There was wonderful fun in the small village of Vicarstown this afternoon as Laois Comhairle na nOg and Youth Work Ireland Laois came together to organise a brilliant event, of which the centrepiece was a Colour Run on the banks of the Grand Canal.
Over 400 people took part with Mountmellick Community School and Colaiste Iosagain sending buses with students while a number of local groups also took part.
And it wasn’t just for young people. Many parents took part in the 3km walk/run including Donal Brennan, Director of Services in Laois County Council, Cllr Padraig Fleming and former councillor Pauline Madigan.
Cathaoirleach Conor Bergin was there, though he was suited and booted with mayoral chain and so was lucky enough to avoid most of the colour!
Those that did the run – an out and back along the blueway track – returned covered in various colours, dispensed along the route with those tasked with the buckets of chalk.
The day’s activities didn’t end there either. Laois County Council, Community Guards, Civil
Defence, Youth Work Ireland Laois, Laois Sports Partnership, HSE, Aengus Burke Flame Mental and Physical Health Services, Teac Tom were all in attendance in the Vicarstown Community Hall with information stands.
As well as that there was refreshments, coffee and ice cream vans and live music from Paper Planes.
The event was co-ordinated by Niamh Kavanagh from Comhairle na nOg in Laois.
Comhairle na nOg is comprised of young members aged 13–18 from around Laois who picked the Topic “Mental Health” to focus on this year.
The Commhairle members for 2022 have being meeting up to put a plan in place on how to get all the secondary schools, youth reach, family resources centres, hard to reach young members involved in creating awareness around Mental Health, bringing the community of Laois together.
Talking and bringing Mental Health to light in a positive manner and creating awareness and memories among the community of Laois.
The members came up with the coloured fun run where they can create good memories, where everyone can get involved in a positive way.
You can check out a selection of our images from the event below.
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