The event is taking place later today.
Laois County Council is holding a civic reception for Ireland's National Heritage Hero.
Portlaoise's Teddy Fennelly was awarded the title last year for his contribution to the protection and promotion of heritage for more than 50 years.
He will be honoured by the local authority at an event in the County Buildings this evening at 7.30pm.
Mr. Fennelly has been pivotal in ensuring that the story of Colonel James Fitzmaurice and first East-West Transatlantic flight in April 1928 is remembered and his book “Fitz and the Famous Flight” is the definitive work on the subject.
As Chair of the Col Fitzmaurice Commemoration Committee, Teddy commissioned ”The Impossible Dream”, a piece of music by Martin Tourish and the Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra, commemorating Fitzmaurice and the Flight. He was also instrumental in overseeing the naming of Fitzmaurice Place in Portlaoise, the regeneration of the area and the installation of a sculpture commemorating the flight. He had a pivotal role in the purchasing, repatriation and restoration of the Portlaoise Plane and organised for a US flag received by Fitz on his triumphant tour of America to be donated to Laois County Council.
Last year, he instigated the Laois Festival of Flight. Teddy has played a key role in the heritage-led regeneration of the 16th century plantation fort, Fort Protector, at the centre of the town, driving the conservation plan for the Fort. An area that was neglected now has a regenerated public square, the fort walls are conserved, a 16th century church and graveyard have been conserved and reopened, and the Old Fort Festival is bringing economic development into the town.
He has written books on everything from the cooperative movement and Donaghmore Workhouse to the history of Laois GAA. As Chair and President of Laois Heritage Society, he has been responsible for publishing journals, promoting research and carrying out practical conservation projects. Teddy has dedicated his life to the heritage of County Laois and this award acknowledges his immense contribution.
Funding Allocated For Proposed Primary Care Centre In Laois
Drug Related Crimes In Laois See Fall Of 30%
Government Defends Commitment To Offaly In "Decarbonisation" Agenda
'If It Works, Don't Fix It' - Chris MacManus On 'Triple Lock Approach'
"Odds Stacked Against Farmers" - Irish Grain Growers Association
Three People Arrested In Laois In Connection With Burglary And Theft Of And From Cars
Enoch Burke's Mother Gives Evidence In Defamation Action
Two People Hospitalised Following Offaly Crash
Midlands TD Defends Government's Record On Housing
€150m On Dublin Metro Despite No "Significant" Physical Work
Two Westmeath Schools Win Short Films Awards
Funeral Mass Of Westmeath Air Corp Member To Take Place This Week
Midlands EV Popularity Continues To Fall
Efforts Being Made To Keep Offaly Ukrainian Refugees Near Accommodation - State
Environment Minister Urged To Review Allocation Of Just Transition Funding
Laois Rental Costs Soar By 14%
Enoch Burke Rejects Claim His Reputation Was Damaged Prior To Article
Over 40 People At Midlands Nursing Home Ill Following Vomiting Bug Outbreak
CEO Of Laois County Council Applauded After Final Report
Over 200 Notices To Quit Received In The Midlands So Far This Year