'Standout' Portlaoise estate residents win at Laois Community & Voluntary Awards

The Aghnaharna Residents Association in Portlaoise are a standout example of how residents can impact the wider community, and their efforts did not go unnoticed in this year's Laois Community and Voluntary Awards, with the judges awarding them the Best Kept Residential Estate Award.

The organisers said this Award recognises the hard work, dedication and community spirit demonstrated by residential estates throughout Laois.

“Through ongoing volunteer effort, these groups take great pride in maintaining and improving their neighbourhoods, enhancing biodiversity and creating cleaner, greener and more vibrant places for residents of all ages to enjoy,” said the Awards team.

The judges noted that all three nominations in this category were very deserving on their own right, all working extremely hard to engage residents in the upkeep and social wellbeing in their estate.

“Sadly, there can only be one winner and this estate stood out for their level of impact both locally and in the wider community,” said the judges.

This award is sponsored by Laois County Council’s Environment Section. Vincent Booth, Chairperson Laois Public Participation Network, presented the winners with €500 and a Galway Crystal piece to commemorate the achievement.

He presented the runners-up prize of €250 to the Hawthorn Drive Residents Association in Portlaoise.

The nominations in this category were:

• Aghnaharna Residents Association, Portlaoise
• Abbey Crescent, Abbeyleix
• Hawthorn Drive Residents Association, Portlaoise

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.