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Communications Officer Job Advertisement

We Are Hiring: Communications Officer

August 6, 2025
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Laois Sports Partnership CLG wishes to recruit a Communications Officer. This is an exciting opportunity to join a local Sports Partnership and really engage with the community as Laois LSP’s Communications Officer. This is a fixed-term contract funded through Sports Ireland.   Job and Person Specification available from info@laoissports.ie or can be downloaded from our website   Please send Letter of Suitability and Curriculum Vitae by email to: Caroline Myers, Email : cmyers@laoissports.ie   Closing date for receipt of applications: 5pm Friday 22nd August 2025 Shortlisting may apply.   Laois Sports Partnership is an equal opportunities employer. Salary scale aligned to equivalent Local Authority Grade 4 €35,613-€54,911 See job description here.

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Grants Announced

Announced: 2025 Grant Recipients Announced

July 15, 2025
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Laois Sports Partnership are delighted to announce that 54 clubs have been successful in their applications for the Sport Participation Grant, the Women in Sport Grant, and the Volunteer Support Grants in partnership with Laois Volunteer Support Centre. Totalling in €25,878, The Participation Grant aims to support activity and training programmes and non-capital club development initiatives, while the Women in Sport Grant focuses on increasing physical activity levels among women and supporting their roles in sports organisations. The Volunteer Support Grant is aimed at supporting volunteers in sports clubs to be more inclusive and provide training in inclusion and upskill coaches. Criteria stated eligible organisations must be based in Laois, operate as not-for-profit entities open to public membership, prioritize sports or physical activity, and have inclusive policies regardless of gender, age, race, or ability. Laois Sports Partnership CEO Caroline Myers said: “Laois Sports Partnership are delighted to support 54 clubs this year do vital work for sport and activity in county Laois. We are also proud to have such a positive response to our new  Volunteer Support Bursary, which will be a great opportunity for clubs to increase inclusivity in their sport and activity. It is a pleasure to partner with Laois Volunteer Centre on this vital grant.” Catherine Ryan, Manager of Laois Volunteer Centre, said: “Laois Volunteer Centre is delighted to partner with Laois Sports Partnership with their Volunteer Support Bursary. We are looking forward to learning about how the various Sports Clubs and Groups around the county use the funding to increase inclusion and diversity.” Congratulations to all successful applicants and we look forward to seeing the impact of their respective projects to increase participation in sport and physical activity. See full list of awardees below: LVC / LSP Volunteer Support Bursary Abbeyleix FC – Banrion Gaels Camogie Club Clonaslee St Manmans LGFA Kestrels Basketball Club Laochra Laoise, Special Olympics Sports Club, Portlaoise Laois Marlins Swimming Club Laois Riding for the Disabled Piranha Swimming Club Portlaoise AFC Portlaoise Rugby Football Club St Annes AFC St Lazarian’s Camogie Club, Abbeyleix St, Aengus Football Club Strongbow Archers SVT CANOEING & KAYAKING CLUB The Heath Golf Club The Rock GAA Sports & Physical Activity 4th Laois Portarlington Scout Group Arles Kilcruise GFC Ballyfin GAA Banríon Gaels Camogie Club Camross Camogie Club Colt GAA clun colt mothers and others Crettyard United A.F.C Kestrels Basketball Club Laochra Laois Special Olympics Sport club Portlaoise Laois Hockey Club Laois Marlins Swimming Club Laois Martial Arts Piranha Swim Club Portlaoise AFC Rathdowney Errill LGFA St Aengus fc St Brigids LGFC. Stradbally GAA The Rock GAA Club Women in Sport Abbeyleix Afc Ballyroan Juvenile Basketball Club Borris in Ossory Kilcotton Gaelic for Mothers and Others Camross Camogie Club Clough Ballacolla GAA Handball Club Colt Gaelic For Mothers and Others Kenkyo Dojo / Irish Karate Kyokushinkai Park ratheniska ladies club U 16 Park Ratheniska Mother & Otheres Rathdowney Errill LGFA St Brigids LGFC. St Conleth’s Gaelic for Mothers & Others St. Brigid’s Camogie Club St. Conleth’s Football Club -LGFA The heath Gaa health and well being The Heath Gaelic for Mothers and Others The Heath Golf Club Timahoe Community Hall

