon Group.

Education:

Scoil an Chroí Ró-Naofa, The Swan N.S. opened on the 7th of May 1956 with 27 boys and 16 girls registered in the school. Children from The Swan previously attended Wolfhill N.S. The school was extended in 2006 and now has 2 classrooms, a learning support room, a nurture room, library area and a staffroom. The school became known locally as 'The Swan N.S.' but has recently begun using the original name, 'Scoil an Chroí Ró- Naofa' in official documentation.

Sport:

• Locals play for football for St. Joseph's GAA club. Some players of note from The Swan over the past number of years are Tom Kelly and Joe Higgins, both of whom received GAA All Stars award in 2003 after Laois' successful Leinster campaign. Joe Higgins also brought boxing glory to the village with a total of 9 Leinster Titles and 2 All-Irelands.

• St. Abban's A.C. is the local athletics club and many of our pupils experience success in various events.

• Crettyard F.C. caters for those playing soccer.