Age Friendly Laois collaborated with Healthy Laois in putting together the 1st ever Living Well Expo of its kind in the county , which took place in Portlaoise College on thursday 13th April from 4pm to 8pm.
The event brought together various community & Health & Age friendly support groups, agencies , information providers and more and to create an event where attendees could be informed about what is available in Co. Laois in an engaging and fun way.
The Ukranian choir entertained on arrival opened by who put on a beautiful performance – their rendition of “Mo Ghile Mear” was stunning.
This was followed by an address by Cathaoirleach Cllr Thomasina Connell to the attendees. Laois’ Age Friendly Ambassador, Mrs Anna May McHugh, then officially opened the event.
The main stage featured talks by Ms Louise Edmonds of Age Friendly Ireland on the topic of assistive technology, a crime prevention presentation by Sgt Graham Kavanagh and a talk by Women’s Shed founder Ms Carmel Cashin. Operation Transformation Leader, Stephanie Bowden was delighted with the opportunity to return to Laois, to give a talk about her own fitness journey and she had a very interesting and busy Q & A session afterwards.
The HSE provided free health screening and they completed 97 screenings on the day,
Healthy Cooking demos were also a popular part of the event and Ms Janice O Brien of LOETB showed us all how to cook a healthy stir fry.
The Living Well expo also featured a debut performance by the Coalition Chefs , with Councillors John King and Paddy Bracken providing a very entertaining cookery demonstration , which was narrated throughout by Ms Anne Marie Kelly. Councillor Bracken recruited the help of Operation Transformation leaders Stephanie and Andrea, to create a beautiful & healthy vegetable soup. Councillor John King was on the main course section and he showed an eager audience how to bone and roll a chicken from scratch . Both chefs, of course had “one we prepared earlier” and the attendees were treated to samples of both the soup and the boned & rolled chicken.
On the day, we had an estimated 1000 attendees, with a steady stream of people arriving from before the event. The feedback from the event was very positive, and people stated that it was great to be made aware of and meet the many supports available in one location in the county. Exhibitors indicated that they were very busy on the day and that networking opportunities & connections were created with fellow exhibitors , with individuals and with community groups.
All said they looked forward to the next Living Well Expo- so watch this space!!!!!!!!
Age Friendly Laois collaborated with Healthy Laois in putting together the 1st ever Living Well Expo of its kind in the county , which took place in Portlaoise College on thursday 13th April from 4pm to 8pm.
The event brought together various community & Health & Age friendly support groups, agencies , information providers and more and to create an event where attendees could be informed about what is available in Co. Laois in an engaging and fun way.
The Ukranian choir entertained on arrival opened by who put on a beautiful performance – their rendition of “Mo Ghile Mear” was stunning.
This was followed by an address by Cathaoirleach Cllr Thomasina Connell to the attendees. Laois’ Age Friendly Ambassador, Mrs Anna May McHugh, then officially opened the event.
The main stage featured talks by Ms Louise Edmonds of Age Friendly Ireland on the topic of assistive technology, a crime prevention presentation by Sgt Graham Kavanagh and a talk by Women’s Shed founder Ms Carmel Cashin. Operation Transformation Leader, Stephanie Bowden was delighted with the opportunity to return to Laois, to give a talk about her own fitness journey and she had a very interesting and busy Q & A session afterwards.
The HSE provided free health screening and they completed 97 screenings on the day,
Healthy Cooking demos were also a popular part of the event and Ms Janice O Brien of LOETB showed us all how to cook a healthy stir fry.
The Living Well expo also featured a debut performance by the Coalition Chefs , with Councillors John King and Paddy Bracken providing a very entertaining cookery demonstration , which was narrated throughout by Ms Anne Marie Kelly. Councillor Bracken recruited the help of Operation Transformation leaders Stephanie and Andrea, to create a beautiful & healthy vegetable soup. Councillor John King was on the main course section and he showed an eager audience how to bone and roll a chicken from scratch . Both chefs, of course had “one we prepared earlier” and the attendees were treated to samples of both the soup and the boned & rolled chicken.
