Queen of the Plough launches Laois Live Well Expo 2025 in Portlaoise

A major Laois event which aims to help local people to age well has been officially launched in Portlaoise with the help of Laois Queen of the Plough Anna May McHugh.

The Live Well Health and Wellbeing Expo, delivered for free through a collaboration between Age Friendly Laois and Healthy Laois, returns for another year to Portlaoise on Wednesday, April 23.

The organisers say that following a successful 2024 event, which saw an attendance of 2,000 people, this year’s expo at Portlaoise College promises to be even bigger and more inclusive with no entry fee or online pre-registration required.

A statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live said the Expo aims to empower people in the community to age well by taking preventative health measures, promote healthy, active, creative and social living and increase awareness of available supports. Launched by Anna May McHugh, Managing Director of the National Ploughing Championships and Laois Age Friendly Ambassador, the organisers promise a fun, interactive and social event, running from 12.30pm to 6pm on the day.

The event offers a mix of free health checks, a tech zone powered by Google, and dedicated social and adult play areas featuring music, exercise classes, and refreshments.

With over 100 exhibitors — including leading healthcare providers, community organisations, support services, and national bodies such as the HSE, Garda Community Policing, Chime (Ireland’s National Charity for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing), ALONE, and tech leaders like Google — attendees will have access to a wealth of health, wellness, and community support services in an engaging setting. Organisers encourage attendees to avail of public transport where possible.

This year’s event features a dedicated ‘Quiet Time’ hour from 11am to 12pm, offering attendees a calm and focused environment to explore the Expo. Appointments are required and can be booked by emailing livewell@laoiscoco.ie.

Chief Executive of Laois County Council, Michael Rainey said: “I am delighted to support our “Live Well” team in this ambitious event, which demonstrates Laois County Council’s commitment to the implementation of the Healthy Laois Strategy and the Laois Age Friendly County Strategy. The Live Well event is a very valuable collaboration of over one hundred stakeholders in Laois, who work to enable our communities to become healthier and to support our citizens to take personal responsibility for their health and wellbeing.” MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Anna May McHugh, Laois Age Friendly Ambassador; Tom O’Connor, Age Friendly Laois and Michael Rainey, chief executive Laois County Council at County Hall, Portlaoise for the launch of the Live Well Health & Wellbeing Expo. Photo: Alf Harvey

Tom Curran, Age Friendly Programme Manager for Laois County Council said: “With Ireland’s ageing population, the Live Well Health & Wellbeing Expo highlights healthy living and preventative care. This is all about fostering connection and social engagement. A key theme, ‘being social,’ emphasises maintaining relationships. The event creates a fun, interactive, and safe space, encouraging community involvement in local initiatives that can be sustained as people age, ensuring Ireland remains a great place to grow old. We want to ensure everyone is included and no one is left behind.”

Emma O'Connor, Healthy Laois Co-Ordinator, added: “Many people we meet face major challenges accessing vital services and supports. This can be due to their not knowing about the supports in their area, or who to reach out to. This event aims to inspire attendees to prioritise their health now while equipping them with the knowledge and tools to do so effectively. By taking proactive steps today, individuals can improve their well-being and maintain independence as they age. If you do not make time for your wellness now, you may be forced to make time for your illness later.” MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Tom Curran, Age Friendly Laois; Carmel McNicholl, director of services Laois County Council; Cllr John King, leas cathaoirleach Laois County Council; Anna May McHugh, Laois Age Friendly Ambassador; Michael Rainey, chief executive Laois County Council; Emma O’Connor, Healthy Laois and Eileen Hughes, Age Friendly Ireland regional manager at County Hall, Portlaoise. Pic: Alf Harvey

Anna May McHugh, Managing Director of the National Ploughing Championships and Laois Age Friendly Ambassador, said: “One of the greatest gifts we have is the ability to keep learning, no matter what stage of life we’re at. Events like the Live Well Health & Wellbeing Expo opens doors to new ideas, friendships, and opportunities that can make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s discovering a new hobby, picking up tips for staying active, or simply enjoying a cuppa and a chat, this day is about embracing life and all it has to offer. I’d encourage everyone to come along, take part, and enjoy the day — you never know what you might take away from it.”

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Organisers encourage attendees to avail of public transport where possible. A range of bus services will be available, dropping attendees outside Portlaoise College. Citydirect has added another bus to the PL2 route from 12pm. Buses will be available every 15 minutes on the Kilminchy Avenue to Bellingham route. PL1 buses will meet with the PL2 route at JFL Avenue, Kellyville Market Square and Portlaoise Train Station. MORE BELOW PICTURE

Laois Arts Fusion committee members, from left: Homor Hales, Wiktoria Mrozowicz, Mags Laboss, Javeria Zain, Aileen Donovan and Laura Matikaite at County Hall, Portlaoise for the launch. Photo: Alf Harvey

Age Friendly Ireland is the national body for Ireland’s 31 Local Authorities, delivering the Government's vision of an age friendly Ireland. Healthy Ireland is a government-led initiative aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of everyone living in Ireland. The Healthy Ireland Fund (HIF), overseen by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Health, supports projects and programmes that promote healthier lifestyles across the country.

In April 2019, Ireland achieved a historic milestone by being recognised by the World Health Organisation as the first fully affiliated Age Friendly Country in the world.

Age Friendly Ireland facilitates cities, counties, towns and villages across Ireland to prepare for the rapid ageing of our population by paying increased attention to the environmental, economic and social factors that influence the health and well-being of older adults. Age Friendly programmes work to provide age friendly environments, housing and transportation options, access to key services and opportunities for older people to participate in community activities. By doing so, these communities are better equipped to become great places to age in and grow older.

Healthy Laois works to improve the health and wellbeing of Laois residents by supporting people to look after their own health and wellbeing and to live healthy lifestyles. We work with Community Groups and Organisations in Laois and look at all factors of health like where we are born, grow, work, live, and age, and the forces and systems that shapes daily life.