Derry Credit Union - Courage Award 2024

PICTURED ABOVE: Seated, from left, are Rebbeca Ebbs (Winner), Niall O’Doherty (Winner), Dearbhaile Brady (Winner) of the Courage Award. Standing, from left, are Amanda Johnston (guest speaker, Social Enterprise NI) Gary McLaughlin and Rionach Barr.

The Derry Credit Union Young People’s Awards took place on Monday, 25th March, in the City Hotel.

The awards scheme, now in its 19th year, recognizes the outstanding work, accomplishments, courage, and generosity of our local young people. It is open to all aged from 11 through 18 who live or attend school in the BT47 and BT48 post code areas.

This year, 90 nominations were received from 10 post-primary schools, sporting teams, family, and friends. 17 individuals and 7 groups were recognized as runners-up or winners across 8 award categories.

Congratulations to all the nominees, runners-up, and winners.

IN PICTURES: Celebrations at Derry Credit Union Young People’s Awards

Well done to the Derry Credit Union Youth Committee for their superb hosting skills. And thank you to all the nominators without whom the awards could not take place.

Courage Award Winner – Dearbhaile Brady

Three winners were chosen for the Courage Award.

The first winner was Dearbhaile Brady. Dearbhaile was born seven weeks premature with dwarfism. The adversity and challenges she has overcome would put others to shame.

Dearbhaile has won 9 gold and one silver medal at the Dwarf Sports Association’s UK National Games for track and field and swimming. A talented all-rounder, Dearbhaile’s passion is swimming – a sport in which she has achieved numerous personal bests and won medals both nationally and internationally.

Despite all her success and talent, Dearbhaile reports that often people stare, make her feel uncomfortable or taunt her. Dearbhaile faces challenges and difficult situations daily which she faces head-on with her trademark smile. She also encourages other students with disabilities to take part in competitions.

For these many reasons Dearbhaile was chosen as a Courage Award winner.

Courage Award Winner – Niall O’Doherty

Niall is a sixth-year pupil at Saint Brigid’s College and a keen supporter of Derry City.

Niall suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a condition that can be challenging and lonely, particularly for a teenage boy. Over the midterm break he became a full-time wheelchair user. But despite the discomfort, pain and fatigue he experiences, Niall does not complain, and he refuses to let the condition define him. He remains focused on his studies and dreams of becoming a TV/radio presenter.

His nominator said that Niall’s courage and determination are unwavering, and his classmates and peers hold him in high regard for his resilience and positive attitude. Niall is always upbeat and enjoys his jokes and banter. He is a big personality who keeps everyone on their toes!

An inspiration to those who know him, Niall was recognised as a Courage Award winner.

Courage Award Winner - Rebecca Ebbs (pictured above) and Zara Reid

Joint Courage Award Winners Rebecca Ebbs and Zara Reid displayed outstanding courage in May 2023 when they rescued two young girls in Buncrana who were in difficulties in the water. Rebecca and Zara were sunbathing when a woman asked if they could swim as she had spotted two girls in difficulty in the water.

Without hesitation or consideration for their own safety, Rebecca and Zara entered the choppy water and, upon reaching the swimmers, turned the distressed girls onto their backs, placed their arms under the swimmers’ arms and brought both to safety on the shore.

The rescue services, who arrived soon after, commented that without the actions of the girls, it would have been a tragedy. Both swimmers were taken to hospital and made a full recovery.

Rebecca and Zara have been reluctant to accept any credit for their act of courage since and this why their school principals nominated them for a Courage Award. Our adjudication panel agreed that Rebecca and Zara were worthy Courage Award recipients.