On the day, we had an estimated 1000 attendees, with a steady stream of people arriving from before the event. The feedback from the event was very positive, and people stated that it was great to be made aware of and meet the many supports available in one location in the county. Exhibitors indicated that they were very busy on the day and that networking opportunities & connections were created with fellow exhibitors , with individuals and with community groups.
All said they looked forward to the next Living Well Expo- so watch this space!!!!!!!!
CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a targeted investment programme for rural areas that aims to provide funding for small infrastructural projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. The funding works in conjunction with local/Agency and other Departmental funding programmes and on the basis of locally identified priorities.
Laois County Council Arts & Libraries are planning a diverse range of programming during the coming year.
We wish to invite submissions from arts and cultural facilitators and producers seeking to join a panel for programming during 2023/24.
Programming could take place during Bealtaine, Cruinniú na nÓg, Culture Night, Leaves Festival of Writing & Music or as part of other programming.
Facilitators for the panel may be chosen to deliver workshops, specialist talks, storytelling, and other tailored events to children, adults, and specialist groups. We welcome events held through Irish, English and other languages.
We are seeking facilitators in the following areas:
STEAM activities such as Coding, Robotics, Fun Science, Virtual Reality, Electronics, and Creative Technologies.
Literacy-focused activities including storytelling, poetry readings, drama, author talks, and creative writing. Activities aimed at specialist groups, e.g. dyslexia friendly, sensory stories etc
Activities can also focus on Technology, development of skills in use of new technologies including: 3D Design, Audio Recording & Editing, Image Editing, Video Recording & Editing, Virtual Reality and Smartphone photography.
Film / Visual Art / Music – performances and workshops
Climate Change: Events raising awareness of climate change, as well as talks and workshops with an emphasis on the practical side, such as gardening and up-cycling workshops.
Creativity: Wide range of activities that encourages and develops creativity in all ages.
Age Friendly: Activities and events that ensure the voices of older people are represented and promote the wellbeing and quality of life of all citizens and communities.
Youth Theatre: facilitators interested in delivering weekly workshops
Wellbeing: Workshops and events with a focus on health and wellbeing, including but not limited to mindfulness, yoga, and play therapy.
Live performance: music, drama, puppetry and spectacle shows for children young people and adults.
Specify which languages you can present your programme eg English, Irish, Ukrainian etc.
Where working with children, compliance is essential with appropriate legislation with regards to Health and Safety and Children First.
To be considered for the panel, please fill out the application form below and email the completed application form to artsoff@laoiscoco.ie
The Laois Arthouse, Stradbally, Co Laois, are delighted to present Spontaneous People / Spontaneous Paintings
This two-person exhibition brings together works by artists Diana Chambers and Seamus Morton.
The exhibition is curated by Dominic Thorpe.
The exhibition opens on Saturday 1st April and runs to Friday 28th April.
The word ‘spontaneous’ refers to the impulse, instinct and natural feeling that fuels the work of both Chambers and Morton. The works presented in Spontaneous People / Spontaneous Paintings also demonstrate the deep curiosity and expression of two artists dedicated to art practice.
Diana Chambers works from the KCAT studio in Callan Kilkenny. She is a prolific painter who addresses a range of subject matter from portraiture to landscape to everyday scenarios and objects. She has shown in several exhibitions including at the West Cork Arts Centre, Riverbank Arts Centre, Galleria Art Kaarisilta Helsinki, and Farmleigh House Dublin.
Seamus Morton works from his studio at Erkina House Rathdowney Co. Laois. He has developed a substantial body of work, including portraiture, landscape, and still life. He has exhibited his work in several exhibitions, including a sell-out solo show at Áras an Chontae, Laois County Council, Portlaoise, Dunamaise Arts Centre, and currently has work on display in the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise.
Dr. Dominic Thorpe is an Irish visual artist and curator. He has shown extensively, including at the Bangkok Cultural Centre, Performance Space London, Galway Arts Centre, the Golden Thread Gallery Belfast, and SASA Gallery Adelaide. Thorpe frequently engages with inclusion and education based initiatives and has work in several public collections in Ireland, including the collection of the Arts Council of Ireland.
