A Carlow group was among those honoured at the National Garda Youth Awards.
The annual event recognises exceptional young people aged 13 to 21 who have contributed in a positive way to their community.
Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris presented 24 prizes over the weekend at the Midlands Park Hotel in Co Laois – including St Leo’s College Young Social Innovators for Community Safety.
Speaking at the ceremony, Assistant Commissioner for Road Safety and Community Engagement, Paula Hilman said, “Our Garda National Youth Awards are about recognising the incredible work done by young people in communities all over Ireland for the sake of others.
“They often don’t get enough credit for the variety of challenges they face in today’s society and particularly for how they responded to the difficulties they encounter, but they support one another and help their communities with great enthusiasm.
“Each one of this year’s recipients demonstrate all that is wonderful about our young people, and as Gardaí we are so proud of their hard work. We hope the Garda National Youth Awards are a fitting acknowledgement of the positive and meaningful contribution that these young people are making to society.”
Full winner list:
Community Safety Award
• Orlaith Heaney – Hollymount, Co. Mayo
• St Leo’s College Young Social Innovators – Carlow
• Westmeath Comhairle na nÓg
• Aisha Alameen Betro – Balbriggan, Dublin
• Ciara and Saoirse Murphy – Tralee, Co. Kerry
Special Achievement Award
• Michael Dennedy – Laois Offaly
• Liam Costelloe – Limerick
• John Beary – Wexford
• Courtney Maughan – Dublin West
• Seán Óg Boland – Kildare
Group Award
• Enniscorthy Youthreach – Wexford
• Walk ‘Cause You Can – Cork West
• Raheny All Stars – Dublin North
• The Big Tree – Dublin West
• Go Yellow – Mayo / Roscommon / Longford
Individual Award
• Luke Graham – Dublin South Central
• James Casserly – Dublin West
• Aisling Sexton – Limerick
• Cara Darmody – Clare / Tipperary
• Daniel Spaight – Clare / Tipperary
Special Recognition Award
• Tyrone Donoghue – Westmeath
• Eimear O’Loughlin – Clare Tipperary
• Freya Maher – Laois Offaly
• Cormac Petrie – Mayo / Roscommon / Longford
