Meet the champion of circular living from Laois
Laois-based fibre artist Courtney Jean Murray who was a runner-up in the Creative Circular Artist category of the Full Circle Awards.
A LAOIS woman who has been described as a champion of circular living was honoured at the ‘Circular.ie Full Circle Awards’ held in the Aviva Stadium.
Fibre artist Courtney Jean Murray was a runner-up in the Creative Circular Artist category, honouring those who transform waste materials into art, furniture, décor, or other creative expressions through upcycling.
Based in Laois, Ms Murray creates distinctive wall hangings and sculptural pieces using yarn and reclaimed fibres.
She says that collaboration is central to her practice as she often works with organisations such as the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board and the Dunamaise Arts Centre.
As a craft tutor, Ms Murray has led community exhibitions and workshops, helping people explore the creative potential of reused materials. Her work has been featured at events including the Bealtaine Festival 2025 and Culture Night 2024.
This is the first year of the Full Circle Awards which was created by Circular.ie to spotlight people and projects that demonstrate what circular living looks like and celebrate the big impact that individuals and communities throughout Ireland, including in Laois.
Minister of State with special responsibility for the Circular Economy Alan Dillon said: “These awards highlight how people across Ireland are making a real difference in their community by embracing and promoting circular living in their daily lives. They also act as inspiration to others, creating momentum throughout the country.”
The event in the Aviva also celebrated the launch of Circular.ie - Ireland’s new national platform designed to help people in Laois reduce waste, get more from the things they already have, save money, and build thriving local communities through circular living.
Developed by The Rediscovery Centre, in collaboration with the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment and other stakeholders working in this area, Circular.ie offers practical tools, guidance, and inspiration for anyone in Laois looking to live more sustainably — from reusing and repairing to sharing and repurposing.
CEO of The Rediscovery Centre Claire Downey said: “Circular living is all around us. Our mapping has identified brilliant initiatives across the country and a growing interest from communities to get more involved, including in Laois. Circular.ie is about meeting people where they are at and providing practical steps and support for them to get started or go that bit further.”
