This year Laois will be represented in the 2018 IPB All Island Pride of Place Competition by two entries, namely the Stradbally, Vicarstown Timahoe Activity & Wellness Hub and Killeshin.
The Competition gives communities across Ireland the opportunity to display how proud they are to live in, work in and take care of their own local areas.
Now in its 16th year, it is sponsored by IPB Insurances and hosted by Co-operation Ireland under its Local Authority Programme, and entries are nominated by their respective local authorities.
The aim of the Pride of Place competition is to recognise initiatives taken by local communities to create pride in their area and to celebrate the vital contribution that community groups make to society.
The competition focuses on people coming together to shape, enhance and enjoy all that is good about their area. Last year, Laois County Council’s Housing Estates Category entrant – Kiln Lane, Mountrath emerged as the successful winners.
Stradbally, Vicarstown and Timahoe Activity & Wellness HUB
The SVT Activity & Wellness HUB is a vibrant, energetic, inclusive hub in its second year, that links 3 communities of Stradbally, Vicarstown and Timahoe.
The Hub promotes all physical activities in these areas while also ensuring the health & wellbeing and social needs of the communities are reflected.
Successes to date are gatherings for older adults, casual fun cycling, youth sports leader programs, wellness boards, canoeing/kayaking, walking/running groups, as well as a host of new and exciting activities that give people of all ages and abilities an opportunity to get active.
The Hub was funded by Laois Sports Partnership through Sports Ireland Dormant Account Funding, and is supported by Laois County Council.
Killeshin Community Centre
Killeshin is a small rural community village on the Laois/Carlow border.
Focusing on the transformation of their village centre, the fruit of their labour can be seen in their vibrant community hub which now employs 63 people in a range of employments in their community organisations and local businesses.
Killeshin Community Centre which is central to all local activity, provides space for pre/after-school services, sports and social & parish gatherings.
With local agency and Council support, Killeshin are working hard to further develop in a real and sustainable way, for the benefit of both present and future Killeshin generations.
Pride of Place
Pride of Place comes to Laois, when the judges from Co-operation Ireland visit the above locations and groups on Thursday July 19.
If you or your group wish to get involved in the preparation for the judging at any of these locations, you can contact the Pride of Place Liaison Officer on (057) 8664150 or email dce@laoiscoco.ie. All help will be gratefully accepted.
