The first Garda Youth Awards for the new Waterford/Kilkenny Garda Division took place last night at a special ceremony in the Tower Hotel in Waterford.
A record fifty-three nominations were received recognising young people for their achievements, leadership and positive contributions to their communities.
In total, twenty individual and group awards were presented on the night, with one overall winner now set to represent the division at the national finals.
Kilkenny enjoyed strong success, picking up fourteen individual awards along with two overall category winner prizes.
Chieft Supt. Anthony Pettit spoke to KCLR News’ Martin Quilty at the event and praised the work his team does.
Inspector Alma Molloy is one of the organisers of the event and she spoke of the incredible number of nominations this year.
Guests of honour were former Olympian Thomas Barr and 2025 International Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins they were delighted to be asked to attend the special event.
Conor Haley is a student at Abbey Community College he raised €18,000 for the Dillon Quirke foundation after he found out at 17 years old he had a hole in his heart. Conor spoke with KCLR News’ Martin Quilty:
The peer educators at Coláiste Cois Suire picked up a group award for their work going around to the schools warning people about drug use and vape use. Their spokesperson Sam spoke to Martin Quilty about the work that they do:
Kilkenny Comhairle Na nÓg picked up a community Safety Award and Emma Lynch spoke to our Martin Quilty:
A group from the Newpark Close Family Resource Centre also picked up a group award for “The Air That I Breathe” project – Tallia, Nicolas and Enya spoke to KCLR:
Here are some photos from last nights winners
