Laughter and learning at Laois Live Well Expo
An outdoor mindfulness session led by Margaret Bergin at the Laois Live Well Expo. Photo: Alf Harvey
A DAY of laughter, learning and connection brought more than 2,000 people to the 2025 Live Well Expo in Laois, marking a third successful year for the ever-growing community event.
Portlaoise College was buzzing with more than 110 exhibition stands, as the event was launched by legendary Laois Age Friendly Ambassador and National Ploughing Association managing director Anna May McHugh (90) on Wednesday 23 April.
Since it began in 2023, the Live Well Expo has become a key date in the county calendar, providing valuable information on health and wellbeing services tailored to local needs. This year, the Laois Community Choir got the day off to an uplifting start with a superb performance that sent spirits soaring, led by Nuala Kelly of Music Generation Laois.
Trudy Nealon, newly elected chairperson of the Laois Older Persons’ Council, summed up the spirit of the day as she said: “We only have one shot at living, so let’s live well.”
The main Expo Hall was bustling all day with a wide variety of exhibitors offering information, advice and follow-ups, while a mini library space gave people a chance to sit down, relax and read the papers.
New for 2025 and a big hit was the activity zone, where Laois Sports Partnership tutors and coaches put visitors of all ages through their paces on the Astro Turf. Their energetic efforts were followed by calming mindfulness sessions, led by Margaret Bergin from Bee-ing Me Mindfully.
The Creative Play Area also attracted a steady flow of visitors, offering the opportunity to meet local artists and view their work.
Free health screenings were a major attraction, with nearly 400 screenings carried out at the event. The HSE screened about 200 people for blood pressure and blood sugar levels, Hidden Hearing conducted over 100 ear health checks and Vision Ireland tested 50 people’s eyesight.
The Irish Heart Foundation’s mobile van also provided blood pressure, pulse checks and heart health guidance for dozens of callers.
The main stage, with Laois STEM Officer Seánie Morris as MC, featured a fascinating mix of talks with experts on technology, health, finance and lots more.
Climate and gardening conversations were very popular with advice on funding streams and supports for climate projects, while the many benefits of gardening were explored by people from O’Moore Place allotments in Portlaoise.
Guests also enjoyed a mindful wind-down session, before Dickie Donnelly treated them to terrific entertainment that sent the crowd home smiling.
Tom Curran, Age Friendly programme manager for Laois County Council, said the Expo was made possible by the tireless efforts of exhibitors, speakers, volunteers and helpers, including support from Laois Volunteer Centre, all giving freely of their time and resources to support a healthier, more connected county.
He said: ‘Once again, Portlaoise College played a vital role, generously providing the venue and supporting the delivery of this vital community initiative.’
In an address from the main stage, Laois County Council chief executive Michael Rainey said: “It's fantastic to see so many groups committed to living well in this county. We deliver 1,100 services to Laois but at the heart is to deliver the best quality of life possible.”
Council cathaoirleach Cllr Pádraig Fleming observed: “A healthy county is one where you enjoy physical and mental wellbeing, where we all want to live, work and visit. Today is about opening doors and giving signposts.”
More information about the annual Live Well Expo, as well as contact information for exhibitors or answers to any enquiries, is available by emailing LiveWell@laoiscoco.ie.
