'Remarkable' Kiln Lane resident wins Best Kept Residential Estate prize at Laois Community and Voluntary Awards #laoisawards25

The Kiln Lane Residents Association is the winner in the Best Kept Residential Estate Category of the Laois Community and Voluntary Awards 2025.

This award recognises the hard work and dedication shown in residential estates throughout Laois, the great pride people take in their own communities, the value of our biodiversity and how groups continue to put in a huge effort on behalf of the places where they live.

The organisers outlined why this Mountrath group was a worthy winner of the category award presented at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise.

"The Kiln lane Residents Association is a vibrant, hardworking group dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive community. Known for their strong spirit and good humour, members meet regularly over tea and coffee to plan activities and share ideas. Their efforts keep the estate mowed, weeded, and litter-free, while also organising creative sessions like cooking, painting, knitting, and simple get-togethers.

"The group hosts play days for children and fun events for all ages. They go above and beyond by checking in on elderly neighbours, delivering fresh bread and scones, and offering a listening ear during difficult times. Their community garden and polytunnel provide fresh fruit and vegetables for residents, and they involve children in planting and clean-up projects to foster pride and responsibility.

"Volunteers meet two to three times weekly to tackle tasks such as repairing fences, painting, and maintaining equipment. They also run courses on baking, home maintenance, and form-filling, ensuring practical support for everyone. For Kiln lane, it’s not just about hard work—it’s about laughter, friendship, and making the estate a better place for all," said the citation.

Donegal PPN’s judge, Mary Clyde, said the Kiln Lane Residents Association has clearly demonstrated its commitment, dedication and willingness to maintain the estate to a very high standard.

"There is a remarkable level of voluntary involvement and participation within the community. The Association is unique in that it fosters a sense of belonging, inclusiveness and wellbeing through its intergenerational activities, door-to-door visits, which creates a positive impact on the local and wider community," she said.

The Association received a Galway Crystal Trophy and prize money of €500. The Kylebrook Residents Association was the runner-up in the category and received prize money of €250.

Members of The Kylebrook Residents Association accepting the runner up award. 

Clive Davis, Chairperson of People First Credit Union, presented the prizes were sponsored by the Environment Section of Laois County Council.

The other nominees in the category were: 

• Cherrygrove Residents Group
• Clonroosk View Residents Association
• Royal Court Residents Association
• Slieve Bloom Park Estate

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.