Timahoe Male Choir wins All Island Pride of Place award
Rachel Doheny, Senior Staff Officer, Community, Laois County Council, Pat Delaney, Acting Director of Services: Community and Integration, Climate and Environment, Laois County Council, Cllr Barry Walsh, Cathaoirleach, Laois County Council, Damien Bowe, Choir Leader, Timahoe Male Choir, Fr David Vard, Timahoe Male Choir, Roghan Headen, Timahoe Male Choir, Ger Galway, Timahoe Male Choir and Michael Rainey, Chief Executive of Laois County Council
THEY did it! Timahoe Male Choir brought home a Pride of Place Award at an All Island ceremony last night.
From Laois to New York, the choir’s journey has always been about lifting spirits and building bonds and the award is a tribute to every voice, every volunteer and every supporter.
Timahoe’s community spirit took centre stage at the prestigious IPB Pride of Place Awards in Limerick on Friday 7 November, attended by members of the Timahoe Male Choir and representatives from Laois County Council, attended.
The choir that memorably captured the main arena at the 2025 Electric Picnic was awarded the Community Wellbeing Initiative (Focused) Award at the joyful ceremony.
Speaking at the event, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Barry Walsh, expressed his pride as he said: “It’s inspiring to see how the efforts of a small community can have such a wide-reaching impact.
"I’m thrilled to see their dedication recognised. Huge congratulations to everyone involved and to the community of Timahoe.”
Chief Executive of Laois County Council, Michael Rainey, echoed the sentiment, as he said: “The Timahoe Male Choir exemplifies the extraordinary potential of community-driven initiatives across Laois.
“What began locally has now earned national and even international recognition. The sense of community, connection and support evident with the Timahoe Male Choir reflects the vibrant community spirit found across the county of Laois.”
Back in August, Timahoe Male Choir welcomed Pride of Place judges Tom Dowling and Liam Hannaway for a visit which left a lasting impression. Judges heard powerful testimonies from choir members and proud residents, as well as from numerous local groups who have benefited from the choir’s fundraising efforts and uplifting performances. What began as an idea has developed into a vital community initiative.
Since its formation, the Timahoe Male Choir has featured on national TV and radio, proudly represented Laois at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York and performed on the main stage at Electric Picnic. Yet choir members say as much joy comes from singing for small audiences as for thousands at major events.
Judges praised the real sense of community and togetherness they witnessed in Timahoe, noting the infectious energy and positivity the choir brings to every performance. More importantly, they highlighted the choir’s role in fostering connection, offering support, and building lasting friendships.
Choir leader Damien Bowe reflected on the honour saying: “We’re absolutely thrilled to bring this award home to Timahoe. It’s always encouraging to be acknowledged. This initiative has grown into something truly special, and we’re committed to keeping the music alive, the conversations going, and our doors open to all.”
Choir member Roghan Headen said: “Since the Timahoe Male Choir started in 2023, it has been a great initiative for the charitable work and fundraisers undertaken, as well as for our personal wellbeing.
“Members meeting up once a week, having a purpose and coming together collectively in song, has ignited a sense of community in a lot of men in Timahoe and the surrounding areas.
“Men that would have been private now have an awoken sense of community, wellbeing and spirit. It’s a fantastic initiative that personally I’m very proud to be involved in.”