The exhibition will be opened by Pádraig Naughton. Pádraig Naughton became Executive Director of Arts & Disability Ireland in 2005. Working strategically in partnership with the arts sector ADI champions the creativity of artists with disabilities and promotes inclusive experiences for audiences with disabilities. In 2022 Pádraig graduated with an LLM in International & Comparative Disability Law & Policy from the University of Galway, also that same year The Kennedy Center, Washington D.C., recognized his lifetime achievement with an Excellence in Accessibility Leadership Award.
An exhibition tour by Diana Chambers, Seamus Morton and Curator Dominic Thorpe, takes place on Thursday 20th April at 12.30pm in the Gallery, Laois Arthouse, Stradbally. Light refreshments will be served. Booking for this event is advisable at the artsoff@laoiscoco.ie / 057-8689386
Exhibition Opening Times:
Exhibition runs from Tuesday 4th April to Friday 28th April.
Open daily, Tuesday-Friday 1:00pm-4:00pm (through the Laois Arthouse) or by special arrangement
Laois County Council are in the process of adapting the former courthouse building and site in Borris-In-Ossory, to form a new digital hub. An architect-led design team was appointed by the council in 2022, and as part of the design process, a consultation will be held on the evening of Wednesday 29th March 2023 at 7pm in the Old Boy’s School on the Main Street of Borris-In-Ossory. Initial design proposals will be on display and members of the county council and design team will be in attendance to discuss the proposals with members of the local community.
Healthy Laois and Age Friendly Laois, today confirmed the return of the Health and Wellbeing Show-Live Well to Portlaoise College on Thursday 4th April 2024.
Live Well celebrates the range of supports and services across Laois that are available to help people improve their own health and wellbeing.
Live Well 2024 sees a further focus on the supports available to help us shape our own health and with a range of over 100 exhibition stands provides a wide range of advice and information under one roof. The key message is that we need make time for our wellbeing and this event is designed to help you do that.
One such champion of this, is Laois lady Anna May McHugh, Managing director of the National Ploughing Championship and Laois’ Age Friendly ambassador. Anna May is no stranger to hosting big events and said “this Live Well event is something for the people of Laois to be proud of. It is good to put Laois on the map and this event will attract people from surrounding counties. Last Year’s success, with 1000 people passing through the doors, demonstrates the need and interest in such initiatives. It’s heartening to see the commitment to providing valuable information and resources to our community”.
This Live Well Expo is now more than a health information show said Healthy Laois Co-Ordinator Emma O’Connor. It’s a celebration of health, community, and the spirit of Laois. Information will be available on grants, energy savings, road safety, HSE health support, nutrition, cooking, activities and a wide range of information stands committed to providing valuable information to help us to Live Well in all aspects of our lives.
An Cathaoirleach, Pascal McEvoy, welcomed the opportunity to showcase products and services and spoke about the positive impact this event makes.
He also noted the participation in the free Health screening provided by the Health Service Executive at last years event, with
Tom Curran the Age Friendly Laois co-ordinator in Laois County Council promises a well organised and diverse lineup for the Live well Expo 2024. “The event will be an engaging and informative experience for attendees with a few surprises on the day” he said. The broad range of information providers will make this a fun and interesting day and there is something here for everyone.”
“Last year was all about people enjoying coming together to share information across all the supports that help you to Live Well – health supports, community groups and even the technology that can work for us in our homes. I can also confirm that the Health Service Executive will be returning to Live Well this year to once again provide free health screening to attendees.”
We only have one shot at Living so let’s LiveWell!
Main Exhibition Hall (1:00 pm – 6:00 pm):
Over 100 exhibitors showcasing a wide range of health-related products, services, and information.
Attendees can explore the exhibition hall at their own pace, engaging with exhibitors and gathering valuable insights.
