Super night in store at the Laois Community and Voluntary Gala Awards in Portlaoise

Up to 300 people from all around Laois descend on Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise to celebrate outstanding community volunteerism at the Laois Community and Voluntary Awards 2024.

Laois County Council hosts the awards in association with Laois Public Participation Network and corporate sponsor People First Credit Union on Friday, November 8 to honour a select group of the many local community heroes and groups around the county.

The event is also supported by Laois Partnership, Laois Volunteer Centre with the Leinster Express / Laois Live as media partner. 

Apart from being a night to celebrate remarkable contributions made by community and voluntary groups, it's a great social event for the nominees and their supporers. All nominees will be recognised for their significant impact on their local communities, showcasing the dedication, creativity, and hard work that foster thriving clubs, events, and fundraising initiatives.

The awards will be judged by PPN representatives from across Ireland, with results eagerly anticipated on the night. The event will be hosted by Master of Ceremonies and RTÉ presenter Justin Treacy, a proud native of Emo.

Simon Walton, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Laois County Council spoke about what the awards recognise ahead of the gala night.

"Community camaraderie, collaboration, volunteerism, respect and inclusion are the bedrocks of Irish society, and provide the motivation for local community groups and local volunteers to work together, to make real, positive, enhancements to our society. It is wholly appropriate that the efforts of these ‘can do, will do’ volunteers and community groups are recognised and highlighted."

There will be 8 awards on the night MORE BELOW PICTURE:

Local Politicians at the 2023 awards.

• Arts, Culture & Heritage Award;
• Sports Award;
• Climate Action Award; 
• Best Kept Residential Estate;
• Social Inclusion Award;
• Health & Wellbeing Award;
• Junior Volunteer of the Year Award;
• Unsung Hero

The Arts, Culture & Heritage Award recognises Clubs/Groups/Organisations who enhance their local areas, by conserving, protecting and promoting the Arts, Culture and Heritage of their local community through collective creative activities. Examples include Drama, Music, Literature, Arts, Festivals, Conservation, and Heritage.

The Sports Award is to recognise and celebrate group in our local communities from clubs, and community organisations that go above and beyond in their efforts to promote community sport and physical activity opportunities. This award aims to acknowledge groups or organisations that provide a leading role in their communities to help to improve the quality of life and reduce barriers to participation through physical activity or sports.

This year includes a Climate Action Award which recognises communities carrying out awareness initiatives and/or actions that make a positive contribution against climate change. Climate actions can encourage your community to improve the impact of their everyday choices, support local communities and foster a sustainable approach to protecting the environment.

The Best Kept Residential Estate Award recognises the hard work and dedication shown in Residential Estates throughout Laois, recognises the great pride people have in their own communities, recognise the value of our biodiversity and continued to put in a huge effort, on behalf of the places where they live.

The Health and Well Being Award recognises community health and wellbeing groups i.e., mental health, sexual health, awareness raising & promotion around medical conditions, disorders, and disabilities, increased meaningful daily activities, developing confidence, and providing a sense of purpose & positive self-worth for citizens in the community. This award acknowledges Community groups, Organisations and Clubs that promote physical and mental health and wellbeing, focusing on prevention and keeping people healthier for longer. including opportunities for social connections. Example: Drama Groups, Youth Activities, Mental Health Support Groups, Healthy Eating Programmes, Sexual health, Social Network groups, Scouts, and people with differing abilities.

The Social Inclusion Award recognises Groups/Organisations that actively work in a supportive role in their communities and whose aim is to minimise social exclusion and/or help to improve the quality of life for socially excluded groups. Examples include Working with the elderly, People with Disabilities, Ethnic Minority, Travelling Community, Young people in transition, LGBTI+ and the Homeless.

The Junior Volunteer of the Year award recognises the outstanding contribution young people throughout the county, have made to their local Community. Every community has individuals who are boundless in their energy and determination to get things done.

Each group and individual nominated will be presented with a Certificate acknowledging their contribution to the community and voluntary effort in Laois.

And finally, one of the most anticipated awards each year goes to an individual, who the judges believe puts in such effort that they can be regarded as somewhat of an Unsung Hero, for the work they do.

See the list of nominations below PICTURE.

Community & Volunteer presentation 2023.