Laois Community & Voluntary Award Unsung Hero winner 2024 #laoisawards24

PJ Phelan has won the Unsung Hero Award at the Laois Community and Voluntary Awards 2024.

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

A total of 11 nominations for the Unsung Hero Award were received. All the nominees 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 read the citation for the Portlaoise man who has been a Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann pioneer in Laois at the gala event in the Midlands Park Hotel on Friday, November 8.

"PJ has made a tremendous contribution on a local, regional and national level for Laois through his involvement in various voluntary roles. Pardon the pun, but PJ has been instrumental in harnessing the talent of local musicians through Comhaltas and a key player in bringing the Leinster Fleadh to Laois.

"PJ exudes the characteristics of a remarkable volunteer, consistently working directly or indirectly with communities in Laois ang giving so willingly of his time. I would echo the sentiments relayed in the nominations paper where “PJ’s generosity knows no bounds”. Congratulations on a well-deserved award," said the MC.

Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Padraig Fleming had the honour of presenting the Unsung Hero Award for 2024 Trophy and a Midlands Park Hotel gift voucher to PJ in recognition of his tremendous achievement.

The judge in this category, Mr Paul Clabby, Roscommon PPN commented on the quality of nominees.

"All entries submitted within the “Unsung Hero” category must be commended for their unwavering commitments and contribution to local society in Laois. This category is a great opportunity to shine a light on the extraordinary efforts of individuals and gives due recognition for giving so generously of their time," he said.

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

This is the 15th 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 2024 Unsung Hero Award:

Pauline Lawlor: Pauline has been involved in St Abban's Athletic Club for over 30 years now. She has served in a variety of different roles on the club’s committee including secretary and is currently vice chairperson of the club. Pauline is first to arrive each Tuesday and Friday evening where she opens the track and gets ready to meet and greet parents and children. Calling each of them by their name, Pauline is the first person who people meet when they come into the clubhouse for each training session. She ensures new members are welcomed to the club and directs them to the various coaches who will be looking after them. Additionally, Pauline co-ordinates the Fit4Life League which runs throughout the summer months. Co-ordinating the league involves ensuring that each of the six venues where the league takes place are available.

Caroline Cahill: Caroline, a dedicated volunteer with Arthritis Ireland Laois Branch, has made significant contributions to her local community through her tireless efforts and unwavering commitment. As the key liaison for Arthritis Laois and working with Laois Sports Partnership, Laois County Council, and various other agencies, Caroline has been instrumental in organizing activities, games, and events for the most vulnerable individuals across Laois County. Her work encompasses support for diverse groups, including Mental Health Services, Walking Groups, Older Adult Groups, LGBTQ+ communities, Cancer Support Groups, Women's Shed, Parkinson's groups, and various other disability groups. Caroline's meticulous planning and delivery of these activities ensure that they are inclusive and accessible to all. She goes above and beyond by providing personal support, offering transport to those without access, and constantly encouraging participation. Despite her own arthritis diagnosis, she remains a steadfast companion and a source of encouragement for those feeling excluded or in need of support. Her role extends to delivering programs to Ukrainian communities in Stradbally and making personal visits to help individuals become active again. Her positive attitude, patience, and dedication to inclusivity make her an invaluable asset to the community.

Kevin O’Brien: Kevin though advanced in years enthusiastically endorses the continuation of the development of Abbeyleix and county. He is keen to see the future development links with Franklin USA + Laois. The ‘twinning’ has huge potential be it economic, cultural, educational, or social. Dr Hillard, his wife Rosemary + daughter Jess are regular visitors to Abbeyleix and Kevin. They are active participants in the Power of Words festival Abbeyleix and continue to promote Co. Laois in America

Noel Conroy: Noel was the driving force behind the Order of Malta & Mountmellick Meals on Wheels getting together to provide transport/delivery of meals during the pandemic & after. Noel is an absolute gentleman & chatterbox who is never afraid to engage & help anyone in need. Noel puts his community at the forefront of his life.

John Stanley: John takes responsibility for all functions & party bookings in the local hall. He is always on hand to open the hall & helps people organise functions when necessary. John helps to keep the grass cut on the football pitch behind the hall also in his own time. John collects the local lotto weekly in The Swan Area for the parish of Wolfhill/Ballyadams. John also collects the Parish envelopes for the weekly collection, he also helps out each Sunday at mass in Wolfhill and coordinates the car park in Wolfhill Church for funerals etc. His friendly nature & kindness to all is to be admired.

Sarah Graham: Sarah is one of the core volunteers leading Teac Tom, Laois. She is the first point of contact for people in need of help, from the first phone call or knock on the door, to bringing them through the process of coming into the centre, telling their story and figuring out the kind of help they need, and then booking them in for the appropriate counselling support.
Throughout this process Sarah shows care, kindness, diligence, and sensitivity not only for the people suffering from mental unwellness but also for their partners, family members, parents, and others.

Denise Davis: Denise plays a major role in Portlaoise Panthers Basketball Club, from volunteering her time every weekend, open the tuck shop, selling tickets for our weekly lotto, washing gear, to posting on social media. She works full time and is married with 3 school-going children.

Paul Kenna (RIP): Paul was a well-known and larger than life character. Born and reared in Abbeyleix he developed a keen interest and passion for the stage. For over twenty years Paul loved nothing more than to bring joy and happiness to audiences of Portlaoise Musical Society, Portlaoise Panto and the Open-Door Theatre. Off stage Paul worked in a local retail business and was well known by many as the cheerful, helpful cashier who always had a smile and a kind word for customers.
We were all saddened to hear of Paul’s sudden and unexpected passing, at the young age of 40, in June and he is deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him or even just crossing his path. Paul will be a great loss to Portlaoise Musical Society and indeed to the local business where he worked. Paul had a great way of interacting with people of all ages and he will be missed by all of the communities he was involved with.

PJ Phelan: PJ has been an unselfish leader in the education & development of musicians in our area for decades through his voluntary work with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and other organisations. As a member of Laois Integration Network he helps integrate traditional Irish Culture with newly arrived communities of various nationalities. PJ has been an active contributor to the community since a young age, becoming nationally recognised first through Macra na Tuaithe (now Feroige) when selected to represent Ireland at an International Summer Gathering in Germany(1969), continuing as a public speaker/debating coach to Macra na Feirme in Laois, leading an All-Ireland winning team in 1981.

Alan Hartnett: Alan is a selfless coach, organiser and mentor at TnS (Timahoe & Stradbally Soccer club for juveniles) and Stradbally GAA – and that's not all. Alan's time and travel commitment as a volunteer cannot be overstated. Selflessly giving, without having kids of his own involved in these fixtures. These are two sports codes that run their main training & match seasons throughout all 12 months of the year - there simply isn't a week off. The schedule is relentless, and Alan keeps motivation high wherever he is in charge of the care and progress of the team base.

Mary Delaney: Mary is a kind, genuine person who makes a lasting impression on everyone she meets. Mary takes the time to listen to others no matter how busy her own life is and with everything she is involved in her life is certainly busy. Her knowledge is second to none from her role in the health sector to participating in her own local drama group. Her involvement in Portlaoise Cuisle centre also to be acknowledged however Mary never talks about her involvement in any of these organisations as she is such a private and discreet person.

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