Truly inspirational young people of Laois and Offaly are honoured

Inspirational young people from across Laois and Offaly were honoured at the 2023 edition of the Laois Offaly Garda Divisional Youth Awards at The Killeshin Hotel in Portlaoise

The awards ceremony, held on Thursday, March 22 and sponsored by Supermac's and the Killeshin Hotel, recognsied young people living in towns and communities across the two counties.

The Garda Youth Awards recognise the outstanding achievement of young people between the ages of 13 and 21 years who have undertaken exceptional work in their local communities or who have shown great determination in their own lives.

The stories of the winners were captivating, emotional and truly inspiring and An Garda Síochána is delighted to award these young people for their contribution to their local communities.

A total of 15 prestigious awards were presented on the night in three categories.

Individual Award winners:
- Ailís Malone, Banagher College
- Holly Ogilive, Laois Kayak and Canoe Club
- Seán Ryan, St Mary’s CBS Portlaoise
- Eric Grimes, Tullamore College

Group Award winners:
- Teen Group Mountmellick Tidy Towns
- Video Vibers, the Acorn Project, Edenderry, Co. Offaly
- Shinrone Youth Initiative
Tony McInerney & Dolly Nevin, - Laois Traveller Action Group
- All Inclusive Sports – St Mary’s CBS Portlaoise, Portlaoise Panthers & Portlaoise AFC

Special Achievement winners:
- Ian Flood, Clonbullogue, Co Offaly
- Hamid Hossini, St. Brendan’s Community School, Birr
- Chloe Kerry, Foróige Portlaoise
- Moira Scott, Gallen Community School, Co. Offaly
- Ashrah Mohammed Sulienan, St Mary’s CBS Portlaoise
- Holly & Tiernan Donnolly, Youthwork Ireland Midlands

This year’s awards were presented by Chief Superintendent John Scanlon, Laois Offaly and Kildare Garda Division, Superintendent Eamonn Curley, Portlaoise District, Superintendent John Lawless Tullamore District and Inspector Alan Kerin, Birr District along with Mr Pat McDonagh of Supermacs and the Só Hotel Group.

Also attending on the night were members of the Garda Youth Awards Committee and the Judging Panel - Mr Stephen Grant of Grant Engineering, Caroline Hofman CEO Laois Chamber of Commerce, Philip Peake General Manager of The Killeshin Hotel and Inspector Jane Ryan, Portlaoise.

The guest speaker was the truly inspirational Aisling Donoher, Laois Ladies Football star and mum to Little Blue Hero, Dan.
Aisling and her husband Niall are the driving force behind the #DoItForDan campaign. Dan who will turn 4 next week has been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a rare neuromuscular disease, which causes muscles to weaken over time.

Aisling spoke about how her passion for sport has helped her through difficult times and how it has instilled qualities such as leadership and discipline.

A special presentation was also made by Deputy Commissioner Anne Marie McMahon to Mr Pat McDonagh and his siblings John Joe, Lilly, Mary and Angela who accepted a Garda centenary commemorative medal on behalf of their late father John McDonagh.

John McDonagh joined An Garda Síochána in 1931 and served as a Garda for over 40 years at various stations throughout the country, including Banagher and Rahan Garda Stations in the Laois Offaly Division.

Musical entertainment was provided by John Gorman from Edenderry, Co. Offaly a singer songwriter who performed a number of his own songs. John is a member of the Video Vibers Group who received an award earlier in the night.

IN PICTURES: Young people honoured at Laois Offaly Garda Divisional Youth Awards

The ceremony concluded with beautiful traditional music provided by the Portlaoise Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.

A great evening was had by all in the Killeshin Hotel.