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Picture advertising Laois Walks Festival with people walking across a bog land

Laois Walks Festival 2025

July 2, 2025
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The Laois Walks Festival is back this July! Join us for 23 guided walks across 14 amazing communities throughout the county. From peaceful strolls to challenging hikes, there’s something for everyone—including family-friendly walks through Laois’s stunning countryside. -Discover hidden trails -Hear local stories-Meet welcoming communities -Experience Laois as part of Ireland’s Ancient East -Kicking off this July! Check out all walks and register now! View all events here. Lace up your boots… it’s time to walk Laois again!

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Disability Inclusion Training (Theory & Practical ) – In Person

May 29, 2025

This is a 4.5-hour introductory level workshop, designed to give participants ideas and inspiration to adapt their sport and physical activity sessions, to make them more accessible and inclusive for children and adults with a disability. The workshop consists of 2.5 hours theory followed by a 2 hour practical which allows participants to put their new learnings into practice. This workshop is designed to provide participants with the knowledge, skills and ideas on how to adapt and modify your sport, physical activity or physical education sessions to make them more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities.   Attendees will be engaged through interactive group work, theory content and will be introduced to adaptation tools which will be applied to a variety of games and activities on how to make these inclusive for all ability groups.   On completion of the workshop all participants will receive an Active Disability Ireland Certificate of Attendance endorsed by Sport Ireland, a resource manual and a games booklet full of fun inclusive activities. Duration: 4.5 Hours Who is it for: Coaches, sports leaders, teachers, special needs assistants (SNAs), third level students, development officers, volunteers, parents or anyone who has an interest in making their sport accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities.      

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Federation of Irish Sport Awards 2025

BREAKING: Laois Sports Partnership shortlisted in two categories for 2025 Federation of Irish Sport Awards

