Award recipients honoured for their outstanding contribution in local communities

Eight "inspirational" young people and groups from across Limerick city and county were honoured at the 9th annual Limerick Divisional Garda Youth Awards.

Dozens of young people were nominated by organisations within their own local communities and the eight recipients were selected by a panel of judges.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, at the Woodlands House Hotel in Adare, Chief Superintendent Derek Smart said it's important for An Síochana to acknowledge the contribution that young people can make in their local communities.

"In regard to the challenges that a lot of these young people have overcome and what they have done for their community and the people within their communities, has just been phenomenal so it's great on our behalf to recognise that and to thank them for what they have done," he said.

"The guards are probably associated with bringing bad news a lot of the time with a lot of things that happen around the place but this is really an event that we look forward to every year. The kids make it for us with their achievements and to recognise that, their families, their teachers and all the support they have for each other is just brilliant," he added.

Sponsored by the Garvey Group, which has stores in Corbally, Adare and Newcastle West, the awards aim to honour young people – aged between 13 and 21 - who have made a significant contribution to their local community.

Speaking at the event Jim Garvey, of the Garvey Group, paid tribute to each of the award recipients who come from a variety of communities across Limerick city and county.

"Tonight is always a night filled with the possibility of potential despite what life throws at you. What life is about is living the fullest life you can and making a mark out there and in the room tonight we have people who, so early in their lives, have achieved that and it's fantastic to see," he said.

Cllr Gerald Mitchell, Mayor of the city and county of Limerick, who attended the event says each of the award recipients are an inspiration to others

"I think it's fantastic because all these (young people) are volunteers in their community and they are being acknowledged for the great service they are giving to their community in many areas - whether it's helping an old woman or a carer or maybe helping the community council or maybe serving the public in a very positive way," he said.

placeholder image — "I think it's fantastic because all these (young people) are volunteers in their community and they are being acknowledged for the great service they are giving to their community in many areas - whether it's helping an old woman or a carer or maybe helping the community council or maybe serving the public in a very positive way," he said.

Picture: Cllr Gerald Mitchel, Mayor of the city and county of Limerick with Superintendent Paul Reidy and Superintendent Andrew Lacey

Organised by the Garda Juvenile Liaison Office, Seamus Hennessy was the MC for the awards ceremony while there were musical performances from Sergeant Paul Bentley (piano) and Garda Leeann McCarthy (bagpipes).

Representatives of the Policing Authority also attended the awards ceremony.

The 2023 recipients of Garda Youth Awards are:

Aishling Sexton, Bruree

Southside Youth Initiative, Limerick city

Áine Ryan, Raheen

Pope John Paul Group, Scoil Pól, Kilfinane

Ellie Mullins, O’ Malley Park, Limerick / Southill Hub

Liam Costelloe, Adare

Charley Harper, Annacotty

Desmond College Group, Newcastle West

PICTURES: Brendan Gleeson