Laois heritage champion to receive highest council honours
The highest civic honour possible in Laois is to be bestowed upon a man who champions the preservation and promotion of the county's heritage.
Teddy Fennelly, former Leinster Express editor, is already the 2022 Heritage Hero Award winner of the National Heritage Awards.
He is now to be honoured with a Civic Reception by Laois County Council.
His nomination was proposed by Cllr Willie Aird and seconded by Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley, at the November meeting of Laois County Council.
Teddy Fennelly has been an advocate and enthusiast for local history and heritage in Laois for more than 50 years. He was recently honoured with the 2022 Heritage Hero award for his outstanding contribution to the protection and promotion of heritage over that time.
He has been pivotal in ensuring that the story of Colonel James Fitzmaurice and first East-West Transatlantic flight in April 1928 is remembered and his book “Fitz and the Famous Flight” is the definitive work on the subject.
The Portlaoise Plane was returned to Ireland and restored under his guidance, to be eventually put on exhibit in the town's Fort Protector. Teddy has also played a key role in the heritage-led regeneration of that 16th century plantation fort.
He has written books on many topics from the cooperative movement and Donaghmore Workhouse to the history of Laois GAA. As Chair and President of Laois Heritage Society, he has been responsible for publishing journals, promoting research and carrying out practical conservation projects.
A date is not yet announced for the civic reception in council chambers.