May 9, 2025
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Friday 9th May, The Federation of Irish Sport is thrilled to unveil the shortlist of finalists for the much-anticipated 2025 Irish Sport Industry Awards. Set to take place on Tuesday, 20th May at the prestigious College Green Hotel in Dublin, this event promises to be an exciting evening celebrating the power and impact of sport across Ireland. With 11 award categories shining a spotlight on excellence in innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, the Irish Sport Industry Awards highlight the individuals, businesses, and organisations who are shaping the future of Irish sport. Today, eight competitive categories have been announced (see below for the list of nominees).   The night will also see the unveiling of three coveted individual honours for the Outstanding Achievement & Contribution to Sport Award, KPMG Women in Sport Award and the Jimmy Magee Sports Coverage of the Year Award, as chosen by the Association of Sports Journalists Ireland. Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport said, “The Federation is delighted to host the 8th annual Irish Sport Industry Awards which recognise and reward excellence in the business of sport and entrepreneurship. Sport has a unique potential to drive positive change in Irish society, in the areas of health, education, social integration, tourism and economic growth. These awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the multibillion value of the sport sector to the Irish economy and celebrate the work of the more than 64,000 people employed within the sector.”   Jill Downey, Chief Sponsorship & Sustainability Officer, Core and Chair of the Judging Panel commented, “My fellow judges and I were blown away by the innovative, dedicated, and progressive work happening across sport right now. I want to thank the judges for taking such care and attention, reviewing every entry in detail. Many of the categories were so difficult to call with multiple worthy winners. It’s an exciting time to be part of a vibrant and thriving sports industry.” 2025 Finalists   Best Commercial Partnership in Sport, presented by Dublin City Sports & Wellbeing Partnership Ladies Gaelic Football Association and TG4, Lidl Ireland Olympic Federation of Ireland and Flogas Paralympic Ireland and Nestlé Cereals Athletics Ireland and 123.ie Best Use of Communications Platforms in Sport, presented by Future Ticketing Leave No Trace Ireland, Love This Place IRFU, Irish Rugby+ in partnerships with WiiStream Athletics Ireland, Irish Runner Magazine Football Association of Ireland, League of Ireland Best Initiative to Promote Women in Sport & Physical Activity presented by Opel Ireland Mayo Local Sports Partnership, ‘Mayo.ie Western People Women’s Mini Marathon’ Basketball Ireland, SOCIA-Ball Athletics Ireland, The Girls Squad  Badminton Ireland, BadminTEEN Best Initiative to Promote Inclusivity in Sport & Physical Activity presented by A&L Goodbody (by a Local Sports Partnerships) Laois Sports Partnership, Translation of Safeguarding 1 Training into Ukrainian Wicklow Sports Partnership, Urban Outdoor Recreation Wexford Sports Partnership, Nature Walker app Donegal Sports Partnership, Sport 4 Empowerment Best Initiative to Promote Inclusivity in Sport & Physical Activity presented by A&L Goodbody (by a National Governing Body) Cycling Ireland, Project Moljnir Canoeing Ireland, PaddleAble programme Irish Wheelchair Association Sport, Treaty Rollers multi-sport club  Football Association of Ireland, Cairdeas Cup Festival Local Sports Partnership of the Year, presented by Clann Credo                     Fingal Sports Council Mayo Sports Partnership Laois Sports Partnership Leitrim Sports Partnership Governing Body of the Year, presented by Marsh                           Badminton Ireland Athletics Ireland Basketball Ireland Squash Ireland Best New Sports Business of the Year, presented by Sport Ireland                                 Skippio Hexis KineMo Sports Impact Technologies Best Sports Business of the Year, presented by Technology Ireland DIGITAL Skillnet                       WiiStream Irish American Events Ltd. (IAEL) ClubSpot Quiz Wizards To be announced on the 20th May 2025 at the awards ceremony: Jimmy Magee FIS/Association of Sports Journalist Ireland Sports Coverage of the Year Award KPMG Women in Business in Sport Award Outstanding Achievement & Contribution to Sport Award                                   For more information Contact: Clare Louise O’Donoghue, 086 0437887 Email: clarelouise.odonoghue@irishsport.ie  or visit www.irishsportindustryawards.ie Behind the Judging: Meet the Experts Jill Downey, Chief Sponsorship & Sustainability Officer, Core Rob Hartnett, Founder, CEO Sport for Business Elma Beirne, Associate Director, Talent & Marketing Representation, Wasserman Ireland Shane Califf, Head of the Organisational Development & Change Unit, Sport Ireland Maeve Buckley, Director, Leading Sport Ronan McCormack, Group Marketing Manager, Dalata Group Hotel Brenda O’Donnell, CEO, Active Disability Ireland Tom Fox, Co-Founder of 53Six Catherine Tiernan, Commercial Director, Olympic Federation of Ireland Stephen Bradshaw, Head of Marketing, Close Brothers Motor Finance Ger McTavish, Disability in Sport Lead, Sport Ireland Ronan Donagher, Former Head of Games Systems

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CLUB Volunteer Support Bursary

Club Volunteer Support Bursary announced for clubs in Laois to promote inclusion

May 1, 2025
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Exciting news for clubs and groups in Laois! We have opened up an additional grant to our 2025 Grant Schemes. Club Volunteer Support Bursary Purpose: This initiative will be aimed at clubs in Laois. The aim is to support volunteers in sports clubs to be more inclusive and provide training in inclusion. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity! Laois Sports Partnership CEO Caroline Myers, said: “Laois Sports Partnership are happy to announce an addition to our 2025 Grant Scheme. The Volunteer Support Bursary will be a great opportunity for clubs to increase inclusivity in their sport and activity. It is a pleasure to partner with Laois Volunteer Centre on this vital grant and we look forward to your applications.” Catherine Ryan, Manager of Laois Volunteer Centre, said: “Laois Volunteer Centre is delighted to partner with Laois Sports Partnership with their Volunteer Support Bursary. We are looking forward to learning about how the various Sports Clubs and Groups around the county use the funding to increase inclusion and diversity.”   Apply now to unlock possibilities and enhance your club’s impact on the community. Please read carefully the full conditions before submitting. Closing date for the receipt of applications is 5pm on Friday 30th May 2025. REGISTER HERE    

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Grants Available

Participation and Women in Sport Grants now open for 2025!

