Laois Community & Voluntary Award Unsung Hero winner 2023 #laoisawards

Patrick Whelan has won the Unsung Hero Award at the Laois Community and Voluntary Awards 2023.

The judges had this to say, quoting the late Superman actor Christopher Reeve.

“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” An unsung Hero is someone who doesn’t even realise they are doing it. Ladies and gentlemen, the Winner of the Unsung Hero Award 2023 is: Patrick Whelan".

Laois County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Paschal McEvoy had the honour of presenting the award to the 2023 winner.

Pat became a wheelchair user as a result of an incident in 2015. Since then he has dedicated his life to helping other people with disabilities.

He has volunteered in the Irish Wheelchair Association day service in Portlaoise, held fundraisers to support outings for service users, volunteers on a number of committees in the county council and also with Laois Sports Partnership, and supports people with disabilities on a daily basis and never says no to helping anyone or indeed any organisations.

This accolade is awarded for significant contributions made by an individual to life in their own local community and beyond.

A total of 16 nominations for the 2023 Unsung Hero Award were received.

"These are people who selflessly and quietly, give of their time and dedication, expecting nothing in return except the reward of improvement of life in their community. I think you’ll agree that they are all heroes in their own right," MC Justin Treacy said.  

The other nominees received Certificates of Achievement for their contribution to their communities. They are:

• Brendan Sonny Keogh
• Patrick Whelan
• Kit Farrell
• Tony Lacey
• Patrick Blake
• Bernadette Reynolds (Detta)
• Mary Kerr
• Mary Keogh
• Tina Furlong Murray
• Irina Volia
• Noel McCarthy
• Noeleen Condron
• Pat Doheny
• Teresa Holohan
• Evan Reid
• Dónal Mulhall

The award was presented with the award at a gala reception in the Midlands Park Hotel on Friday, November 3.  

This is the 14th 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.

The following are the profiles of the nominees for the 2023 Unsung Hero Award:

Brendan Sonny Keogh: Sonny’s volunteering and helpful ethos is an inspiration to all members of the community. He has weekly contact with thousands of children whether directing them to pitches or assisting in parking for Leinster or National blitzes. He is a role model for his community and is there for one and all. 

Patrick Whelan: Pat became a wheelchair user as a result of an incident in 2015. since then, Pat has dedicated his life to assisting other people with disabilities. He has volunteered in the Irish Wheelchair Association day service in Portlaoise, held fundraisers to support outings for service users, volunteers on a number of committees in the county council and also with Laois Sports Partnership, supports people with disabilities on a daily basis and never says no to helping anyone or indeed any organisations.

Kit Farrell: Kit, in her early 90s, has always had a very positive approach to everything going on around her. She is always open to new ideas, very welcoming to all new members of our committees. She is a member of Tidy Towns, Ballylinan Community Council, Community Alert, and also played a huge part in the production of our Passion Play where she was one of the Holy Women, something she really enjoyed meeting all the cast new and old members on all rehearsal nights. 

Tony Lacey: The main reason for nominating him is as always Tony's first thought was 'What can I do for the village’. The minute he heard about funding for parks he was on the phone looking for it for Ballylinan. After endless meetings and planning he secured the funding, and we now have beautiful park for a number of years for young and old to enjoy.

Patrick Blake: Patrick is Secretary of Clonaslee Tidy Towns for past four years and is doing excellent work. He is young lad who worked with me as child on Junior Tidy Towns and has continued to present day. Patrick is very committed young Lad with huge interest in Tidy Towns. Even though his work is in Birr Credit Union, he has never failed to be present on Tues and Thurs evenings at 7pm for Work.

Bernadette Reynolds (Detta): Detta, as she is affectionately known, is a member of the Golden Years Club since its foundation 35 years ago, she is like a mother of the club, she voluntarily prepares and serves the tea plus cakes, biscuits, etc… In earlier years she was member of St. Vincent de Paul in Mountrath and was well known for her generosity

Mary Kerr: Mary is continuously promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in the local community of Praise and County Laois.  Mary has made people who wouldn’t otherwise know, AWARE of what’s out there for people with disability and what is not out there. She promotes inclusion in the most natural way or without a thought.

Mary Keogh: Mary is a fine example of "active citizenship" a person who rolls her sleeves up and gets stuck in, a person who gets involved in community projects not for what she can get out of it bust because she wants to make a positive difference in our community.

Tina Furlong Murray: Tina contributes to local community by getting people out to walk and socialise and has been doing it for 10 years. During COVID, Tina set up a WhatsApp group and encouraged all of us to go out for a walk. Tina also opened her house to us and teach us how to crocket, chat and tea.

Irina Volia: Irina Volia has made a huge contribution to the support of the Ukrainian community in Laois, especially in Portarlington. She helped many Ukrainian refugees to adapt, supported their desire to find work.  Thanks to her work, from the first days of the arrival of Ukrainian refugees in our town, many of them feel good in Portarlington.

Noel McCarthy: Noel is a huge driving force behind Laois water safety. His commitment to growing people’s knowledge of drowning prevention is second to none. Noel has always been there for the members of Laois water safety.

Noeleen Condron: Noeleen works tirelessly for her club St Abbans. She ensures that children in the club are provided with treats and drinks after every training session while also providing a helpful ear for any new members that walk through our door. She makes people feel at ease through her praise and encouragement.

Pat Dohney: Pat is Chairperson of Hillview Residents Group , Pat is happiest when he is out working, cutting the grass, edging or weeding, so he leads by example. He does the walk not just the talk. He has quietly led the community in developing a strong sense of PRIED in the community in which he reared his family, and his children are raising there.

Teresa Holohan: Teresa goes above and beyond her call of duty. She visits two older people not just one. One of the OP's is in palliative care and Teresa goes visit her. She has travelled to Dublin to visit the OP in hospital also. Teresa has brought Joy and Comfort to two Older People who would otherwise be lonely and living in isolation. She gives these women something to look forward to each week and in during so improves their wellbeing.

Evan Reid: Evan is one of the most dedicated and decorated coaches at Team Ryano. He competes at Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which is a completely amateur sport, on a national and international stage bringing recognition to Portlaoise all at his own cost. Evan is a very selfless coach. Even though he has a partner and 2 kids at home, he never misses a coaching session whether that be for the kids class or the adults class.

Dónal Mulhall: Dónal has on his own according been providing significant time and effort to keep the local community clean.  Over the course of several years Dónal has continued this effort and collected and clean up a hugely significant amount of rubbish from the area. Dónal is a great example for everyone in the community. His tireless work is a great motivator for our own group and members have often commented on the great work that he does each week.

The Leinster Express Laois Live is honoured to be the media partner.