Laois Community and Voluntary Award sponsors privileged to support communities #laoisawards25

Laois County Council is hosting the Laois Community and Voluntary Award with the support of partner sections within County Hall and stakeholder groups within the community, which work to advance volunteering in the community.

The Laois Volunteer Centre sponsors the Junior Volunteer of the Year Award. Caitriona Ryan is the manager of the centre, which aims to be a one-stop shop for volunteering in Laois.

“Laois Volunteer Centre is delighted to be involved again in the sponsorship of the Junior Volunteer of the Year category of the Community and Voluntary Awards.

“It is a privilege to learn all about the amazing, impactful work of young volunteers and an honour to be involved in their recognition,” she said.

The Laois Public Participation Network (PPN) has been central to the Awards for many years. John Oxley spoke on behalf of Laois PPN, which supports hundreds of groups across Laois.

"The Laois Community & Voluntary Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the outstanding commitment, creativity, and generosity shown by community groups and volunteers right across our county.

“Each nominee represents the very best of Laois - people working together to make a real difference. I would like to congratulate all those nominated,” he said.

The Laois Arts Office and the Laois Heritage Office jointly support the Arts, Culture & Heritage Award.

Thomas Carolan is Laois Heritage Officer while Muireann Ni Chonaill is Laois Arts Officer. MORE BELOW LIST OF NOMINEES FOR 2025.

"Laois Heritage and Arts Office are delighted to continue supporting the Arts, Culture & Award in 2025. Heritage and the Arts in all their varied forms enrich all our lives and communities, and it is so important to recognise the contribution of those groups and organisations that work to protect, promote and enhance the Arts, Culture and Heritage for the benefit of the wider community.

“This award is an opportunity to shine a light on those groups and organisations and hopefully inspire them to continue their great work," they said.

The People First Credit Union is the Corporate Sponsor of the Awards. Carol Murphy, Marketing & Community Engagement Manager, People First Credit Union, spoke about the importance of being involved.

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“People First Credit Union is honoured to once again support the Community & Voluntary Awards. These awards shine a light on the incredible individuals and groups who give so much of their time, energy, and heart to making our communities stronger.

"As a member-owned organisation, supporting local people is at the core of everything we do, and we are proud to celebrate those whose work brings real and lasting benefits to where we live.

“We extend our sincere congratulations to all nominees and winners - they are the true heartbeat of our community,” she said.

Laois Sports Partnership support the presentation of the Sports Award. Caroline Myers, its CEO, spoke about its importance.

“Laois Sports Partnership is proud once again to sponsor the Sports Category in the Laois Community & Voluntary Awards,” said Ms Myers.

“We recognise the incredible efforts of individuals and groups who promote community engagement and active lifestyles, enhancing the quality of life for residents across County Laois.

“We’re committed to supporting our local community and encouraging participation in sports and physical activities. Congratulations to all nominees and winners,” she said.

Caroline Lydon, CEO of Laois Partnership Company, spoke about being involved.

“Laois Partnership Company are honoured to once again sponsor the Social Inclusion Award. This category celebrates the incredible efforts of community groups who are working tirelessly to ensure that everyone in their community feels welcome, respected and included.

“Social inclusion is an important building block in the foundation of a strong and vibrant society and tonight we celebrate and recognise those who make that vision a reality across Co Laois,” she said.

Laura McLoughlin is the Editor of the Leinster Express / Laois Live, which is media partner again this year.

"It is a great privilege for us to once again be involved in the Laois Community and Voluntary Awards as media partners for the event. Recognising the volunteers and community groups that are going that extra mile to support their towns and villages is so important. Incredible work is being done right across the county and these awards are a fantastic way to shine a light on that dedication and celebrate our many volunteers.

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“Congratulations to all the winners and the nominees in each of the fantastic categories. Each and every one of you are keeping community spirit alive and well in Laois and you should be very proud,” she concluded.

Nearly 300 guests including nearly 70 guests attended a gala reception in the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise on Friday, November 21. This is the 16th year of the awards,