Powerful Laois portrayed at Pride of Place

Laois was powerfully represented by people from Camross, Stradbally, Vicarstown and Timahoe at the All-Island Pride of Place 2023 Awards on November 10.

Selected by Laois County Council, groups from both communities travelled to Ireland’s most prestigious community awards in Armagy when Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council proudly hosted the event at the Armagh City Hotel.

Laois showcased its community champions superbly on Wednesday and Thursday, 19th & 20th July, when the villages of Camross (nominated group for 2023- Population Category- under 500-Camross Community Association) and Stradbally, Vicarstown & Timahoe (nominated group for 2023- Community Health & Wellbeing Category- SVT Activity & Wellness Hub)  greeted the judges in the IPB All Island Pride of Place Competition 2023 – Mr Edward Sheehy & Mr Declan Nelson.

There was no mistaking the pride of local people in the summer when they displayed for the judges, all that they have and continue to do, to make their local community, a better place to live, work and visit. 

The day commenced in Camross with the judges being welcomed into the village on horse-drawn Carriage, to be greeted by Fr Brian Griffin at the Fr Lalor Complex and then enjoyed a walk along the brook in front of the idyllic setting of the Poets Cottage led by Collette McGlynn from the Camross Community Association. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Saoirse Bredin a 10-year-old from the adjacent Camross National School welcomed the Judges on behalf of the village and the judges enjoyed a video presentation on the developments in Camross and presentations were made by the Camross Community Association committee. 

Members Colette and Kevin Scott and Johanna Steenkist Camross Tidy Towns. 

The Judges were taken on a tour of the national school led by the students and Principal Talitha and then followed a visit to the Community Hall filled with local groups and their produce.   

The judges were treated to a special Irish dance demonstration by the talented performers from the Lynam School of Dancing, adding an extra flair to the day's events.

Following a cuppa and home-baked treats, the visit continued with a tour of the Activity Park led by Martina Scully, whose relatives owned these lands and where they also met with a relative of the late Mick Dowling RIP., who had contributed so much in his volunteering efforts to the community in Camross. Mick was an active member of the Slieve Bloom Association, Laois Heritage and more. More below picture.

He was well known for his knowledge of the land, its history, the stories and folklore that went with it, often using this knowledge to help people trace their roots in their family trees.

Mick was also part of the team who renewed and rebuilt the Poet's Cottage in the centre of our village and work on what was the old parish hall.

LAPRO were thanked for hosting the demo in our Aquatic Outdoor Classroom on the banks of the Little Delour River as part of our Pride of Place programme. Cathal Flood our Community Water Officer with a Catchment Scientist Ed Cox showed the results of kick sampling and explained the findings to the audience. We thank them for sharing their knowledge.

The judges got to plant a heritage apple tree in the Community Garden with Donnacha, Diarmuid, Tim and his sister Emily. More below picture.

Camross ICA ladies had suggested we include a quiet corner in our garden where the community could take photographs to mark important occasions, like family weddings, holy communions, somewhere with a nice view. They donated this bench and yesterday marked the occasion of our Pride of Place event.

The tour continued to the CES (Community Environmental Services) site, where the construction of a stone wall at the Community Garden using reclaimed local stone was showcased, preserving heritage for future generations. We are very grateful to Peter the stonemason, Ger and Sean, their skills were appreciated by all our visitors on the day.

The Judges travelled to the Parish Church in a Vintage car courtesy of Camross Vintage Club, where they enjoyed some hymns from the Camross Choir and where shown some beautiful paintings created by local Artist Peter Dooley. The judges proceeded to the Old Cemetery and were given a historic tour by Peter who also versed the Judge on their future plans for it. 

The visit to Camross culminated in a wreath laying ceremony by the Poets family representative at the grave side of the Poet, which was preceded by Camross’ young Poet Jack who recited a poem at the graveside, adding an emotional touch to the event. The judges retired to the local hostelry Bergins for some refreshments. 

A ceremonial wreath was laid on the grave of Patrick Ryan, the "Poet Ryan" to whom our Poets Cottage is dedicated. It was a special moment at the end of a special day. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

The Pride of Place tour continued on Thursday, 20th July to Stradbally Library & Courthouse where the judges were welcomed by Mr James Deegan who gave them a brief overview of the history of the Courthouse.

The SVT Activity & Wellness Hub Committee charted their wellness programme presentation which included a video celebrating the health and wellbeing initiatives that are spearheaded by SVT Activity and Wellness Hub. The SVT Activity and Wellness Hub had the great pleasure and honour of showcasing our area, activities, people, clubs and amenities to the Judging panel.

Laois County Council nominated the Activity and Wellness Hub in the category of Community Wellness due to the extent of wellbeing initiatives undertaken and delivered locally and the positive impact of these initiatives on the community. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

The judging day began in the Arthouse and Library in Stradbally, with a presentation given by John Scully and Kathleen Sheridan ( SVT Committee) outlining the history, achievements and activities of the SVT and our plans for the future , while Rúairi Jago spoke as the voice of young people and from the perspective of the trained  SVT Youth Sport leaders. Chairperson Ann Simpson presented the accompanying video commissioned, giving everyone a flavour of the SVT story.

