Laois County Council host civic reception for Heritage Hero, Teddy Fennelly

A civic reception in honour of Teddy Fennelly in recognition of being awarded Ireland’s National Heritage Hero 2022 was held in County Hall on Thursday night last. 

The Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Thomasina Connell spoke of Teddy’s pioneering of heritage in Laois.

Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald noted his passion for Portlaoise and the county and his involvement with Portlaoise GAA as a player and administrator. 

CEO John Mulholland spoke of his lifetime of work and said that Teddy Fennelly had “turned the tide on the public apathy towards heritage." He noted projects such as the Portlaoise Plane. 

Virginia Teehan, CEO of the Heritage Council, said that the Heritage Council values the work Teddy does and noted his extraordinary achievements. 

Michael Parsons, Laois Heritage Chairman said that Teddy had spearheaded numerous projects including the Rock of Dunamaise, Heritage Trails and the Old Fort Conservation Plan. He was “a man for all seasons,” Mr Parsons said. 

Former GAA President Liam O’Neill traced Teddy’s history in GAA stating he was the first Laois PRO and, as such, he had set the standard. 

Teddy Fennelly said that heritage was no longer a minority pursuit. He said that it made Ireland unique and was vital to the country’s future. He paid tribute to his own family and a wide range of people, including the Heritage Council and former Heritage Officers Catherine Casey and Amanda Pedlow. 

He also used the occasion to advocate for a county museum and a permanent home for Laois Heritage Society.