In PICTURES: Celebration of best Laois estates and gardens

Community achievement was celebrated at the Laois County Council’s annual Best Estate and Garden Awards Night in County Hall. To read more about the night and who won see below this photo - to see more photos TAP NEXT OR ARROW.

The event, hosted by the Estate Management Section of Laois County Council, was attended by residents and representatives from residents’ associations.

Prizes totalling €10,100 were awarded on the night in recognition of the winners’ outstanding efforts. Each winning estate received an individual plaque to proudly display at their estate entrance, while the three individual garden winners were presented with smaller plaques to display in their homes. In addition, every winner received a certificate to mark their achievement.

This year’s competition focused on recognising excellence within local authority estates throughout Laois, celebrating the hard work, creativity, and pride shown by residents in maintaining their homes and shared spaces. In total,16 estate awards were presented, along with 3 individual front garden awards, honouring both community and personal contributions to the county’s appearance and environment.

The Cathaoirleach, Cllr Barry Walsh, praised the commitment and collaboration shown by residents’ associations and individuals, noting that the pride people take in their surroundings makes Laois a great place to live.

Michael Rainey, Chief Executive, congratulated all the winners, commending the work by Laois communities. He reflected on how initiatives like the Best Estate and Garden Awards enhance the physical environment and contribute positively to mental health and wellbeing.

The CEO also emphasised the biodiversity, praising residents for embracing sustainable and eco-friendly practices in their estates and gardens, and described the Residents Associations as “a credit to their communities.”

Fionnuala Daly, Head of Estate Management, expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in making the event such a success. She extended heartfelt thanks to her team in the Estate Management section for their dedication and hard work throughout the year, and to all the residents and community representatives for their continued enthusiasm and participation.

The award recipients were as follows:

• Best Estate in Portlaoise MD: 3rd - Conniberry Way Portlaoise (€300); 2nd - Riverview Portlaoise (€500); 1st - Gleann na Glaise Ballyroan (€1,000).
• Best Graigue-Portarlington MD estate: 3rd - Rossmore View Crettyard (€300); 2nd - Doonane Road Graiguecullen (€500); 1st - Vignoles Gardens (€1,000) Portarlington.
• Best Borris-in-Ossory- Mountmellick MD estate: 3rd - Meadowbrook Rosenallis (€300); 2nd - Quigley Park Mountmellick (€500); 1st - Old Forge Crescent Mountrath (€1,000).
• Overall Best Community Floral & Shrub Display; 3rd - Oakleaf Place, Portlaoise (€300); 2nd - Kirwan Park/Harbour Court, Mountmellick (€400); 1st - Kiln Lane, Mountrath (€500).
• Overall Best Improved estate: Featherbed Lane, Borris-in-Ossory (€1,000)
• Overall Best Biodiversity estate: Jointly won by Clanmalire Crescent (€250) & Clanmalire Close (€250) Portarlington
• Best Overall estate: Gleann na Glaise (€500) Ballyroan
• Individual Garden Front Garden: Portlaoise MD – Mr P Doheny, Hillview Drive (€500); Graigue -Portarlington MD – Mrs L Keogh, Clanmalire Close (€500); Borris-in- Ossory-Mountmellick MD – Mr. M Maher, Harbour Court (€500).

Laois County Council also encourages residents’ associations and individuals across the County to start preparing for the next year’s Best Estate and Garden Awards. The event continues to grow in popularity each year, and Laois County Council looks forward to seeing even more communities take part and showcase their creativity, teamwork, and pride of place in 2026.