Slieve Bloom Association wins Arts, Culture, Heritage award at Laois Community and Voluntary Awards #laoisawards25

The Slieve Bloom Association is the winner in the Arts, Culture & Heritage Category of the Laois Community and Voluntary Awards 2025.

The Arts, Culture and Heritage award recognises Groups and Organisations that enhance their local areas by conserving, protecting and promoting the Arts, Culture and Heritage of their local community through collective creative activities.

The Award organisers explained why the Association was the deserving winner of the category award, which was presented at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise. 

"Founded in 1975, the Association has worked tirelessly to protect the cultural and natural heritage of Counties Laois and Offaly, while fostering strong community spirit and pride of place.

"This year marked a significant milestone as the Association celebrated its 50th anniversary with a commemorative walk and the unveiling of plaques honouring lifelong members at the Ridge of Capard. Throughout 2025, the group hosted a vibrant calendar of events, including the Imbolc Festival in Cadamstown, the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Rosenallis, the May Bush Festival, heritage walks, and the annual Fraughan Sunday celebration. Each event brought people of all ages together to celebrate tradition, history, and the unique landscape of the Slieve Bloom region.

"The Association’s ongoing work in trail maintenance, biodiversity awareness, and the protection of historic sites continues to strengthen local identity and community wellbeing. As they look to future projects, including heritage restoration and expanding membership,the Slieve Bloom Association remains a vital guardian of culture, nature, and community life," said the citation.

Ms Bridie Costello Hynes of Offaly Public Participation Network said it was a privilege to adjudicate the Arts, Culture & Heritage category, with each nomination being a worthy winner in their own right.

"The level of work, commitment and time given by these groups illustrated the passion and care you have for your communities. Each nominated group brings wonder and joy to the community as a whole in different guises. Keep up the good work and continued success into the future," she said.

The Association received a Galway Crystal Trophy and prize money of €500 from Michael Rainey, Laois County Council Chief Executive.

The Timahoe Male Choir was the runner-up in the category and received prize money of €250. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

The runners-up and the winner’s prizes were sponsored by the Arts and Heritage offices of Laois County Council.

The other nominees in the category were: 

• Comhaltas – Portlaoise Branch
• Portlaoise Musical Society
• Tonduff Cillín
• St Joseph's Embroidery Group Portlaoise
• Mountmellick Community Arts & Culture Centre

The award was presented at a gala reception in the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise on Friday, November 21.

This is the 16th 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, Laois Partnership, Laois Volunteer Centre.

The Leinster Express / Laois Live is the Media Partner.