Laois Community & Voluntary Awards Junior Volunteer Award winner at 2023 #laoisawards

Callum Byrne is the Laois Community and Voluntary Awards 2023 Junior Volunteer Award winner.

The award citation said that as well as maintaining good school grades, Callum, from Portlaoise, has dedicated himself to the martial art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu where he has had unprecedented success, winning gold on his first attempt in the World Championships and going on to retain the title this year.

A member of Ryano Portlaoise, he has also engaged in a Junior Coaching programme, where he supports and develops the skills of young people from 4 to 14 years of age.

"Callum displays characters of leadership that are beyond his years. He is hard-working, dedicated and committed to his sport, his coaching, the young people who look up to him and adults who look to him for support and guidance for their children. To borrow from Callum’s nomination, “he is shaping the youth of Laois to have all these attributes into adulthood," said the judge's citation.

Clive Davis, People First Credit Union, presented the winner with a Galway Crystal Trophy and a gift voucher.

Aaron Jacob is the Award runner-up. He was presented with the runner-up prize of a gift voucher by Paddy Buggy, Chairperson, the Laois Public Participation Network.

The following is the full list of nominees in the Junior Volunteer category, with the nominees receiving Certificates of Achievement for their contribution to their communities, is: 

• Aaron Jacob 
  
• Callum Byrne
• Katie Stafford
• Ava Foley
• Anna Maria Sahaidac
• Shauna Traynor
• Magdalene Osadolor
• Sarah Vesey
• Ross Molloy
• Mykola Rehesha
• Sara Louise Lawlor
• Cassie Dunne

This award recognises the outstanding contribution that an individual under the age of 18, has made to their local community. Every community has individuals who are boundless in their energy and determination to get things done, who encourage, support, lead and inspire others in your community. It is sponsored by People First Credit Union and by the Laois Volunteer Centre. Laois Volunteer Centre is a registered charity set up in 2021, to promote volunteerism in Laois. It matches members of the public with suitable volunteering opportunities and helps not-for-profits with volunteer role development, recruitment etc.

The award was presented with the award at a gala reception in the Midlands Park Hotel on Friday, November 3.  

This is the 14th year of the awards which were hosted by Laois County Council in association with Laois Public Participation Network and sponsored by People First Credit Union.

The Junior Volunteer Award was sponsored by the Laois Volunteer Centre and People First Credit Union.

Here are the full profiles of the nominees in the Junior Volunteer category:

Aaron Jacob: Aaron is a highly motivated young volunteer with a drive and capacity to encourage others to help. Aaron’s commitment to the local community can be rarely found in others. He is also an excellent persuader, encouraging other residents to get involved. He always has a smile on his face, which is infectious to everyone who thoroughly enjoys working/volunteering alongside Aaron.

Callum Byrne: Callum is a 13-year-old young teenager who lives in Portlaoise, He began Brazilian Jiu Jitsu just two years ago, his success in this sport has been unprecedented, Callum took gold in two world champions. Callum has committed to training and developing as a junior coach at team Ryano Portlaoise. Callum does all of this in his precious free time and free of charge in his efforts to support young local children.

Katie Stafford: Katie is a member of Laois Comhairle na nÓg, Katie is a strong character and has been extremely dedicated and active in the group. She always participates and always speaks up and includes others. Katie is an outgoing young girl and is involved in Comhairle na nÓgbut also sports, she is all about team work and now and going forward she will and has brought the broader issue of discrimination to the attention of her local community.

Ava Foley: As of right now and ongoing Ava has been an active member of Comhairle na nÓg. Her role of our youth group is Chairperson in which Ava strides in. Ava has a personality that is likeable by everyone which made it easy for her group to work well together to bring change to her community.  The discrimination project is now her main project as she has friends who have been discriminated against and she wants a positive impactful change.

Anna Maria Sahaidac: Anna is currently a member of Comhairle na nÓg. She is working with her group on the topic of discrimination based on disability, social class and race and ethnicity. Anna has used her voice to discuss with adults who can help her in the community regarding issues her age group face daily.

Shauna Traynor: Shauna is an active member in Comhairle na nÓg. She is working with her group on their main project of discrimination based on disability social class and race and ethnicity. Shauna is dedicated and outgoing and participates in every meeting. She is always ready to go and speak when it is needed. Shauna has also been the creator for the groups posters when hosting events.

Magdalene Osadolor: Magdalene is currently working on a podcast which will be launched later this year. The podcast will be based on the topic of discrimination under the category disability, social class, race and ethnicity. Magdalene is a great contributor to her group, she is involved, outspoken, welcoming and dedicated to her group and what the group are hoping to achieve which is being a voice for young people.

Sarah Vesey: Sarah is currently working on her groups main project, which is discrimination under the categories of social class, disability and race and ethnicity. Sarah is an active member in the group, and she attends all meetings and outing and events as much as possible. She has leading potential when the group are struggling, and she will speak on their behalf.

Ross Molloy: Ross Molloy has made a phenomenal contribution to the community of Stradbally and surrounds. During the COVID pandemic, Ross established ‘Studio 15’ which is an online broadcast show with country music. Ross has made a hugely positive impact in Stradbally - due to his voluntary work, Stradbally is a stronger community as residents are better informed about what is going on in the town, awareness is raised of events, solutions are found to problems and countless people have been entertained by the Studio 15 program, particularly those who may be older or living alone.

Mykola Rehesha: Mykola sings in Ukrainian choir, make IT program for community development, volunteer work in parish centre, help with organising many events and festivals.  Mykola helps the Irish learn more about their people, traditions and makes a significant contribution to the friendship between our peoples.

Sara Louise Lawlor: For Cruinninú na nóg, Sara volunteered for the day and helped out with managing the junior children's workshops. She was aware of health and safety when children were in their workshops. She also supervised at snack times. She helped parents who needed help with babies/ children. Sara has a friendly personality and is pleasant in her communication with children and parents.

Cassie Dunne: For Cruinninú na nÓg, Cassie volunteered for the day and helped out with managing workshops for the children. She was aware of health and safety when children were in their workshops and when moving from one workshop to another. She also supervised at snack times. Cassie is friendly and approachable. She is civic minded and very inclusive in all that she does.

The Leinster Express / LAOIS LIVE is honoured to be the media partner.