Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging - at Abbeyleix Bog : Judges on the boardwalk with Council Officials. Photo: Michael Scully - no reproduction fee.
The Abbeyleix Bog Project represented County Laois at the Pride of Place Awards recently.
The competition focuses on ‘people coming together to shape, change and improve daily lives in their communities’.
Since commencing in 2003, it has highlighted community activities, culture and many other aspects that contribute to their pride of place.
One of the Judges of the contest, Declan Nelson praised Abbeyleix for its previous achievements and the strong sense of community.
Volunteers Garry Luttrell and Des Finnamore presented the history and achievements of the Abbeyleix Bog Project.
They detailed the origins of the Bog Project and its community led conservation initiative which was spearheaded by over 100 volunteers.
Des Finnamore discussed the diverse habitats present in the bog, crucial to tackling climate change.
Interestingly highlighting that peatlands have a higher carbon absorption potential than rainforests.
Mrs. Martina Moloney, judge and former Local Authority Chief Executive, commended the project, describing the presentation as exceptional and noting the community’s strong commitment and diverse activities.
She highlighted the recovery of the active raised bog from one percent to 13.5 percent as a significant achievement.
Interim Chief Executive of Laois Council, Simon Walton, and Leas Cathaoirleach Councillor John King both praised the intiative, particularly for the selfless work of its volunteers and the attraction the bog adds to Laois.
Suzanne Dempsey, Climate Action Coordinator, expressed her gratitude: “We are immensely thankful to all the volunteers and local experts who brought the judges on this enlightening tour.
“Special thanks to Garry Luttrell and Des Finnamore for their detailed presentations and to John Joe Fennelly for his unwavering support.”
The winners of the IPB All Island Pride of Place Competition 2024 will be announced on Saturday, November 2, at the Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony at The Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan.
Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix Community Gardens _ Gary Luttrell ( Bog Project ) Pride of Place judges , Declan Nelson and Mrs. Martina Moloney, chatting with Richard O’Connell . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix Community Garden : Dan Bergin ( Laois PPN ), Clr. John Joe Fennelly and Majella Moore ( Laois PPN ). Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix Community Gardens after the judging Simon Walton (Interim Chief Executive of Laois Council), Leas Cathaoirleach Councillor John King and Laois Co Council staff – Sam Mc Cloud, Trisha O’Rourke, Danielle Keane, Leah Nolan and Tom Curran. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix Community Garden : Odhran Mc Daid, John and Mary Mc Donald, Oisin Mc Daid, Anita Bonham , Sylvia O’Donovan and Shirley Cahill . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix Community Garden : Laois Co Council staff – Leah Nolan, Sam Mc Cloud, Tom Curran and Danielle Keane . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix Community Garden : Kathleen O’Connor ,Leah Nolan, Danielle Keane, Trisha O’Rourke, Betty Whelan, Jackie Walsh and Mary Fennelly. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix Community Garden : Portlaoise Active Retirement group . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix Community Garden : Liam Preston ( Laois Civil Defence ), Simon Walton ( Interim Chief Executive of Laois Council) and Clr. John Joe Fennelly. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix Community Garden : The Cahill family traditional music group.. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix Community Garden : Kathleen O’Connor ,Leah Nolan, Danielle Keane, Trisha O’Rourke, Betty Whelan, Jackie Walsh and Mary Fennelly. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix Community Garden : Leah Nolan and Sam Mc Loud ( Laois Co Co ) collecting a pizza.. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix Bog : Gary Luttrell ( Bog Project volunteer ) gives details of a home made timber transporter . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.
Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix Bog : Bog Project volunteers and judges on the boardwalk . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix Bog : Judges on the boardwalk with Council Officials. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix Bog : Hugh Sheppardb ( Bog Project volunteer ) speaking .. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix Bog : Bog Project volunteer Marie Thompson chats with Pride of Place judges . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix Bog : Portlaoise Active retirement ladies. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix Bog : Bog Project volunteers Kathleeen O’Connor and Marie Thompson, chat with judges . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix Manor Hotel : Pride of Place judges are welcomed by Leas Cathaoirleach Councillor John King, Pamela Tynan and Interim Chief Executive of Laois Council, Simon Walton . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix Bog : Des Finnamorel ( Bog Project volunteer ) and Declan Nelson ( Pride of Place judge) walk in the bog . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix Bog : Declan Nelson ( Pride of Place judge) walks in the bog . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix Bog : Declan Nelson ( Pride of Place judge) walks in the bog . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix bog : Judges – Declan Nelson and Mrs Martina Moloney with Des Finnamore . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix bog : Judges – Declan Nelson and Martina Moloney with Fiona Mc Gowen , Abbeyleix . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix bog : Judges – Declan Nelson and Martina Moloney with Fiona Mc Gowen , Abbeyleix . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix bog Hugh Shephard speaking . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee .Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix bog : Judges – Declan Nelson and Martina Moloney and LCC Officials on the boardwalk . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix Manor Hotel : Leas Cathaoirleach ,Councillor John King , speaking at the event. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix Manor Hotel : Simon Walton (Interim Chief Executive of Laois Council), speaking at the event . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix Manor Hotel : Listening to the presentation – Pamela Tynan ( Laois Co Co ), Simon Walton (Interim Chief Executive of Laois Council), Leas Cathaoirleach Councillor John King , Mrs. Martina Moloney ( Judge ) and Suzanne Dempsey ( Climate Action Co-Ordinator- Laois Co Co ). Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Pride of Place Competition 2024 judging – at Abbeyleix Manor Hotel : Pride of Place judge , Mrs, listens to Martina Moloney listening to the presentation by Volunteers Garry Luttrell and Des Finnamore . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.
