Thousands turn out as big event sees Laois Shine

A crowd of 5,00 people descended upon Emo Court and Parklands over the weekend for Shine in Emo 2023, acording to the organisers.

Held by Emo GAA and Laois Chamber Alliance, people traveled from far and wide for what was the second year the event which featured saw Ireland's Fittest Team crowned in glorious sunshine.

A total of 24 teams comprising a total of 144 athletes, representing sports clubs and businesses, were competing for the €10,000 prize fund and the coveted title of Ireland’s Fittest Team.

After an exciting and demanding course, with early rounds taking place from 9am, the final took place in the afternoon. This was won by Ballinteer St John's GAA who took home the top prize of €6,000 and the honours of being crowned Ireland’s Fittest Team 2023.

Trilogy Triathlon Club were hot on their heels, finishing in second place, with the Clement Herron Real Estate team finishing in third place.

Emo man John Strong is the Chairperson of the organising committee.

“We would like to thank everyone involved in what proved to be a very successful running of Shine in Emo. This year proved again that community partnerships are alive and strong in Laois," he said.

He thanked sponsor Finline Furniture and to event sponsors Clement Herron Real Estate, Powerpoint Engineering, Midland Legal Solicitors and JK Autos.

This year’s was bigger than 2022 with a larger trade show area and new exhibitors  something that delighted Mr Strong.

"It was a brilliant showcase for over one hundred Laois companies and we can’t thank Laois Chamber Alliance enough for the huge work done behind the scenes for the trade show.

"It turned out to be a very competitive sporting event to find Ireland’s Fittest Team in the main arena. Hot weather conditions on the day made is especially gruelling for the competitors but nobody could deny the fitness and durability of the winners, Ballinteer St Johns GAA from Dublin. We would like to thank all of the teams involved yesterday and I’m sure we will see them back next year to compete again for a share of the €10,000 prize money,” he said.

In PICTURES: Sun shines on SHINE to help make Laois event a big success

Emo GAA’s Martin Crowley was also pleased and thanked all who made it happen.

“When planning Shine in Emo, a key point was to create an opportunity to promote Laois businesses, in one of Laois’ best tourism locations and in a friendly, vibrant atmosphere. We achieved this again at this year’s Shine in Emo and we look forward to replicating it for Shine in Emo 2024.

"We would also like to thank the OPW for providing us with a wonderful venue. Finally, a massive thank you to the Emo GAA Club members and the general Emo community for all of the support and hard work months in advance and on the day itself, ensuring everyone had a safe and enjoyable day,” he said.

Caroline Hofman, CEO of Laois Chamber Alliance, was happy with the outcome.

“We are delighted to have partnered with Emo GAA again this year for this unique event which is so important for sport, business, and tourism in Laois. Building upon the success of last year’s event, this year’s Shine in Emo was another terrific display of everything we have to offer here in our wonderful county with one of the best backdrops we could ask for – Emo Court and Parklands.

"With visitors attending from across the country on the day, we are delighted to have the opportunity to showcase the fantastic crafts, food, businesses, products and services across a number of different sectors. Being able to host this event in such a historic venue also showcases our excellent tourism offering here in Laois and the county’s rich and vibrant heritage.

"We would like to thank our sponsors, exhibitors, and the huge team of volunteers from Emo GAA and the community in Emo who worked tirelessly and made the success of Shine in Emo 2023 possible. We would also like to thank Laois Partnership and the LEADER programme for supporting the event,” she said.

Pictured: Organisers with the winning team from Dublin.

The final placings were: 1st Ballinteer St Johns GAA, 2nd Trilogy Triathlon Club, 3rd Clement Herron Real Estate, 4th Mroz Dublin, 5th Port Dara Rugby Club, 6th Powerpoint Engineering.