April 3, 2025
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Exciting news for clubs and groups in Laois! Our 2025 Grant Schemes are now open, offering funding opportunities under two impactful categories:𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭Grants ranging from €250 to €500Purpose: Funding for Activity/Training Programs or Non-Capital Club Development Initiatives, promoting increased participation in sport and physical activity.https://forms.office.com/e/T21x422tt5𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐈𝐧 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭Grants ranging from €250 and €500.Purpose: Funding for Activity/Training Programs or Non-Capital Club Development Initiatives, aiming to boost overall physical activity levels among women and support their roles within sports organizations.https://forms.office.com/e/XzdM5rAqZjDon’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity! Apply now to unlock possibilities and enhance your club’s impact on the community. Please read carefully the full conditions before submitting.Closing date for the receipt of applications is 5pm on Friday 2nd May 2025.

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Women in Sport Week

Save the date: Women in Sport Week’s fifth anniversary to highlight women’s visibility and leadership in sports

February 21, 2025
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Sport Ireland is reminding people to get ready for Women in Sport Week, which runs from Monday, March 3 to Sunday, March 9, and this year celebrates its fifth anniversary. Laois Sports Partnership are delighted to once again be apart of Women in Sport Week. We have a number of great events happening over the week that incorporate the daily themes, and we will share the information in the coming days. Women in Sport Week aims to increase visibility for women in sport and highlight initiatives that support their participation, leadership, and overall involvement in sports at all levels. Each day is organised along a different theme and there are a number of events taking place to mark the week. Monday, March 3rd – Visibility Women in Sport Week kicks off with Sport Ireland and its stakeholders highlighting the achievements of female athletes, leaders, and volunteers. Increasing the visibility of women’s sport and women in sport is a key objective under the Sport Ireland Tuesday, March 4th – Coaching Webinar: Coaching the Female Athlete. Sporting experts explore some of the key knowledge gaps in relation to female athletes and discuss coaching opportunities and solutions. 8-9pm. Register here. Wednesday, March 5th – Her Moves Webinar: Her Moves – Supporting Teenage Girls in Sport. Designed for teenage girls, but equally suitable for coaches, teachers and parents, this webinar will discuss different topics that girls experience in their relationship with sport, including menstruation, body image, and sports bras. Schools can register here (11am-12pm); You can register for the later webinar here (7.30-8.30pm) here. Thursday, March 6th – Officiating Webinar: Breaking Barriers – Women in Officiating. A look at some of the challenges, achievements, and future opportunities for women officiating in sport. It will feature invaluable guidance on how to get started in officiating. 8-9pm. Register here.   Friday March 7th – Leadership & Governance Accelerate Action event on the Sport Ireland Campus. Attended by 100 Women in Sport leads, leadership course participants and sector leaders this will feature keynote speakers, panel discussion, Q&A, and a networking lunch.   Saturday March 8th – International Women’s Day Sport Ireland and parkrun Ireland are marking International Women’s Day during Women in Sport Week by encouraging women and girls to head to their local parkrun on Saturday March 8th to walk, jog, run or volunteer.   Sunday March 9th – Active Participation This is a day for women to mark Women in Sport Week by getting active in whatever way they want. For ideas about ways to be active in your area check out Get Ireland Active, Ireland’s most comprehensive activity, sport, and recreation website.  

