Laillí Is Our Local Hero 2026

Laillí de Buitléar FRI27FEB26

t’s a surprisingly fine Friday out there, and it somehow got even sunnier when we stepped inside Laillí de Buitléar’s Delgany home this afternoon.

Having moved here alongside her husband, Eamon, back in 1989, it didn’t take long for this Connemara lass to make Hillside House her own.

Especially when it came to the garden.

“Both of us just fell in love with this place from the very first moment we saw it,” says the woman of the house, “and it’s been just a joy to work on the garden here. It takes time, and dedication, and planning, but then, most of the really good things in this life always do…”

That’s certainly a philosophy Laillí’s late husband, Eamon de Buitléar, lived by, his many wildlife films and nature documentaries throughout the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s making him pretty much Ireland’s David Attenborough.

And that love of the natural world, and a strong belief in its protection and nurturing for future generations, is something that Laillí has carried on after her husband’s death on January 22nd, 2013.

Part of which was opening the 4km circular walk Slí de Buitléar (The de Buitléar Way) on Bray Head in May 2014.

On a local level too, Laillí has been active in keeping Delgany green too, being one of the founding members of Delgany Tidy Towns and forever making sure that the village’s history is kept alive. Especially when it comes to our dearly departed.

With her five children all very much grown and making their own paths, the sprightly 91-year-old still maintains the happy family home, where the Irish language is still the first language. Even new arrival, cocker spaniel Penny, responds to all her commands as Gaeilge.

“She’s a wonderful dog,” nods Laillí, “and great company, of course. She’ll no doubt be very impressed by the fact that I’m getting an award today…”

For this remarkable woman’s many years of trying to make our world a better place to live, who better to bestow our Local Hero 2026 award upon…? Sponsored by the mighty Schnittger Bourne gang, it’s a celebration of those around here who really do make a difference to our daily lives.

“I’m really very honoured to receive this, as it will be wonderful to show it off to all my visitors,” finishes Laillí with a grin.

“I may even sign some autographs – but only if they ask nicely, of course…”