Laois showcased its community champions superbly on Wednesday and Thursday, July 19 and 20.
The villages of Camross, Stradbally, Vicarstown and Timahoe greeted Mr Edward Sheehy and Mr Declan Nelson – the judges in the All Island Pride of Place Competition 2023.
The Camross Community Association was nominated group in Population Category under 500.
The Stradbally, Vicarstown Timahoe Activity & Wellness Hub was nominated in the Community Health & Wellbeing Category.
Pride of Place is an all-Island competition that recognises improvements made by local communities and volunteers to create civic pride in their area.
The competition focus is about people coming together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about the place they live.
The judging commenced in Camross on Wednesday, with the judges being welcomed into the village on horse drawn Carriage, greeted by Fr Brian Griffin at the Fr Lalor Complex
The judges then enjoyed a walk along the brook in front of the idyllic setting of the Poets Cottage, led by Collette McGlynn from the Camross Community Association.
Saoirse Bredin, a 10-year-old from Camross National School, welcomed the Judges on behalf of the village before they enjoyed a video presentation on the developments in Camross and presentations by the Camross Community Association committee.
The Judges were taken on a tour of the national school led by the students and Principal Talitha, and then followed a visit to the Community Hall filled with local groups and their produce.
Next was a special Irish dance demonstration by the talented performers from the Lynam School of Dancing, followed by some home baked treats and a tour of the Activity park led by Martina Scully.
At the suggestion of Camross ICA ladies, a quiet corner was included in the community garden – an ideal setting for taking photographs to mark important occasions, such as weddings and communions.
The tour continued to the Community Environmental Services site, where the construction of a stone wall at the Community Garden using reclaimed local stone was showcased, preserving heritage for future generations.
The Judges travelled to the Parish Church in a Vintage car courtesy of Camross Vintage Club, where they enjoyed some hymns from the Camross Choir and where shown some beautiful paintings created by local Artist Peter Dooley.
The judges proceeded to the Old Cemetery and were given a historic tour by Peter who also versed the Judge on their future plans for it.
The visit to Camross culminated in a wreath laying ceremony by the poet’s family representative at the grave side.
Pride of Place Judging – Camross: Judges at the Activity Park with Martina Scully and visitors
Pride of Place Judging – Camross: Judges at the new seat in the Community Garden with ICA ladies Maud McGlynn, Anne Marie Maher (Community Section Laois Co Council), Patricia Hynes, Sissy Collier and Ann Dooley. Photos: Michael Scully
Pride of Place Judging – Camross: Judges and Development members walking to St. Kevin’s cemetry CamrossThe tour continued on Thursday with a trip to Stradbally Library and Courthouse, where the judges were welcomed by Mr James Deegan who gave them a brief overview of the history of the Courthouse.
The SVT Activity & Wellness Hub Committee charted their wellness programme presentation which included a video celebrating the health and wellbeing initiatives being spearheaded.
Rúairi Jago spoke as the voice of young people and from the perspective of the trained SVT Youth Sport leaders.
Chairperson Ann Simpson presented the accompanying video commissioned, giving everyone a flavour of the SVT story.
The formal presentation was followed by a whistle stop tour of the area, taking in as many scenic areas, facilities, wellness initiatives, amenities, clubs and volunteers as the day would allow.
The tour included a Stradbally playground, where they were greeted by the Caretaker Matt who versed them on the unique amenity that is Stradbally playground and its wellbeing attributes for children Stradbally Allotments.
Next was Laois Cricket Club in Stradbally, where Roland versed the Judges on the wellbeing aspects in terms of inclusivity and diversity, where all are welcomed to enjoy the unique grounds of the Cricket Club & Cosby Hall.
The Judges were welcomed at the newly unveiled Carrigmeal Woodlands Walk.
Led by the Proprietor and Chairperson of the Carrigmeal Committee, the judges were brought on golf buggy to the ORIS funded Outdoor Learning Centre where local traditional musicians entertained the entourage of quests and where a cup of tea was had with some beautiful homemade scones.
The tour continued by the Rock of Dumamaise where John Scully Secretary SVT briefed the Judges on the health and wellbeing aspects enjoyed by visitors every day.
It was then on to the local old Schoolhouse in Vicarstown where the judges had an opportunity to meet Age Friendly walkers who had just had their weekly walk along the Canal.
The judges were shown key capital projects that the SVT have been instrumental in developing The Rath Lane Walkway, The Canal side Community Play and Recreation area, The SVT Canoe and Kayaking Club, parkrun facilities, and Oughaval Athletic Club running / walking Track.
The day ended with a lovely lunch at the Fishermans Thatched Inn, from where the judges departed to continue their deliberations.
Before they left they praised the SVT Activity and Wellness Hub for the extent and inclusivity of their programme of Wellness and physical activity’s and also for their part in highlighting, developing and making the most local natural amenities for the good of all.
They congratulated the SVT also for bringing Operation Transformation to Stradbally for its 2023 season and the exposure it brought to the county of Laois.
Pride of Place Judging – SVT; Judges chatting with Roland Bradley at the Stradbally Cricket grounds
