Delight as Laois Community and Voluntary awards return

Laois County Council in collaboration with Laois PPN and long-standing sponsor People First Credit Union are delighted to launch the Community and Voluntary Awards 2025.

The Community and Voluntary Awards 2025 celebrate the vibrancy and the commitment of Community Groups and Volunteers, which helps positively impact and enrich communities across County Laois. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO 

Laois County Council in partnership with Laois P.P.N launched the Community & Voluntary Awards 2025 at Timahoe Round Tower. Pictured at the event were Sam McLeod, Laois Co Co, Dan Bergin, Laois P.P.N, Carmel McNicholl, Director of Services Laois Co Co, Suzanne O'Connor, Laois Co Co, Cllr. Padraig Fleming, Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co, Michael Rainey, Chief Executive Laois Co Co, Carol Murphy, Marketing Manager People First Credit Union Sponsor, Joan Bolger, Laois Co Co, Georgina Ireland, Laois Co Co, Caroline Myers, Laois Sports Partnership, Caitriona Ryan, Laois Volunteer Centre, Belinda Gyves People First Credit Union & Laura McLoughlin, Managing Editor Leinster Express

Launching the awards at Timahoe Round Tower, which overlooks the picturesque village of Timahoe, the Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr. Padraig Fleming said “There are so many Community Groups and Volunteers across our County deserving of recognition, so it is a great pleasure to be here today in the beautiful village of Timahoe to launch the Community and Voluntary Awards 2025. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO 

Pictured for the Laois County Council in partnership with Laois P.P.N Launch of the Community & Voluntary Awards 2025 at Timahoe Round Tower were Michael Rainey, Chief Executive Laois Co Co, Cllr. Padraig Fleming, Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co & Dan Bergin Laois P.P.N

“The Awards hosted by Laois County Council in collaboration with Laois PPN are a wonderful way to recognise the work of these groups who enhance the quality of lives in our communities. I wish all Community Groups every success with their nominations.”

Michael Rainey, Chief Executive, Laois County Council invited people to enter this year’s awards saying.

“Each year, the Community & Voluntary Awards event rightly celebrates and acknowledges the significant and highly valued role that volunteers play in our communities. Laois County Council is proud to once again host this important event in partnership with Laois PPN and People First Credit Union.”

 He added: “Volunteers are the backbone of community organisations across the county, and their tireless efforts make our society a better place for everyone. The Community & Voluntary Awards is our way of honouring and recognising that incredible contribution.’’

John Oxley, Chairperson of Laois PPN said: “The Community and Voluntary Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the incredible impact the selfless work of individuals and groups has on all our lives. A special thanks to our main sponsor of the Awards, People First Credit Union for their continued support. Laois PPN would encourage Community Groups to submit nominations, to help honour and celebrate the many community groups who work to make our communities stronger and more vibrant and showcase the amazing work they do in our County. We wish all those who enter this year the very best of luck”.

Speaking on behalf of People First Credit Union, Carol Murphy, Marketing Manager said; “People First Credit Union is proud to return once again as the main sponsor of the Laois Community and Voluntary Awards. These awards are a powerful reminder of the remarkable impact made by volunteers who give their time, energy, and heart to support others and strengthen our communities. It is a privilege to stand alongside Laois County Council and the Laois PPN in celebrating the spirit of community and the exceptional work carried out by volunteer groups across the county”. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO 

Pictured are Carol Murphy & Belinda Gyves of People First Credit Union Main Sponsors for the Community & Voluntary Awards at the 2025 Launch held at Timahoe Round Tower.

Managing editor of the Leinster Express, Laura McLoughlin was delighted to attend the launch of this year's awards noting “Incredible work is being done right across the county and it is clear that community spirit is truly alive and well in Laois. The Leinster is proud to once again be the media partner for these awards which are a fantastic way to recognise and celebrate our incredible volunteers.” CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO 

Cllr Padraig Fleming, Cathaoirleach Laois County Council and Laura McLoughlin, Managing Editor of the Leinster Express at the launch of this year's awards in Timahoe.

This year’s categories are as follows:

Arts, Culture & Heritage Award
This award recognises Groups/Organisations who enhance their local areas, by conserving, protecting and promoting the Arts, Culture and Heritage of their local community through collective creative activities. Examples include - Drama, Music, Literature, Arts, Festivals, Conservation, and Heritage. – S ponsored by LCC Arts & Heritage Sections

Social Inclusion Award
This award recognises Groups/Organisations that actively work in a supportive role in their communities and whose aim is to minimise social exclusion and/or help to improve the quality of life for socially excluded groups. Examples include working with the elderly, People with Disabilities, Ethnic Minority, Travelling Community, Young people intransition, LGBTI+ and the Homeless. Sponsored by Laois Partnership Company

Sports Award
This award is to recognise and celebrate groups in our local communities from clubs, and community organisations that go above and beyond in their efforts to promote community sport and physical activity opportunities.  This award aims to acknowledge groups or organisations that provide a leading role in their communities to help to improve the quality of life and reduce barriers to participation through physical activity or sports.  Sponsored by Laois Sports Partnership

Climate Action Awards
This award recognises communities carrying out awareness initiatives and/or actions that make a positive contribution against climate change. Climate actions can encourage your community to improve the impact of their everyday choices, support local communities and foster a sustainable approach to protecting the environment. Sponsored by LCC Climate Action Section

Best Kept Residential ESTATE Award
This award recognises the hard work and dedication shown in residential areas throughout Laois. It recognises the great pride people have in their own communities. It also recognises the value of our biodiversity, and those who continue to put in a huge effort, on behalf of the places where they live. –Sponsored by LCC Environment Section

The Health and Well Being Award
This award recognises community health and wellbeing initiatives i.e. mental health, sexual health, awareness raising & promotion around medical conditions, disorders, and disabilities, including opportunities for social connections, increased meaningful daily activities, developing confidence and providing a sense of purpose & positive self-worth for citizens in the community. Sponsored by Laois Local Community & Development Committee (LCDC)

Junior Volunteer of the Year Award
This award recognises the outstanding contribution young people throughout the county, have made to their local community. Every community has individuals who are boundless in their energy and determination to get things done.
Sponsored by Laois Volunteer Centre

Each group and individual nominated will be presented with a Certificate acknowledging their contribution to the community and voluntary effort in Laois. There will also be award winners and runners up across a range of categories. One of the most anticipated awards each year, goes to an individual, who the judges believe puts in such effort that they can be regarded as somewhat of an Unsung Hero, for the work they do.

Individuals can be nominated for the Junior Volunteer of the Year and Unsung Hero Awards.

Do you know someone or a group who deserves recognition for their outstanding contributions? This is your chance to shine a spotlight on them! So, go ahead and get nominating your local community and voluntary groups and individuals.
Nomination forms are available online at www.laois.ie, www.ppn.ie andwww.peoplefirstcu.ie from Tuesday, June 17 at 4pm.
Remember the date! The closing date for receipt of nominations is by 4 pm, Friday, September 5, 2025.