County Clare’s most inspirational and courageous young and unsung heroes have been honoured at the seventh annual Clare Garda Divisional Youth Awards, sponsored by The Shannon Airport Group.
Surrounded by proud families and friends at a special ceremony at Hotel Woodstock, Ennis yesterday, the winners, all aged between 16 and 21 years, were recognised.
Seven awards in total were presented at the event; two Special Achievement, two Individual, one Community Safety and two Youth Group awards, to young people from across Clare who have displayed tremendous leadership, resilience and community spirit in helping others and overcoming challenges.
This year’s winners were recognised for a variety of voluntary work and personal triumphs, among these, raising awareness of the importance of being able to provide first aid in emergency situations; overcoming serious illness and using this personal journey to highlight the signs and symptoms of cancer among young people; organising multiple large scale ‘Tractor Run’ fundraisers, raising over €25,000; participating in a pilot project to create a school’s guide for safe social media use; volunteering with local schools and GAA clubs and organising a Drug and Alcohol Free Music Festival to raise awareness of the harm that substance abuse can bring to young people’s lives and their wider community.
Special guest speaker at the event was one of Ireland’s greatest sporting legends, former Munster and Ireland rugby player Keith Earls. Delivering his address, Mr Earls commended the courage, resilience and determination of the winners, whom he stated will undoubtedly continue to thrive and achieve great things in their lives.
Congratulating the worthy winners, Mary Considine, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group said: “This is our seventh year sponsoring the awards and The Shannon Airport Group is so proud to support this wonderful initiative. The Clare Garda Youth Awards provide a platform to acknowledge some of our most inspirational young leaders, many of whom have triumphed in the face of personal adversity.
These heroic young people are making a real difference in their communities, and it is important that their contribution is celebrated to serve as an inspiration for others to follow.”
Aileen Magner, Chief Superintendent, added: “The awards ceremony opens our eyes to the challenges that young people face, whether that adversity presents as an illness, injury or a social situation.
Our two groups have identified challenges within their own young communities and came together to support future students and to create a positive and safe space within both a social media and a social setting. When I look at our individual award recipients, I am overwhelmed with the strength displayed by each of them. Their positive outlook is inspirational.
Each of our award winners are positive role models for young people and their shared vision for an inclusive and safe future for our community is remarkable.”
The 2024 Clare Garda Youth Award winners are:
Individual Award: Daniel Spaight (19) from Bridgetown
Individual Award: Aaron Hunt (19), from Ballina Tipperary (student in St. Anne’s Community College, Killaloe)
Special Achievement Award: Ciara Fitzpatrick (17) from Newmarket on Fergus
Special Achievement Award: Liam Roche (17) from Kilrush
Community Safety Award: Emer O’Loughlin (21) from Ennis
Group Award: Ennis TY Mobile Phone and Social Media (21 participants aged 16 from Ennis area)
Group Award: Synergy Festival Group (10 participants aged 18-21 from Ennis area)
Photos: Brian Arthur
Daniel Spaight
In 2022, at 16 years of age, Daniel was playing football and sustained an injury that warranted a visit to A&E. Daniel ended up having surgery which resulted in him getting the devastating news that he had cancer.
Daniel bore his illness bravely and proudly, and always was ready to share his story. He spoke openly to his year group about his diagnosis and treatment to educate others on the signs and symptoms of the disease.
Aaron Hunt
A young person in the community was planning a Tractor Run to raise awareness and funds for Embrace Farm and unfortunately in 2021, tragedy fell on the community and this young life was lost. Aaron took it upon himself to organise this Tractor Run.
Aaron put a lot of time and effort into planning this event, promoting it, arranging permits and road closures, and encouraging as many farmers and friends as possible to attend, with their tractors. To date Aaron has held 3 Tractor Runs with an average of 150 tractors each year. Aaron has raised over €25,000.
Special Achievement Award
Ciara Fitzpatrick has endured many illnesses, surgeries and struggles in her life. Ciara spent the majority of her childhood in multiple hospitals. Ciara’s relentless, determination and auspicious outlook on life is to be commended.
Ciara has been involved in Tidy Towns committee with the Scouts Group. She has contributed hours of her days helping her old primary school with events and fundraising.
Ciara’s class participated in the Ennis 2040 competition and won. They were given the opportunity to present their ideas in front of politicians in Leinster House.
Liam Roche was 15 years old when he suffered a spinal stroke after slipping on grass while watching his brother’s soccer match. He was paralysed from the neck down and his family were told he would most likely spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. His stroke was so rare, a 1 in 3 million chance of someone of his age having it. He worked continuously and never gave up despite the terrible prognosis.
Liam continues to help train his younger brothers soccer team and is involved in his Local GAA Club, working on match statistics.
Community Safety Award
Winner: Emer O’ Loughlin
Eimear is a qualified Lifeguard. When she was 19 years old, working as a lifeguard in August 2022, she was informed that a swimmer was missing in the water. She immediately entered the water and searched the area. She helped with the casualty and began CPR until the Gardaí and Coastguard arrived.
In her efforts to save the member of the public, whilst sadly not successful, she showed the great strength and determination and overcome the upset that this incident brought to her, continuing to work as a lifeguard. Her actions gave a very positive image to other young people to be able to cope with difficult situations.
Group
Winner: Ennis TY Safe Social Media Project
In January 2024, 21 Transition Year students from Colaiste Muire, Gaelcolaiste, St. Flannans and Ennis Community College applied to participate in a pilot project. Students had to undergo an interview before being accepted onto the Project. Students had to attend workshops, with the aim of the project to empower TY’s to work with sixth class kids to encourage them to reflect on their social media and mobile phone usage. The TY students visited seven 6th class groups and discussed how to stay safe online. The students will compile the 10 GOLDEN RULES OF MOBILE PHONE/SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY, and these will be circulated to schools.
The students volunteered to participate in this project, which took them away from trips, activities and fun occasions for the benefit of others, especially younger kids.
Winner: Synergy Festival Group
The Synergy group comes together each year to put on a Music Festival with a difference for young people aged 13 – 17. This a Drug and Alcohol-Free Festival. Each Festival has a different theme, but importantly the message of the harm that substance abuse can bring to young people’s lives and their communities.
With the help of a Drugs Education Worker, the young people create displays and provide information to encourage positive life choices.
The group spent a week on site learning a host of skills including planning, networking, budgeting and team building. The group promotes the spirit of volunteerism and service to others.