Medium-Size Stage Area (1:00 pm – 5:00 pm):
The event kicks off at 1:00 pm with an MC introducing Anna May McHugh, the keynote speaker from the Ploughing Championships.
The stage area is a casual space with refreshments available, allowing people to drop in for talks and demos selectively.
Talks and demonstrations cover various topics related to health and well-being including Nutrition, Road Safety, Preventing falls and more will be scheduled throughout the afternoon.
At 5:00 pm, the area transitions into a space for dancing, fostering a lively and celebratory atmosphere for an hour.
Cosy Lounge Area (1:00 pm – 6:00 pm):
Designed for “Comfortable Conversations,” this area encourages discussions on topics such as climate, energy, and health.
A relaxed environment to facilitate meaningful conversations and exchange of ideas.
Outdoor Area (2:00 pm – 5:00 pm):
Features dance exercise routines led by Healthy Laois and Age Friendly Partners, promoting physical activity and well-being.
Showcases the upcoming Bike Week, potentially featuring unique attractions like a penny farthing from the local vintage club.
Pop Up Surprise
Live music performances adding a lively atmosphere to the main exhibition hall.
The space buzzes with energy, creating a vibrant and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
Small Cinema Area (Space Permitting, 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm):
Our Bring Banks are a great resource, we would ask that items are put into the correct containers, do not leave any items on or around the bring banks.
If you visit and they are full, please let us know on 057 86 74322.
Improper use of leaving materials at the Bring Banks is a litter offence and will result in a Litter Fine of €150 and / or a court appearance.
Wonderful exhibition of artworks titled ‘We Are Artists’ were presented by Junior and Senior infant students in St Colman’s NS took place on Wednesday 8th February to Friday 10th February at Laois Arthouse, Stradbally. Through the Arts-in-Education BLAST Residency Programme, the pupils got the opportunity to work with local professional artist Orla McDonagh. The pupils created beautiful creations inspired by their woodland walk at Cosby Estate.
Pictured are Catherine Guidera, Laois County Council Arts Office, Ann Marie Kirrane, Community Department, Laois County Council, Diane Seale, Laois County Council Arts Office, Teachers Annmarie Kelly, Sarah Meally, Artist , Orla McDonagh, Principle St. Colman’s N.S Brian Lynch, Catherine Doolin, Laois Education Centre Director, Jenny Buggie, L.E.C, Art & Creativity, Laois County Council Cathaoirleach Thomasina O’Connell, Cllr. Paschal McEvoy .
The official opening of the exhibition took place on Thursday 9th February with Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council Cllr. Thomasina Connell opening the exhibition.
Ms Anne Marie Kirrane, A/Administrative Officer, Community Department, Laois County Council and MC for the evening welcomed everyone and said “Laois County Council is delighted to exhibit here at the Arthouse in Stradbally, the wonderful Art work created by the Junior and Senior Infants from St Colman’s National School, who took part in the BLAST Arts in Education Residency Programme. This programme gave the students an amazing opportunity to work alongside a professional Artist- Ms Orla McDonagh”.
Cathaoirleach, Thomasina Connell said “The arts education project “We Are Artists” undertaken by the staff and pupils of St. Colman’s National School is a great example of how younger children can engage in the exploration of art. Given the opportunity, these students produced beautiful drawings and paintings inspired by walking through the Cosby Estate and appreciating the nature and environment around them.
Engagement in these types of projects and the opportunity to work with a real artist, Orla McDonagh, builds confidence and supports the development of self-esteem and creativity within each child.
I was delighted to open the Art Exhibition at Stradbally Arthouse and look forward to more events and projects like this, which embrace children’s art.”
Laois County Council Cathaoirleach, Thomasina O’Connell who officially launched the “We Are Artists” Exhibiton at the Art House Stradbally
Ms Orla McDonagh is contemporary figurative artist, her work is multidisciplinary, she often moves between: drawing, paint, ceramics, textiles and up cycled materials. Orla McDonagh said “I found the children very engaged in the process, they experimented with materials and trusted the process. They worked together finding new ways to express ideas, the project was very rewarding and l would welcome a chance to work with the children again.”
