'Shining' Mountmellick Men's Sheds wins Climate Action prize at Laois Community and Voluntary Awards #LaoisAwards25

Mountmellick Men's Shed is the winner in the Climate Action Category of the Laois Community and Voluntary Awards 2025.

This award recognises communities that carry out awareness initiatives and/or actions that make a positive contribution to mitigating climate change. The awards organisers say 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 organisers explained why the Mountmellick group was the worthy winner of the category award presented at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise.

"This award is a testament to the remarkable impact Mountmellick Men’s Shed has on the community. The Mountmellick Men’s Shed is more than a workshop, it’s a hub for creativity, climate action, and social connection. Founded to bring people together through hands-on craftwork, the Shed has evolved into a driving force for sustainability in the community. Members repurpose waste materials into practical items such as nesting boxes, planters, benches, and picnic tables, reducing landfill waste while supporting biodiversity and promoting a circular economy.

"Beyond crafting, the Shed champions environmental initiatives. After completing a pilot Parklet for Laois, members plan to share their expertise with other Men’s Sheds across the county, encouraging similar projects in local communities. They have also been invited to speak at the launch of the next round of Community Climate Action Funding, offering insights into retrofitting and solar installation.

"Looking ahead, the Shed aims to create a fully accessible food-growing garden using harvested rainwater, demonstrating what can be achieved in small spaces. Supported by fundraising efforts and grant aid from Laois County Council, national government, and Laois Partnership, the Mountmellick Men’s Shed continues to inspire sustainable living while fostering friendship, skill-sharing, and wellbeing," said the citation.

Speaking about the winners, Siobhán Cronogue, of Longford PPN, stated that Mountmellick Men's Shed is a "shining example of collaboration and innovation" in community climate action, inspiring others through hands-on sustainable projects and inclusive participation. 

The group received a Galway Crystal Trophy and prize money of €500. The Clonad GAA Club was the runner-up in the category and received prize money of €250. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Cllr Barry Walsh presented the prizes in this category which was sponsored by Laois Climate Action section in Laois County Council.

The other nominees in the category were: 

• Irish Steam Preservation Society CLG
• Crafty Dreams Studio
• Mountmellick Women’s Shed
• Abbeyleix Tidy Towns in partnership with Abbeyleix Heritage House & Fr Breen Park Committee
• Droimnin Retirement Village Residents Association
• Camross Community Association
• Rathdowney Men’s Shed
• Laois Teachers’ Climate Action Committee

The award was presented at a gala reception in the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise on Friday, November 21.

This is the 16th 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, Laois Sports Partnership, Laois Partnership, Laois Volunteer Centre.

The Leinster Express / Laois Live is the Media Partner.