The search is underway for Clare’s top young community leaders following the launch today of the annual Clare Garda Division Youth Awards by An Garda Síochána in partnership with The Shannon Airport Group.
The awards seek to identify inspirational young leaders and one youth group in recognition of their voluntary work and personal achievements. The awards are open to nominees aged between 13 and 21 years from the Clare Garda Division district.
Speaking at the launch of the awards, Garda Chief Superintendent Aileen Magner said, “This is our 7th County Clare Garda Youth Awards and each year we are privileged to read the amazing stories of nominees. Since 2015 we have been very fortunate that The Shannon Airport Group have sponsored these awards and ensured that the awards ceremony is reflective of each winner’s massive achievement.
“I am appealing to our communities to look around and acknowledge the commitment, the sacrifices or the challenges that a young person in your parish has overcome by nominating them for an award this year. These young people are the creators of our future and their hard work needs to be recognised, valued and nurtured.”
Students from St John Bosco Community College, Kildysart and St Flannan’s College in Ennis were at the launch event to lend their support to these prestigious awards.
Speaking about this year’s awards, Mary Considine, CEO, The Shannon Airport Group said: “The Shannon Airport Group is thrilled to continue its support for the Clare Garda Youth Awards. These awards provide a special platform to honour and celebrate remarkable young individuals and groups who are actively shaping our community for the better.
“Throughout our sponsorship journey, we’ve been deeply moved by the numerous stories of bravery, altruism, and resilience displayed by these young men and women. By acknowledging and nurturing these exceptional individuals, we aim to instil in them a lasting dedication to serving others and their communities, inspiring their peers to do the same.”
There are four Award Categories in this year’s Clare Garda Youth Awards – Individual Award, Group Award, Community Safety Award and a Special Achievement Award.
The Individual Award is open to young people who have made a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live. The Group Award category applies for groups of two or more young people whose combined efforts have contributed positively to their communities.
The Community Safety Award is for a young person, who through a crime prevention or safety innovation, has made their community a safer place to live. The Special Achievement category is open to any young person who has overcome difficult circumstances, or defied the odds and whose commitment deserves recognition. The closing date for nominations is the 10th May ’24 and the public are now encouraged to nominate candidates.
Entry forms for the competition are now available and can be accessed on the Garda Siochana website www.garda.ie or at The Shannon Airport Group website www.snnairportgroup.ie/clare-garda-division-youth-awards-open-for-2024/. A copy of the nomination form can also be requested by emailing Ennis.community@garda.ie
This year’s awards will be presented at a special in-person event in late June.