St Colman’s NS were delighted to be accepted on the BLAST programme.
St Colman’s NS Principal, Mr Bryan Lynch said, “We were particularly excited about the programme being directed at the younger children in our school. We endeavour to promote the Arts in St Colman’s and to allow the creativity of the children to flourish at any given opportunity. Being accepted onto the BLAST programme gave another outlet via a professional artist for the children to explore their creative sides and to express it through a variety of mediums. Basing the project around the natural surroundings of Stradbally allowed the children to interact with their locality in a different way and to creatively reflect their local environment. We are indebted to BLAST for affording us such a rich and engaging opportunity and for celebrating the creativity of the children by hosting an art exhibition in the Art House Stradbally. Go raibh maith agat as an deis, as an tacaíocht agus as an deis cruthaitheacht na bpáistí a chur chun cinn. (Thank you for the opportunity, the support and the chance to highlight the children’s creativity.)”
St Colman’s NS teacher Ms Sarah Meally who applied for the programme said “We had the pleasure of seeing how, with careful facilitation and exposure to the beauty of our natural surroundings here in Stradbally, the children expressed their creativity and individualism with no inhibitions. Having the Laois Arthouse as an exhibition space was the icing on the cake for the students as they saw how valued their unique expressions were in our local community.”
The Arts-in-Education BLAST Residency Programme was administrated by Laois Education Centre.
Catherine Doolan, Director of Laois Education Centre said “Laois Education Support Centre administers the Arts-in-Education BLAST Residency Programme in our catchment area. This programme has enabled 25 new Arts-in-Education residencies in our local schools this year alone. This gives students the opportunity to work with a professional artist on unique projects planned and developed between the artist, the teacher and the school under the co-ordination of the Education Support Centre. This initiative supports key skills like the ability to connect and collaborate with others, engage in creative and critical thinking and practice inclusivity at every level. It includes drama, dance, music, visual art and many more creative projects. I was delighted to attend this exhibition and see the wonderful work being carried out through this residency and I congratulate all involved for such a fantastic showcase on the night.”
Pictured at the Arthouse Gallery in Stradbally were Rachel O’Brien, Annmarie Kelly, Orla McDonagh, Sarah Meally and Nuala Casey
The exhibition had a great attendance from the pupils of St.Colman’s school, friends, family and members of the public. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed creating their artwork and seeing their creations displayed at Laois Arthouse, Stradbally. For further information about the exhibition and Laois Arthouse, please visit http://www.arthouse.ie/
On 24th January 2023, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys and Minister of State Joe O’Brien, announced details of a €50 million Community Recognition Fund. The allocation for Co. Laois is€1,014,607. This major initiative, the first of its kind, is designed to specifically support communities across the country that have welcomed and are hosting families and citizens from Ukraine and other countries.
The scheme details set out that only areas which have high levels of new arrivals will be deemed eligible for this scheme. In Laois, areas with the highest number of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries are: Rathdowney, Durrow, Abbeyleix, Portlaoise, Mountmellick, Clonaslee, Ballylinan, Portarlington and Emo area.
Laois County Council is seeking Expressions of Interest for project proposals from community groups in the areas listed above/ areas where there are large numbers of new arrivals. The possible types of projects that can be funded under the scheme include:
The refurbishment of local sports clubs and facilities
The upgrade of community facilities such as play areas, walkways, parks and community gardens
The purchase of equipment to benefit local clubs, festivals, music and arts organisations
The enhancement of school or parish facilities that are open to the wider community after hours or on weekends
Transport infrastructure such as community vehicles and bus shelters
Proposed project details within the identified areas should be submitted to soconnor@laoiscoco.ie by 4:00pm Friday 24th February 2023 using the EOI application form Click Here to download EOI
Laois County Council will host an Information Session to inform communities about this fund.
Community Recognition Fund Information Session
DATE: Thursday 9th February at 7.00pm.
LOCATION: Dunamaise Arts Centre , Church Street, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