The formal presentation was followed by a whistle-stop tour of the area, taking in as many scenic areas, facilities, wellness initiatives, amenities, clubs, and volunteers as the day would allow.

The tour included a Stradbally playground, where they were greeted by the Caretaker Matt who versed them on the unique amenity that is Stradbally playground  and its wellbeing attributes for children Stradbally Allotments, Laois Cricket Club Stradbally where Roland versed the Judges on the wellbeing aspects in terms of inclusivity and diversity, where all are welcomed to enjoy the unique grounds of the Cricket Club &  Cosby Hall.

The Judges were welcomed at the newly unveiled Carrigmeal Woodlands Walk , led by Proprietor and Chairperson of the Carrigmeal Committee and were brought on golf buggy to the ORIS funded Outdoor Learning Centre where local traditional musicians entertained the entourage of quests and where a cup of tea was had with some beautiful homemade scones. 

The tour continued to the viewing tower led by James who highlighted the importance of having such a free amenity that the community of the surrounding areas can enjoy and which was particularly important during the Pandemic. The tour continued by the Rock of Dumamaise where John Scully Secretary SVT briefed the Judges on the health and wellbeing aspects enjoyed by visitors every day. 

It was then on to the local old Schoolhouse in Vicarstown where the judges had an opportunity to meet Age Friendly walkers who had just had their weekly walk along the Canal and had just stopped off for the social connection chat and were enjoying some well-earned refreshments.

One of the Judges even got to enjoy a spin to the Canal on a Disability bicycle , steered by Catriona Slattery, Disability officer, Laois Sports Partnership, concluded at the Barrow Blueway in Vicarstown where hundreds of people had gathered on land and water, demonstrating just why Vicarstown continues to emerge as the “Hub” of SVT activities. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

The judges were shown key capital projects that the SVT has been instrumental in developing - The Rath Lane Walkway, The Canalside Community Play and Recreation area, The SVT Canoe and Kayaking Club, parkrun facilities and Oughaval Athletic Club running /Walking Track.

The day ended with a lovely lunch at the Fishermans Thatched Inn, from where the judges departed to continue their deliberations.

Before they left they praised the SVT Activity and Wellness Hub for the extent and inclusivity of their programme of Wellness and physical activities and also for their part in highlighting, developing, and making the most local natural amenities for the good of all. They congratulated the SVT also for bringing Operation Transformation to Stradbally for its 2023 season and the exposure it brought to the county of Laois.

The SVT Activity and Wellness Hub would like to thank Laois County Council for the nomination and for the wonderful opportunity to partake in the prestigious Pride of Place 2023 competition . We would like to especially recognise the hard work and commitment of the staff of the Community and Sports and Recreation depts of Laois County Council.

Thanks also to local councillors especially Cathaoirleach Paschal McEvoy for his ongoing support of SVT.

Thanks to everyone who presented and engaged with the judges on the day -James Deegan, Muireann Ni Chonaill, Austin Watt Clancy, Roland Bradley, John Whelan, Anne Buggie, Noeleen Condron, Marie Kinsella, Catriona Slattery, Caroline Myers, Moez Twomey, Grainne and Brid-Ann Buggie. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Thanks to all of our partners for turning out  in such numbers and supporting us on the day-Healthy Ireland Laois, Laois Sports Partnership, The SVT Canoe and Kayaking Club, parkrun and junior parkrun Vicarstown, Waterways Ireland, Laois Water Safety, The Buggie School of Irish Dancing , Stradbally Allotments, Laois Civil Defence, Fitsticks walkers and the staff of Áras and Chontae.

The judges continued to the banks of the Canal where they had an opportunity to enjoy the outdoor pursuits wellbeing activities such as kayaking, canoeing and other water sports. The Judges viewed the access ramps available along the Canal for fishing enthusiasts which may be more mobility compromised.  The judges enjoyed listening to John Whelan Story teller  who was Canalside telling the story of “ The last Beekeeper” which was been enjoyed by the children sitting around on ORIS funded Outdoor recreation furniture, as SVT Activity & Wellness collaborate closely with LCC.  

The Judges had an opportunity to speak with Laois Sports Partnership and Waterways Ireland, stakeholders collaborating with SVT Hub & LCC, concluded the tour having an opportunity to speak with the Canoeing Club and the local Parks Tennis Club, some after serious illnesses who are so appreciative of the services of the SVT Activity & Wellness Hub, hub for all that they do in terms of mental and physical wellbeing for the communities of Stradbally, Vicarstown, Timahoe and beyond. 

The Judges retired to the comforts of the Fisherman's Inn for some refreshments. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

The judges thanked the communities of Camross, Stradbally, Vicarstown, and Timahoe for their warm hospitality and commendable efforts to create vibrant and inclusive places for everyone to enjoy.