Sunny Laois village showcased for Pride of Place
Joe Walsh and Seán Hyland with judges Liam Hannaway and Tom Dowling travelling by horse and carriage to Clough Church. Photo: Paul Dargan
BEAUTIFUL Clough village was showcased in glorious sunshine on Friday, when IPB Pride of Place judges Tom Dowling and Liam Hannaway spent an afternoon immersed in the thriving community.
Laois County Council selected the village to represent the county in the prestigious contest this year, in the 0-300 population category, following the success of Timahoe Male Choir which won its category in 2025.
Olga Hyland, member of the Clough Pride of Place organising committee said: “The entire village of Clough worked together to make Friday possible. From the presentation to preparing food, planting flowers or painting walls, so many people have given their time to show the judges the fantastic spirit in Clough. Everyone has represented Laois with pride and dedication.”
The visit began with an engaging presentation at Clough NS by Olga Hyland, Anne Bergin, Pat Brennan and Niall Bergin. The presentation detailed Clough’s guiding principles - past, people, place and progress - as well as the village’s growth and fundraising to ensure continued progress.
The event was attended by volunteers, community groups, local organisations, residents, county council cathaoirleach Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald, councillors John King and Ollie Clooney, Willie Aird TD, former Laois TD and MEP Liam Hyland and county council staff.
Praising the community, Cllr Fitzgerald said: “Congratulations to Clough village firstly for the achievement of being chosen to represent our county in this prestigious competition. Congratulations also on the commitment and engagement shown from all parts of the community, to come together and create a fantastic itinerary to show the judges all that Clough has to offer.”
Speaking after the presentation, the judges commended the vibrant village community. Mr Dowling said: “You are well able to tell a good story, a positive story. You told the story of what Pride of Place is all about - recognising what you have, how you look after every single person in the community and how privileged you are to look after everyone.”
After the presentation, the judges were taken on a walking tour around the village, which included the location for the new community hall and playground, the parish hall, Clough graveyard and a meet and greet with residents.
The judges were also taken by horse and carriage to Clough Church, where they were entertained by the local choir before they met Peggy Bergin, Clough’s oldest resident. They also visited the High Nellies at the High Nelly Cottage, Clough Ballacolla GAA grounds and the impressive Bottle Cap Mosaic, finishing with a bite to eat at the parish hall.
Contributors throughout the tour included residents and committee members, Cllr King, Clough Tidy Towns, Fr Canon Noel Maher and members of Clough Ballacolla GAA club.
County council chief executive Michael Rainey congratulated everyone involved for a wonderful day, saying: “Clough has showcased itself with enthusiasm and dedication and Laois County Council is delighted to nominate the village for this prestigious national award. We wish them the very best of luck in the competition.”
IPB Pride of Place, in association with Co-operation Ireland, acknowledges the work of communities all over the island of Ireland. Portlaoise Tidy Towns is also nominated in the Climate Action and Biodiversity category.
*See more photos from the visit in next week’s edition of the Laois Nationalist
