The heroes of local communities across the county were celebrated by Laois Community Forum last Wednesday evening (16^th November) when over 200 people gathered in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise for the 3^rd Annual Community & Voluntary Awards hosted by Laois Community Forum, aimed to recognise the tremendous contribution made by community and voluntary groups to life in County Laois.

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The Forum, comprising 18 members who represent community and voluntary groups countywide, welcomed 65 nominees in six categories and 18 individuals nominated for their outstanding contribution to the their local community, the unsung heroes of our county. All nominees were recognised as having made a significant difference within and beyond their local community, through giving of their time, co-operation, their imagination and their hard work to achieve rewards of successful clubs, events and fundraising within the community. Each group and individual was congratulated on the night and presented with a certificate acknowledging their contribution to the community and voluntary effort in Laois.

The night was opened with a performance by Stradbally Youth Theatre, performing their own creation entitled “Elsewhere”. Award Runners-up and winners on the night were:

Arts & Culture   – Runner-up: Maureen Culleton Dance Group
                              - Winner: Open Door Theatre Group

Children & Young People – Runner-up: 4^th Laois Scout Group Portarlington
                                             - Winner: Stradbally Youth Theatre

Sport & Leisure – Runner-up: Portlaoise 50+ Active Age Group
                             - Winner: Stradbally Playground Committee

Heritage & Environment – Runner-up: Abbeyleix Bog Project
                                             - Winner: South Laois Tourism

Community Services & Support – Runner-up: Borris-in-Ossory Social Services Committee
                                                         - Winner: Portarlington Tidy Towns Association

Of the 18 people nominated, Sr. Mary O’Grady was honoured on the night by the Community Forum as Unsung Hero 2011 and was presented with her award by Chairperson of the Forum, Ms. Sheelagh Coyle. Ms. Coyle congratulated all the nominees, who are all, as she put it, heroes in their own community, for the hard work and commitment they put into their local areas and people, developing and enhancing them day after day, particularly to be celebrated this year, 2011 being the European Year of the Volunteer, when communities all over Europe are being acknowledged for their volunteerism and the positive attitude of volunteers, working together with a common desire to make our communities stronger. Ms. Coyle thanked her fellow Forum members for their commitment and hard work and thanked Laois County Council for its constant support.

Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr. John Bonham praised and congratulated Laois Community Forum for being the voice of the community in Laois, stating the importance of that voice being heard strongly and on behalf of all working in the sector, developing ways of working that will empower groups and individuals in the community, especially in the present climate of change and expansion. Ian McCormack, Acting Director of Services thanked the Forum for their work in this area and congratulated all the attendees, nominators and nominees. He stated that the hard work attitude and desire of volunteers to enhance and protect their communities should constantly be acknowledged; the community & voluntary sector in Laois is example of all that can be achieved with such a positive way of thinking.