Laois men sing their way to being the pride of Ireland

Timahoe Male Choir's embodiment of Laois community spirit in action has been recognised and honoured at a prestigious all-Ireland awards event  in Limerick 

Members of the now nationally popular Choir joined with representatives from Laois County Council at the prestigious IPB Pride of Place Awards in Limerick on Friday, November 7, at a gala event hosted by Limerick City and County Council in The Strand Hotel.

There was great joy among the Laois delegation when it was announced that the Timahoe Male Choir was awarded the Community Wellbeing Initiative (Focused) Award at the all-island Awards Ceremony.  

Since its formation, the Timahoe Male Choir's mix of culture and community has led them to feature in local, national and international events. They've starred on TV and radio and proudly represented Laois at the world-famous St Patrick’s Day Parade in New York. 

Yet the cross-generational choir members say as much joy comes from singing for small audiences in Laois as for thousands at major events like the Electric Picnic in Stradbally where they played on the Main stage this year. They also performed at Pints in a Field and Forest Fest.

The Choir, with the support of Laois County Council, welcomed Pride of Place judges to Laois in August. During the visit, judges heard testimonies from choir members and proud residents, as well as from numerous local groups who have benefited from the choir’s fundraising efforts and uplifting performances.

The Judges praised the real sense of community and togetherness they witnessed in Timahoe, noting the infectious energy and positivity the choir brings to every performance. They highlighted the choir’s role in fostering connection, offering support, and building lasting friendships.

Choir leader Damien Bowe was delighted as he reflected on the honour. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to bring this award home to Timahoe. It’s always encouraging to be acknowledged. This initiative has grown into something truly special, and we’re committed to keeping the music alive, the conversations going, and our doors open to all,” he said in a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Roghan Headen another Choir member, also attended the gala event.

“Since the Timahoe Male Choir started in 2023, it has been a great initiative for the charitable work and fundraisers undertaken, as well as for our personal wellbeing. Members meeting up once a week, having a purpose and coming together collectively in song, has ignited a sense of community in a lot of men in Timahoe and the surrounding areas.

"Men that would have been private now have an awoken sense of community, wellbeing and spirit. It’s a fantastic initiative that personally I’m very proud to be involved in,” he said.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Barry Walsh, expressed his pride in the win for Laois.

“It’s inspiring to see how the efforts of a small community can have such a wide-reaching impact. I’m thrilled to see their dedication recognised. Huge congratulations to everyone involved and to the community of Timahoe,” he said.

Chief Executive of Laois County Council, Michael Rainey, echoed the sentiment.

READ ALSO: Timahoe Choir on Electric PICNIC Main Stage

“The Timahoe Male Choir exemplifies the extraordinary potential of community-driven initiatives across Laois. What began locally has now earned national and even international recognition. The sense of community, connection and support evident with the Timahoe Male Choir reflects the vibrant community spirit found across the county of Laois,” he said. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Among the Laois delegation at the awards were: Rachel Doheny, Senior Staff Officer, Community, Laois County Council, Pat Delaney, Acting Director of Services: Community and Integration, Climate and Environment, Laois County Council, Cllr Barry Walsh, Cathaoirleach, Laois County Council, Damien Bowe, Choir Leader, Timahoe Male Choir, Fr David Vard, Timahoe Male Choir, Roghan Headen, Timahoe Male Choir, Ger Galway, Timahoe Male Choir and Michael Rainey, Chief Executive of Laois County Council.

READ ALSO: 

About Pride of Place
IPB Pride of Place in association with Co-operation Ireland is an all-island competition that acknowledges the work that communities are doing all over the island of Ireland. The competition focus is about people coming together to shape, change and improve daily lives in their communities. Since the competition commenced in 2003, it has impacted on hundreds of thousands of people, all of whom are proud of their place. The competition is based on communities demonstrating directly to the judges their pride in their place by oral presentations where they highlight community activities, culture and many other aspects that contribute to their pride of place. It is also important that the community demonstrates a real partnership with their local authority and shows that all sectors of the community are included.

More info
https://www.prideofplace.ie/

https://laois.ie/community/community-development/pride-of-place-initiative