Laois voluntary heroes set to be honoured in Portlaoise

Voluntary groups and volunteer groups from across Laois converge at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise for a gala night of celebration at the Laois Community and Voluntary Awards 2026.

Taking place on Friday, November 13, the 17th edition of the awards celebrates the incredible work of volunteers in Laois.

A total of 59 groups and individuals have been nominated across eight categories for awards that will be presented at the Gala event supported by Laois County Council and Laois PPN, with People First Credit Union as the corporate sponsor.

Partner organisations Connect Laois, Laois Volunteer Centre, Laois Sports Partnership, and Laois Local Community Development Committee (LCDC). The Leinster Express / Laois Live is the official media partner.

The event sets out to recognise volunteers without whom the organisers say Life in Laois wouldn’t exist to the same standard that it does.

The organisers say that the volume of nominations received this year reflects the fact that volunteers are noticed and acknowledged throughout Laois.

“Your efforts 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,” the event in Portlaoise will be told.

Attendees will arrive from 6.45 pm and the official start time is 7.30 pm. Portlaoise Comhaltas will provide musical entertainment as guests arrive.

While there will be winners across the eight categories, the organisers say a nomination demonstrates recognition of the repeated commitment given by all the nominees to their local area.

Arts, Culture & Heritage Award

Recognises Clubs/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.

Sponsored by LCC Arts & Heritage Sections

Sports Award

Recognises and celebrates 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 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

Recognises the hard work and dedication shown in Residential Estates throughout Laois. It recognises the great pride people have in their own communities, the value of our biodiversity and continued effort on behalf of the place they live.

Sponsored by LCC Environment Section

Health and Well Being Award

Recognises community health and wellbeing groups, i.e., mental health, sexual health, awareness raising and promotion around medical conditions, disorders, and disabilities, increased meaningful daily activities, developing confidence, and providing a sense of purpose and positive self-worth for citizens in the community. This award acknowledges community groups, organisations and clubs that promote physical and mental health and wellbeing, focusing on prevention and keeping people healthier for longer, including opportunities for social connections.

Sponsored by LCDC

Social Inclusion 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 in transition, LGBTI+ and the Homeless.

Sponsored by Connect Laois

Junior Volunteer of the Year 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.

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 an Unsung Hero, for the work they do within their communities.

Laois representatives at the IPB Pride of Place awards from Clough and Portlaoise will be special guests on the night. Clough Village won in the 0-300 category while Portlaoise Tidy Towns were Runners-Up in the Climate Action and Biodiversity Category.

Laois Federation of Tidy Towns Awards will also be presented on the night.