Delighted to support the Laois Community & Voluntary Awards

This Laois Community and Volunteer Awards are hosted by Laois County Council, in association with Laois Public Participation Network and sponsored by People First Credit Union.

The support of the sponsor and associate sponsors were acknowledged at the gala awards night in the Midlands Park Hotel on November 3.

The associate sponsors are: Laois Volunteer Centre, Laois Sports Partnership CLG, Laois Partnership Company, Laois Climate Action, the Heritage & Arts sections of Laois County Council & the Sports and Leisure section of Laois County Council.

The media partner, the Leinster Express / Laois Live was also acknowledged as was support given by Laois County Councillors.

The sponsors all expressed their delight at being involved.

The People First Credit Union is the main event sponsor. Its  Chairman, Clive Davis, said they are delighted to return as the main sponsor again this year. He said the awards are in tandem with the People First ethos.

“A unique feature of People First Credit Union is our relationship with members and the communities we serve. To foster that relationship in a strategic way, we have established a Community Sponsorship Fund which will enable us to participate in worthwhile projects across our common bond. The aim of the Community Sponsorship Fund is to support a long-term community engagement. 

“People First Credit Union is more than just a place for savings and loans - it is a place for community, a place of support. We remain committed to our communities and continue to support many groups and organisations through our Community Funding project every year and give the honour and recognition to the heroes of our local community groups. We look forward to doing exactly that on the 3rd of November. Thank You for what you do for our community.  ‘Community is our Unity,” he said.

Laois PPN partners with the council in running the awards. PPN secretariat member and Chairman Paddy Buggy spoke about the event.

“The Community and Voluntary Awards recognise and celebrate the wonderful Community Groups of Laois, and their Volunteers who enhance the quality of life in our local communities. 

“Laois PPN acknowledge the support for the Awards of our long-time partner Laois County Council and our main sponsor People First Credit Union. Community Groups are at the heart of our local community and Laois PPN celebrate dtheir achievements on the night,” he said.

Caroline Myers commented on behalf of  Laois Sports Partnership.

“We are delighted to be supporting the community and voluntary awards again for 2023, by sponsoring the sports award. As a leader in local sports development in Laois, it is important to recognise and acknowledge the great work of volunteers and community organisations, which are at the root of providing so many opportunities for people of all ages and abilities in Laois to be physically active,” she said.

Caitriona Ryan is the Manager of the  Laois Volunteer Centre which sponsors the Junior Volunteer Award. 

"Laois Volunteer Centre is delighted to sponsor the Junior Volunteer of the Year Award for the second year running. It is a privilege to be involved in recognising the tremendous and inspiring volunteering work of the young people in our community.  It was great to be part of the awards ceremony and meet all the wonderful volunteers in Laois. They really keep the wheels of our communities turning,"  she said.

Laois Partnership also backs the event. Caroline Lydon is its  CEO,

“We are delighted to recognise the hard work and dedication Laois volunteers have shown through their commitment and support of socially excluded groups within their communities.

“The constant efforts and contributions of these groups and individuals have made our community an enhanced and richer place to live in.

“We are delighted to sponsor the Social Inclusion Award as part of the Laois Community & Voluntary Awards 2023,” she said

A number of council departments also support the event including the  Sports and  Leisure section.

“It’s very encouraging to see the development of highly innovative projects developed around the county that are having a positive effect on health and wellbeing,” said Ann Marie Maher, Sports and Leisure Officer.

The council's Arts Officer,   Muireann Ni Chonaill, and  Thomas Carolan, Heritage Officer endorsed the awards. 

“The Arts and Heritage Offices are delighted to support this Arts & Heritage award. Supporting the arts, culture and heritage is fundamental to creating rich and vibrant communities. It’s important to recognise the amazing groups and organisations who are involved in arts and heritage initiatives and the huge contribution they make in enhancing their local areas through these collective activities,” they said.

Conor Ganly is the Acting Editor of the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

 “We're honoured and privileged to be part of such an auspicious occasion which honours the invaluable work of individuals and organisations around Laois.

“Praise is also due to Laois County Council and the other partners and sponsors of the awards for ensuring that the work carried out by volunteers does not go without notice or reward,” he said.