Inspiring Offaly woman gets award for showing you can life 'rich' life with disability

Young Banagher woman Ailis Malone has received a Garda Youth Award for inspiring work to show others you can live a "rich and full life with disability and beyond limitation."

The citation for Ailis's Individual award win said she "has been inspiring people all her young life."

It added: "Since 2020, Ailis has been an important voice on the Youth Advisory Panel with the Ombudsman for Children.

"She is a strong and passionate advocate for inclusion and disability, regularly speaking publicly of the importance of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. In fact, she has even had the honour of speaking before the United Nations Committee – something that very, very few can say."

Ailis also works with Offaly Comhairle na nÓg, raising disability awareness through workshops and a podcast for local schools.

"Ailis has a real passion for life and is a fun-loving young woman with a long list of hopes and dreams that we look forward to seeing," the citation concluded.

An Garda Síochána held its annual National Garda Youth Awards which recognise exceptional young people aged 13-21 who have positively contributed to their community at the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise last week.

The awards acknowledge the remarkable contributions made in a number of Garda Divisions which included Offaly, Dublin, Kerry, Cork, Sligo/Leitrim, Mayo/Roscommon, Longford and Donegal.

The Garda National Youth Awards were promoted and expanded by the then Assistant Commissioner, Anne Marie McMahon and who now as Deputy Commissioner continues to recognise the meaningful work of so many young people in communities all across Ireland. Deputy McMahon presented each of the 25 awards.