'Shock and delight' as Laois leisure centre wins best in Ireland award

A community Laois leisure centre has been announced as the Overall Best Leisure Centre in Ireland, beating off the competition from the private sector.

Portarlington Leisure Centre scooped the top prize at the Ireland Active Leisure, Health and Fitness Association's annual National Quality Standards Awards, held in the Slieve Russell Hotel in Cavan on Friday, November 25

The public leisure centre is part of Laois Leisure which now includes Portlaoise leisure centre. Laois Leisure was also awarded the highest level of 'Outstanding' at the awards night for both centres.

Both are managed by Sean Quirke and overseen by a volunteer community board of management.

Laois Leisure Portarlington is Overall Winner of the Leisure Award category, after being shortlisted with Trinity College Sports Centre and Newpark School Sports Centre.

There to represent them were Sean Quirke General Manager, Michael Quirke National Quality Standards Co-ordinator for Portlaoise, Sam Kirwan NQS Co-ordinator for Portarlington, Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick, chair of the board, and Pam Quirke, Group Operations Manager.

Pam told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that it was an honour just to be shortlisted.

"It was a shock when we won, we were delighted, we weren't expecting it. We won it in 2019.

"We are a not-for-profit company competing against the private sector, so it's a massive accolade to staff. They are the ones who implement and uphold all the standards," she said.

Portlaoise leisure centre had been run separately but the company went into liquidation due to lack of funds, in 2020 with the loss of 30 jobs. It was reopened last March under the umbrella of the Portarlington management, with a new combined board of management and a renovated building funded through the property owners Laois County Council. Portlaoise had last achieved the 'outstanding' rating six years ago.

"To reach it again in such a short timeframe is again down to staff, implementing and holding standards, across customer care, HR, safety and hygiene," Pam said.

Below: Pam Quirke heading up to accept the award. 

Laois County Council CEO John Mulholland congratulated them.

"Laois Leisure has achieved 'outstanding' at the leisure awards, for the first time in six years. Portarlington Leisure Centre is the overall winner as leisure centre of the year, their second time to achieve this.

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"Laois County Council is delighted to extend our congratulations to Laois Leisure on its achievements," Mr Mulholland said at the November council meeting.

The Ireland Active Conference and NQS Awards are the most sought-after and respected accolades in the leisure, health, and fitness industry. They recognise high standards in safety, hygiene, customer engagement and human resources.

The National Quality Standard Awards have been in operation since 2001 and are the only industry specific award for the Leisure, Health, and Fitness sector in Ireland. 

This year, 87 facilities nationwide received awards, with five facilities also awarded an ‘Overall Winner’ award in different categories. 

TUS Sports was awarded the Overall Winner of the Fitness Award category, with Gymplus Ballsbridge and K Leisure Newbridge also recognised on the shortlist for the award.

The Overall Winner for the Hotel Leisure Award category was Clannlife Fitness & Leisure Club, with The Kinsale Hotel and Spa and Zest Health Club (Cavan) shortlisted.

Expert Leisure won the Supplier of the Year award, with Aqualine, Complete Leisure, Podium4Sport and Atlantic Coast Lifeguards shortlisted.

The Most Improved Facility Award was awarded to TU Dublin Broombridge while Leixlip Amenities receiving the Best Newcomer Award.

Finally, Imelda Lyons was recognised as the Staff Person of the Year.

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CEO of Ireland Active is Karl Dunne. 

“We are delighted to be able to recognise so many fantastic facilities throughout Ireland today at our annual Ireland Active National Quality Standard Awards.

“Our members have faced a tough and difficult year, and yet have continued to strive for the highest of standards despite all the obstacles they have faced. We are delighted to see the excellent work and dedication that has gone in behind the scenes.”