Laois Community & Voluntary Awards 2026 to Celebrate Outstanding Volunteers and Community Groups

Laois County Council, in partnership with Laois Public Participation Network (PPN) and longstanding corporate sponsor People First Credit Union, is delighted to announce the launch of the Laois Community & Voluntary Awards 2026.

The 2026 Community & Voluntary Awards were launched in June at the Poet’s Cottage Café in Camross.

These annual awards celebrate the incredible contribution of volunteers, community organisations and voluntary groups who dedicate their time, energy and passion to improving the lives of others throughout County Laois.

The awards provide an opportunity to recognise the individuals and groups whose commitment strengthens communities, supports inclusion, promotes wellbeing, protects the environment, celebrates culture and heritage, and enhances the quality of life for people across the county.

The highlight of the awards programme will be the Laois Community & Voluntary Awards Gala Ceremony, which will take place on Friday, 13 November 2026, at The Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise, where nominees and guests from across the county will come together to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Laois' volunteers.

Speaking at the launch of the awards, Carol Murphy of People First Credit Union said:

At People First Credit Union, community is at the heart of everything we do. Like the many groups being recognised through these awards, our organisation is built on the commitment of volunteers who give their time to serve others. We are delighted to continue our partnership with Laois County Council and Laois Public Participation Network in celebrating the outstanding contribution of volunteers across County Laois. Their dedication, kindness and community spirit make our towns and villages stronger places to live, and we are proud to support an event that shines a light on their remarkable work.

The awards recognise excellence across a wide range of categories, reflecting the strength of community and voluntary activity throughout Laois.

Community groups, clubs and organisations are encouraged to nominate individuals and projects that deserve recognition for their outstanding commitment and achievements.

Laois County Council is proud to continue its partnership with Laois PPN in delivering this important initiative and acknowledges the ongoing support of People First Credit Union, whose longstanding sponsorship has helped ensure the awards continue to grow and celebrate the very best of community spirit across the county.

Chief Executive of Laois County Council, Michael Rainey added:

The strength of County Laois lies in its people. Every day we see volunteers working tirelessly to support neighbours, improve local facilities, organise events and create opportunities for others. Their work enriches our county in countless ways, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements through these awards.

Chair of Laois PPN, Vincent Booth said:

The Laois Community & Voluntary Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the Community Groups and Volunteers whose dedication, generosity and community spirit make such a positive difference across County Laois. Each day volunteers work tirelessly to strengthen our communities. I encourage everyone to nominate the people and Community Groups who inspire them, so that we can celebrate their outstanding contribution.

Applications are now open online and are available here or a hard copy can be requested by emailing awards@laoiscoco.ie.

Everyone is encouraged to consider the volunteers and community groups who make a difference in their area and submit a nomination.

The closing date of Closing for receipt of Nominations is September 4th, 2026 at 4pm.

This year’s categories are as follows:

Arts, Culture & Heritage Award - This award recognises Clubs/Groups/Organisations who enhance their local areas, by conserving, protecting and promoting the Arts, Culture and Heritage of their local community through collective creative activities.

Examples include Drama, Music, Literature, Arts, Festivals, Conservation, and Heritage.

This award is proudly sponsored by Laois Arts & Heritage Sections in Laois County Council.

Sports Award - This award is to recognise and celebrate group in our local communities from clubs, and community organisations that go above and beyond in their efforts to promote community sport and physical activity opportunities.  This award aims to acknowledge groups or organisations that provide a leading role in their communities to help to improve the quality of life and reduce barriers to participation through physical activity or sports.

This award is proudly sponsored by Laois Sports Partnership.

Climate Action Award – This award recognises communities carrying out awareness initiatives and/or actions that make a positive contribution against climate change. 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.

This award is proudly sponsored by Laois Climate Action Section in Laois County Council.

Best Kept Residential Estate Award - This award recognises the hard work and dedication shown in Residential Estates throughout Laois, recognises the great pride people have in their own communities, recognise the value of our biodiversity and continued to put in a huge effort, on behalf of the places where they live. Please note that Tidy Towns groups are not eligible to be nominated under this category.

This award is proudly sponsored by Laois Environmental Section in Laois County Council.

Social Inclusion - This award recognises Clubs/Groups/Organisations that actively work in a supportive role in their communities and whose aim is to minimise social exclusion and/or help to improve the quality of life for socially excluded groups.  Examples include Working with the elderly, People with Disabilities, Ethnic Minority, Travelling Community, Young people in transition, LGBTI+ and the Homeless.

This award is proudly sponsored by Connect Laois.

Health & Wellbeing Award - This award recognises community health and wellbeing groups i.e., mental health, sexual health, awareness raising & promotion around medical conditions, disorders and disabilities, increased meaningful daily activities, developing confidence and providing a sense of purpose & positive self-worth for citizens in the community. This award acknowledges Community groups, Organisations and Clubs that promote physical and mental health and wellbeing, focusing on prevention and keeping people healthier for longer. including opportunities for social connections. Example: Drama Groups, Youth Activities, Mental Health Support Groups, Healthy Eating Programmes, Sexual health, Social Network groups, Scouts and people with differing abilities.

This award is proudly sponsored by Laois Local Community Development Committee in Laois County Council.

Junior Volunteer of the Year Award - This award recognises the outstanding contribution that an individual under the age of 18, has made to their local community. Every community has individuals who are boundless in their energy and determination to get things done – so nominate your Junior Volunteer of the Year who encourage, support, lead and inspire others in your community.

This award is proudly sponsored by Laois Volunteer Centre.

Unsung Hero – This award should be used to nominate an individual in recognition of

their significant contribution to Community & Voluntary life in County Laois.