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Laois Volunteer in Sport Award

Laois Volunteer in Sport Award Recipient Announced

February 7, 2025
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PATRICK BRENNAN HONOURED AS COUNTY LAOIS’ 2024 RECIPIENT OF THE VOLUNTEERS IN SPORT AWARDS 35 volunteers to be honoured, €200 donation to each recipient’s local club Every week, 460,000 volunteers dedicate their time to support 1.47 million club members Economic contribution of volunteers in sport valued at €1.5 billion annually   The Federation of Irish Sport is proud to announce that Patrick Brennan been named County Laois’s 2024 recipient of the Volunteers in Sport Awards. Patrick will be honoured at a special awards ceremony on Friday, 28th February 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown, alongside a volunteer from every county (four in Dublin) in Ireland in recognition of their dedication and passion for their local club.   A Lifetime of Dedication Patrick “Paddy” Brennan has devoted over 70 years of his life to Crettyard CLG, holding nearly every role within the club and mentoring countless individuals from underage to adulthood, both on and off the field. Each morning, Paddy opens the gate to the club grounds—grounds renowned as some of the finest in the county, regularly hosting club, inter-county, and college games. His pride in maintaining these high standards is evident in every detail. Paddy’s impact goes far beyond day-to-day tasks. He has been central to major development projects, including the pitch upgrade, construction of the clubhouse, gym, and stands, as well as the installation of energy-efficient lighting and solar-powered lights on the walking track in 2024. His vision and dedication have ensured the club remains a welcoming, modern facility for all. Never far from the action, Paddy also manages the club lotto and is an active member of the club’s “Walk & Talk” group. His constant presence and tireless volunteering have made him the heart and soul of Crettyard CLG. A team may be the sum of its parts, but a club thrives on the passion and commitment of individuals like Paddy. He embodies the true spirit of volunteerism and has given so much to the club and community—a contribution that can never be fully repaid.   Honouring Volunteers Who Keep Irish Sport Thriving Throughout November and December 2024, the Federation of Irish Sport called on the public, sports clubs, Local Sports Partnerships and Governing Bodies to nominate volunteers whose contributions have made a meaningful difference. This year’s awards saw a record number of nominations from over 53 sporting disciplines, reflecting the incredible diversity of volunteering in Ireland. Every week, 460,000 volunteers dedicate their time to support 1.47 million club members around the country to keep them engaged and active, making a social and economic contribution valued at €1.5 billion annually. These volunteers are the backbone of Irish sport, keeping communities active, healthy, and connected.   Speaking about the importance of the awards, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, Mary O’Connor said: “The Federation of Irish Sport is proud to celebrate our volunteers in sport and to pay tribute to these incredible individuals who give their time and energy to enrich Irish sport and strengthen communities. These awards are a vital nationwide recognition of the scale of volunteering that is required every week to support 1.47 million club members around the country.”   Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of Irish sport, driving participation across all disciplines. Sport Ireland research reveals unprecedented levels of engagement, with nearly two million adults participating in sport weekly. That’s a real testament to the tireless efforts of volunteers. They don’t merely contribute – they transform aspirations into achievements, making sport accessible and enjoyable for all. We all owe them a debt of gratitude and we’re happy to play our part in recognising their dedication.”   Head of Louth Sports Partnership, representative of the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships and member of the judging panel, Graham Russell said: “The Volunteers in Sport Awards is a unique opportunity for the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships each year to collectively celebrate the terrific work being done in every county in Ireland to drive greater and more inclusive participation in sport and physical activity. The National Network of Local Sports Partnerships work closely with volunteers in the community and see the impact they have at grass roots level and in breaking down boundaries to participation. We are proud to champion the unsung heroes of sport.”    Laois Sports Partnership CEO, Caroline Myers said: “We want to wish a huge congratulations to the Laois Recipient, Patrick Brennan, of the Volunteer in Sport Award 2025. Volunteers are the lifeblood of sport in Ireland and we are so lucky to have such hard working people in the county who give their time and commitment to their teams and clubs.”   See the rest of the winners here.

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