LAOIS REVIEW 2022: Teddy Fennelly takes the crown of Ireland's Heritage Hero

Teddy Fennelly has been an advocate and enthusiast for local history and heritage in Portlaoise Laois for more than 50 years.

This contribution has not gone unnoticed or unrecognised locally and his efforts were honoured with the 2022 Heritage Hero award at that National Heritage Awards in Dublin.

The Heritage Council awards honour those organisers who created the most engaging and inspiring events and projects for National Heritage Week 2022, as well as Ireland’s Heritage Hero.

This year National Heritage Week celebrated the return of in-person events, while continuing to showcase digital projects, which proved popular over the last two years.

More than 1,800 events and projects took place around the country in August during National Heritage Week, as communities and individuals answered the Heritage Council’s invitation to explore this year’s themes of sustainable heritage and biodiversity.

The former Leinster Express Editor was nominated by Laois County Council for the award which has seen him dedicating a life time to a multitude of heritage project. In making the award the Heritage Council said it recogises his outstanding contribution to the protection and promotion of heritage over that time.

One of the many projects he has worked focuses on aviation and the achievments of a fellow Laois man who put the county and Portlaoise on the map in the 20th century.

“He has been pivotal in ensuring that the story of Colonel James Fitzmaurice and first East-West Transatlantic flight in April 1928 is remembered and his book

“Fitz and the Famous Flight” is the definitive work on the subject,” said the council.

As Chair of the Col Fitzmaurice Commemoration Committee, Teddy commissioned 'The Impossible Dream', a piece of music by Martin Tourish and the Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra, commemorating Fitzmaurice and the Flight.

He was also instrumental in overseeing the naming of Fitzmaurice Place in Portlaoise, the regeneration of the area and the installation of a sculpture commemorating the flight.

He had a pivotal role in the purchasing, repatriation and restoration of the Portlaoise Plane and organised for a US flag received by Fitz on his triumphant tour of America to be donated to Laois County Council. Earlier this year he instigated the Laois Festival of Flight.

Teddy has played a key role in the heritage-led regeneration of the 16th century plantation fort, Fort Protector, at the centre of the town, driving the conservation plan for the Fort.

An area that was neglected now has a regenerated public square, the fort walls are conserved, a 16th century church and graveyard have been conserved and reopened, and the Old Fort Festival is bringing economic development into the town.

He has written books on everything from the cooperative movement and Donaghmore Workhouse to the history of Laois GAA.

As Chair and President of Laois Heritage Society, he has been responsible for publishing journals, promoting research and carrying out practical conservation projects.

The Heritage Council said Teddy has dedicated his life to the heritage of County Laois and this award acknowledges his immense contribution.

Teddy told the Leinster Express that he was delighted to receive the award.

“It was completely unexpected, I didn't realise I was put forward and I was surprised when I learned I was one of the nominees.

“I am humbled by this national award. I am delighted to receive it for myself and on behalf of all the people I have been involved with in heritage and all the work that is going in the county in heritage.

“Over the years we have made great progress in this area. Heritage has gone from a minority interest to one that involves everyone, both at local and at a national level.

“Laois has upped the ante in heritage. It is not only about the past, but about the present and future also. It is part of what we are,” noted Teddy.

Teddy was nominated for the award by Laois County Council.

Welcoming the announcement, Cllr Thomasina Connell, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council congratulated the award winner.

“Teddy has dedicated his life to the heritage of County Laois and this award acknowledges his immense contribution.

“We in Laois County Council are acutely aware of the immense value that people like Teddy bring to heritage and community life in the county and throughout the country.

“Teddy is a very deserving winner of the award and I’m delighted to congratulate Teddy, his family and his many friends and colleagues on this great achievement,” he said.

Catherine Casey, Heritage Officer with Laois County Council has worked closely with Teddy on many projects.

“We are absolutely delighted that this award has come to Teddy Fennelly and to Laois.

“Teddy has been at the centre of every action taken for heritage in the county for the past 40 years and we owe him so much.

“To have his hard work and achievements celebrated on the national stage by the Heritage Council is a richly deserved honour,” she said.