The 2026 Laois/Offaly Garda Divisional Youth Awards took place at The Killeshin Hotel in Portlaoise on Thursday, March 19. Young people from across Offaly and Laois were celebrated on the night in the company of their families and peers. The Garda Youth Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of young people between the ages of 13 and 21 who have undertaken exceptional work in their local communities or who have shown great determination in their own lives. READ NEXT: BIG PICTURE SPECIAL: Out and about on the town in Tullamore last weekend Nineteen awards were presented across a number of categories, including the Individual Award, Group Award, Special Achievement Award, Community Safety Award and the Special Recognition Award. Take a look at some of the photos captured at the awards by photographer Denis Byrne. Portlaoise Comhaltas providing music for the Laois/Offaly Garda Youth Awards held at the Killeshin Hotel.
PICTURES: Young people honoured at Laois/Offaly Garda Youth Awards 2026
The Laois/Offaly Garda Youth Awards took place at The Killeshin Hotel in Portlaoise
1.
Scoil Chríost Rí pupils who were recipients of the Garda Youth Award for Community Safety with Garda Grace Heffernan and Garda Lisa Tuohy.
2.
Annmarie Kelly with Garda Mo Nerney.
3.
Garda Youth Award recipient Caoimhe Buckley with Annmarie Kelly who was MC for the awards.
4.
Inspector Joe Culleton, Garda Brian Farrell, Chief Superintendent Tony Lonergan, Garda Jane Ryan, Supermac's owner Pat McDonagh, Superintendent Tony Tighe and Garda Una Tuohy.
