Laois County Council’s annual Best Estate and Garden Awards Night took place recently in the Council Chamber, and proved to be a wonderful celebration of community pride across the county.
The event was hosted by the Estate Management Section of Laois County Council, with a fantastic turnout from residents and representatives from residents’ associations.
The Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Barry Walsh was in attendance, along with TDs Seán Fleming and Willie Aird plus Michael Rainey, Chief Executive of Laois County Council, and Donal Brennan, Director of Services for Housing.
All of whom commended the dedication and effort shown by communities in keeping their estates and gardens looking their best throughout the year.
In his address, the Cathaoirleach praised the commitment and collaboration shown by residents’ associations and individuals, noting that the pride people take in their surrounding is what truly makes Laois a great place to live.
They highlighted the sense of community spirit and teamwork that underpins the success of these awards and thanked all those involved for their ongoing dedication of improving their local areas.
The Chief Executive also spoke on the night, congratulating all the winners and commending the outstanding work being carried out by communities across the county.
Then reflected on how initiatives like the Best Estate and Garden Awards not only enhance the physical environment but also contribute positively to mental health and wellbeing, by fostering connection, purpose, and shared achievement.
The Chief Executive also emphasised the growing importance of biodiversity, praising residents for embracing sustainable and eco-friendly practices in their estates and gardens, and described the Residents Associations as “a credit to their communities”.
This year’s competition focused on recognising excellence within local authority estates throughout Laois, celebrating the hard work, creativity, and pride shown by residents in maintaining their homes and shared spaces.
In total, 16 estate awards were presented, along with 3 individual front garden awards, honouring both community and personal contributions to the county’s appearance and environment.
In recognition of the winners’ outstanding efforts, prizes totalling €10,100 were awarded on the night.
Each winning estate received an individual plaque to proudly display at their estate entrance, while the three individual garden winners were presented with smaller plaques to display in their homes. In addition, every winner received a certificate to mark their achievement.
Fionnuala Daly, Head of Estate Management, expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in making the event such a success.
She extended heartfelt thanks to her team in the Estate Management section for their dedication and hard work throughout the year, and to all the residents and community representatives for their continued enthusiasm and participation.
Fionnuala noted that the commitment shown by residents’ associations across the county is a key factor in the success of these awards and in building strong, connected, and vibrant communities.
The Best Estate and Garden Awards form part of Laois County Council’s ongoing Pride of Place initiatives, which aim to foster community spirit, environmental awareness, and a shared sense of ownership and pride in local areas.
Laois County Council wishes to congratulate this year’s winners and thank every resident and community group who took part for their continued commitment and hard work in enhancing the beauty of their neighbourhoods.
Laois County Council also encourages residents’ associations and individuals across the County to start preparing for the next year’s Best Estate and Garden Awards.
The event continues to grow in popularity each year, and Laois County Council looks forward to seeing even more communities take part and showcase their creativity, teamwork, and pride of place in 2026.
Award Winners:
Best Estate in Portlaoise MD
3rd – Conniberry Way (€300)
2nd – Riverview (€500)
1st – Gleann na Glaise. (€1,000)
Best Estate in Graiguecullen-Portarlington MD
3rd – Rossmore View (€300)
2nd – Doonane Road (€500)
1st – Vignoles Gardens (€1,000)
Best Estate in Borris-in-Ossory-Mountmellick MD
3rd – Meadowbrook (€300)
2nd – Quigley Park (€500)
1st – Old Forge Crescent (€1,000)
Overall Best Community Floral & Shrub Display
3rd – Oakleaf Place (€300)
2nd – Kirwan Park/Harbour Court (€400)
1st – Kiln Lane (€500)
Overall Best Improved estate
Featherbed Lane (€1,000)
Overall Best Biodiversity estate
Joint Winners Clanmalire Crescent (€250) & Clanmalire Close (€250)
Best Overall estate
Gleann na Glaise (€500)
Individual Garden Front Garden
Portlaoise MD – Mr. P. Doheny, Hillview Drive (€500)
Graiguecullen-Portarlington MD – Mrs. L. Keogh, Clanmalire Close (€500)
Borris-in- Ossory-Mountmellick MD – Mr. M. Maher, Harbour Court (€500)
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