‘Every person in this room was a winner’ - Laois Unsung Hero Sonya Stokes

An eruption of applause greeted the announcement that Portlaoise resident Sonya Stokes had been chosen as the Laois Community and Voluntary Awards Unsung Hero for 2026.

The moment was the climax of a wonderful night in the Midlands Park Hotel on Friday, November 13, where the ballroom was filled with Laois community volunteers enjoying well deserved recognition for their hard work.

Those who nominated Sonya described her as a ‘community champion’, dedicating her time to supporting residents, advocating for victims, and helping create a safer, more inclusive community.

“Through her compassion, courage, and tireless volunteer work, she continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of others,” they said.

While all the nominees impressed, the judges agreed in their assessment of the Limerick woman who has made Laois home.

‘’The Unsung Heroes nominees are all winners in their own right, and it was extremely difficult for us to choose a winner.

"However, one nominee stood out for their work in relation to bringing about change in the legislative area alongside their own local community work. We wish them continued success in their vital work,” said the judges.

The Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr. Catherine Fitzgerald, had the honour of presenting the Unsung Hero Award to the 2026 winner.

Sonya, who lives in Portlaoise, also received a gift voucher courtesy of the Midlands Park Hotel in recognition of her achievement.

A shocked Sonya spoke to the Leinster Express afterwards.

“No words can describe how I feel right now. I’m shaking. I’m not the only winner; every person in this room was a winner tonight,” Sonya said.

She said that the award is a recognition for her of the work she has been doing for the past 11 years, as founder of her support group Victims Voices, giving a voice and campaigning on behalf of other victims and survivors of sexual violence, abuse and historical abuse.

“It is especially for the past year with Senator McCormack and Matt Carthy, we have done a tremendous amount of work on the civil protections order bill.

“My next award will be just to see that over the line. I call on all politicians to stand by us and get this over the line,” she said.

The bill would give courts power to impose an order stopping convicted offenders from ever approaching, contacting or intimidating a victim following their release from prison.

"A conviction should not mean the end of the protection that victims deserve,” she said.

Sonya describes what drives her volunteerism.

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“I’m a survivor myself, and I have so many survivors reach out to me, and for that I just have to keep moving forward, one step in front of the other, and support these women, because they need extra support,” the Unsung Hero said.

She also has her own supporters.

“I have Shaneda Daly and Leona Fitzgerald, Paula Doyle and a few in the background.

“I want to thank Senator McCormack and her mother, Carmel O’Connor, and especially my beautiful daughter Sophia Stokes, who’s with me tonight. She’s been my rock and supported me along the way.

“And a big thanks to Kilminchy Residents Association. Communities are all about coming together, supporting one another and working towards something better for everyone. I’ve given many voluntary hours throughout the year because I care about our community.

"Alongside other residents, I’ve also helped support Kilminchy Management Company in their tremendous work to get the much-needed playground for our area over the line.

“I’m very proud of Kilminchy and I’m hoping to drive it on. We’re looking for more volunteers, so if anybody would like to join, reach out to me on Facebook,” Sonya said.

Sonya is described by those who nominated her as the “very definition of an unsung community hero”

They said she is someone who gives her time, energy and heart to helping others, often quietly and without ever looking for recognition in return.

“She is deeply rooted in her local community through her work with Kilminchy Residents Association, where she has consistently worked to make her area a better, stronger and more connected and inclusive place to live,” said the nomination.

As a founding member of the association, Sonya volunteers as treasurer and events organiser, giving up her time voluntarily to help build a better, safer and more connected community for everyone.

In the past year, she helped organise and support many events including the Christmas festival, table quiz, colouring competitions, planting days and a sports and cultural day.

She has also been to the fore in addressing safety for all.

"From the initial meeting with An Garda Síochána regarding anti-social behaviour to the present day, Kilminchy has become a much safer inclusive environment, and this is down to no small part of Sonya Stokes,” said the nomination.

Sonya’s contribution extends far beyond her own neighbourhood.

She also runs a voluntary organisation called Victims Voices, supporting women at their most vulnerable time, quietly and confidentially from her own home.

"She has used her own experiences to advocate for victims and survivors of sexual violence, turning her own pain into power and using it to give courage, hope and a voice to other people,” said the nomination.

Her advocacy has also brought her all the way from her community in Laois to Leinster House, where she has contributed to the campaign for stronger legal protections for victims of sexual violence, including the proposed Victims of Sexual Violence (Civil Protection Orders) Bill.

“Sonya keeps showing up for other people when no one is watching whether it is supporting a survivor who needs someone to listen, advocating for better protections at national level, or working alongside her neighbours through Kilminchy Residents Association.

"Her commitment, passion and devotion for helping in the community shines through in everything she does.

“Sonya’s contribution may not always make headlines, but it is felt by the people she supports and by the community she works so hard for.

"She embodies courage, compassion, resilience and community spirit, and I can think of nobody more deserving of recognition than Sonya Stokes,” concluded the nomination.

The award was presented at a gala reception in the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise on Friday, November 13.

This is the 17th year of the awards, which were hosted by Laois County Council in association with Laois Public Participation Network and sponsored by People First Credit Union, Laois Sports Partnership, Connect Laois, and Laois Volunteer Centre.

The Leinster Express / Laois Live is the Media Partner.