Nominations are being accepted in the search for the top young community leaders in Co Clare.
The second annual Clare Garda Division Youth Awards, sponsored by Shannon Airport were launched this week. They seek to identify the county’s inspirational youth leaders and one youth group as a means of recognising their voluntary work and encouraging others to get involved in community activity.
Launched jointly by Clare Garda Division Chief Superintendent John Kerins and Shannon Group Chairman Rose Hynes, the awards are confined to young people who are no more than 19 years and not less than 14 years on 1st September 2016. 2. Only teenagers living in the Clare Garda Division are eligible, the awards are all for single individuals, with the exception of the group award.
Caitlin Campbell, Quilty; Clodagh Sulley, Ennistymon; Jane Doyle, Scarriff; Luke McEvoy, Shannon; Ruth Nolan, Kilrush; Jesse Onyejekwe, Ennis and North Clare Irish Red Cross Cadets were the seven winners in 2015.
Speaking about what the award meant to her, award recipient Caitlin Campbell from Quilty mentioned her pride at being recognised for what she did, but that she was very surprised, humbled yet delighted seeing as it meant so much to her family.
Another of last year’s Award recipients, Ruth Nolan from Kilrush commented: “This award is something that personally I felt very honoured to receive. I was privileged enough to enjoy a wonderful award ceremony among a group of fantastic people who were all so deserving. This celebration of young people and their willingness to continuously better themselves along with the area and people around them is without doubt superb.”
Any member of the public, including family members or relatives, may nominate any individual they feel deserves an award. Entry forms for the competition are now available and can be accessed on the Garda Siochana website www.garda.ie or at the website of awards sponsors Shannon Airport www.shannonairport.ie. The closing date for entries is Friday, September 30th, with all applications must be returned to Community Policing Office at Ennis Garda Station.
A special guest, yet to be announced, will give a key note address on the night, with last year’s 250 strong attendance having been captivated by the inspirational words of Elma Walsh, mother of inspirational Kerry teenager Donal Walsh, who lost his battle against cancer in 2013.
Announcing this year’s awards, Chief Superintendent of the Clare Garda Division John Kerins said: “Since last year’s award many young people distinguished themselves in community activity right across Co. Clare. Young people often get bad press but I can honestly say from our involvement in this competition that the story is a lot different. There’s a desire on the part of so many young people to help others and to contribute to society that suggest to me we are in very good hands.”
Shannon Group Chairman Rose Hynes stated “I was hugely impressed by last year’s award winners. These awards thank and recognise outstanding young people not only for the leadership they have shown within their communities in Co. Clare – but also for their support and contribution to create a more harmonious society. It is so inspirational to see so many young people doing such stellar work within their communities.
She added “Winning awards like these can make a lifelong difference to the recipients as it is reward for work done and encouragement to do more.”