Award partners are honoured to be supporting the best of Laois life
Laois Community and Voluntary Awards made possible by a partnership approach in Laois
Laois County Council hosts the Laois Community and Voluntary Awards with the support of partner sections in Áras an Chontae and other Laois organisations that have a stake in seeing volunteers flourish across the county.
Connect Laois sponsors the Social Inclusion Award. Caroline Lydon, Chief Executive Officer, congratulated the winners.
“Connect Laois are delighted that Portlaoise Active Retirement are the winners in this year's Social Inclusion category. This award is a wonderful recognition of the commitment, passion and determination shown by everyone involved in the group. Their work has created opportunities, built connections, and helped ensure that people from all backgrounds feel valued and included in their community,” she said.
The Laois Sports Partnership supports the Sports Award. Caroline Myers is CEO of Laois Sports Partnership.
"I would like to congratulate the winner of the Sports Award and all those nominated for this year's Community & Voluntary Awards. Each nominee has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to supporting sport and physical activity within their community, helping to create inclusive opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Their work enhances health and wellbeing, brings people together, and helps to build stronger, more connected communities across County Laois. We are delighted to support an award that recognises and celebrates these invaluable contributions, and we wish the winner continued success in the future," she said.
The Laois Local Community Development Committee sponsors the Health & Wellbeing Award. Joan Bolger chairs the Laois LCDC.
“Laois LCDC is honoured to sponsor the Health & Wellbeing Award at the Laois Community & Voluntary Awards. We are delighted to recognise and celebrate the outstanding individuals, groups and organisations who make such a positive difference to the health and wellbeing of people and communities across Laois. Their dedication, commitment and compassion play a vital role in building healthier, happier and more connected communities, and we are proud to support and celebrate their invaluable contribution,” she said.
The Laois Volunteer Centre sponsors the Junior Volunteer of the Year Award. Caitriona Ryan is the Centre’s Manager.
“Laois Volunteer Centre is proud to sponsor the Junior Volunteer of the Year category for the fourth consecutive year. It is vital that we acknowledge the contribution young people make to their communities. Every year, we are both privileged and humbled to learn about their inspiring work,” she said.
The Arts and Heritage Offices at Laois County Council sponsor the Arts, Heritage & Culture Award. Thomas Carolan and Monica Flynn said the sections are delighted to support the Arts & Heritage Award in 2026.
“Across the county, communities play a vital role in celebrating our rich cultural heritage, nurturing creativity and making the arts accessible to all. The passion, commitment and hard work behind these local initiatives make a lasting contribution to community life, and we are pleased to recognise and celebrate their achievements,” they said.
The council’s Climate Action action supports the Climate Action Award. Suzanne Dempsey is the Laois Climate Action Coordinator.
“We are delighted to sponsor the Climate Action Award and to recognise the fantastic work being carried out by community and voluntary groups across Laois. Local action is at the heart of tackling climate change, and this award celebrates the groups whose commitment, ideas and practical projects are helping to create a greener and more resilient county,” she said.
The Best Kept Residential Estate Award is backed by the Environment Section at County Hall. Samantha McLeod is the local authority’s Environmental Awareness Officer.
‘It’s great to see the pride and effort residents put into making their estates welcoming places to live. This award recognises the people who come together to look after their local areas and make a real difference to their communities and we are honoured to sponsor this award,” she said.
Carol Murphy, Marketing Manager, People First Credit Union, said
“It was a proud night for People First Credit Union as main sponsor. Seeing so many volunteers come together who give their time to make Laois a better place to live is exactly why we’re proud to continue our sponsorship in 2027, 2028 and 2029. Thank you to Laois County Council, in association with Laois PPN, for making the night possible. To all our volunteers, your towns and villages are proud to call you their own,” she said.
The Leinster Express / Laois Live is Media Partner again this year. Laura McLoughlin, Editor, commented on what it means to support the Awards.
“As a local newspaper that is nearly 200 years old, the Leinster Express has a proud tradition of telling the stories that matter to the people of Laois and being at the heart of what happens in the community. This is why we are so honoured to be part of this special event as the official media partner. Laois has fantastic community spirit and we are delighted to be able to showcase the hard work of our wonderful volunteers through our coverage of these awards.” she said.
The Awards were presented at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise on Friday, November 13.