Hundreds of people from across Laois converged on Portlaoise to honour the invaluable contribution made by local volunteers and voluntary organisations at the Laois Community and Voluntary Awards 2026.
The winners and runners up were:
- Unsung Hero Award -Sonya Stokes.
- Junior Volunteer of the Year - Kacie Constantinou; Runner-up - Leah O’Reilly Redmond.
- Arts, Culture & Heritage: Winner Abbeyleix Christmas Lights & Market; Runner- Up - Portlaoise Pantomime Group.
- Social Inclusion: Winner Portlaoise Active Retirement Association; Runner-up - Laois Friends
- Sports Award: Winner - Stradbally Riding for the Disabled Members past and present; Runner-Up - Mountrath Badminton Club
- Health and Wellbeing Award: Winner - Health & Wellbeing Award; Runner-Up - Portlaoise Community First Responders
- Climate Action Award: Winnner - Abbeyleix Community Garden; Runner-up - Rathdowney Men’s Shed.
- Best Kept Residential Estate Award: Winner - Aghnaharna Residents Association in Portlaoise; Runner-up - Hawthorn Drive Residents Association.
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.
13. Runners up Sports Award Mountrath Badminton Club with JJ Carey, Chair People First Credit Union
Pic: Paul Dargan
14. Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald, Cathaoirleach Laois County Council, presents the Unsung Hero trophy to the winner Sonya Stokes.
Pic: Paul Dargan
15. Unsung Hero winner Sonya Stokes and Sophia Stokes.
Pic: Paul Dargan
16. Unsung Hero Award Winner Sonya Stokes
Pic: Paul Dargan
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