Dedicated volunteers honoured at Laois Community & Voluntary Awards gala night

The incredible contributions made by the community and voluntary sector in Laois were celebrated at the 15th annual Community and Voluntary Awards Gala in Portlaoise on Friday night.

The special event brought together over 280 attendees to the Midlands Park Hotel. 

This year there was an impressive 77 nominees across eight categories including the Arts, Culture & Heritage Award; the Sports Award; the Climate Action Award; Best Kept Residential Estate; the Social Inclusion Award; Health & Wellbeing Award; the Junior Volunteer of the Year Award, and of course the much anticipated Unsung Hero. 

Welcoming guests on the night was Suzanne O’Connor, Acting Administrative Officer in the Community Department of Laois County Council. The local authority hosts the event in association with Laois Public Participation Network and is sponsored by People First Credit Union. 

The Leinster Express / Laois Live, the media partner of the awards were thanked for its support as well as associate sponsors Laois Volunteer Centre, Laois Sports Partnership CLG, Laois Partnership Company, Laois Climate Action, the Heritage & Arts sections of Laois County Council, the Environment Section of Laois County Council and Laois Local Community Development Committee.

"It is truly heartwarming to see communities from across County Laois gathered here together, taking the opportunity to enjoy an evening celebrating all that is good about volunteerism in Laois with neighbors and friends," said Ms O'Connor as she introduced the MC for the night esteemed RTÉ sports presenter and Emo native Justin Treacy.

"Without the work of our volunteers, life in our county wouldn’t exist to the same standard that it does, and this night is your night," said Mr Treacy.

 "It is clear from the volume of nominations received this year, that the work of volunteers is noticed and acknowledged throughout Laois. The judges were very impressed this year by the ongoing commitment of so many people who drive themselves and others to achieve so much in their communities. Yourefforts are a prime example of how local communities are making a real and practical difference to the quality of our lives and it is people like you who make Laois a better place to live.

"As with every awards ceremony, we know that not everyone can hold that winning prize.

"However, everyone here tonight is a winner. Your nomination demonstrates your community’s recognition of the repeated commitment you give to your local area. These Awards give us all the opportunity to recognise this publicly and to say “thank you” to each and every one of you from your community," he said.

The night was full of lively entertainment as young musicians from Camross Comhaltas entertained guests on arrival while the  Cadenza String Quartet kept the music flowing through the meal. 

The most prestigious prize of the night, the Unsung Hero Award, was won by Portlaoise man PJ Phelan for his work for traditional music with Comhaltas in Laois.

Laois' nominee for the All- Island Pride of Place Award Competition 2024—the Abbeyleix Bog Project CLG were also in attendance on the night.