Phenomenal achievements of Laois young people recognised at Garda Youth Awards

The 2026 Laois/Offaly Garda Divisional Youth Awards took place at The Killeshin Hotel in Portlaoise on Thursday, March 19.

Young people from across Laois and Offaly 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.

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. There were several winners from Laois.

Esraa Ammouri, Portlaoise

Esraa Ammouri from Portlaoise was presented with the Individual Award. Having fled war and endured years of displacement, she used her story as a way of encouraging others to share their experiences.

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Through Girl Talk and a range of creative projects, from the “Stories of Journeys” programme to national conferences, films and podcasts, Esraa mentors newcomers, champions participation, and helps to build spaces where every young person feels seen and safe.

She translates when needed, facilitates when asked, and always encourages others. She balances study and family responsibilities with an unwavering commitment to service.

Her courage, empathy, and determination promotes a powerful, positive image of young people as leaders. Her work also strengthens social inclusion in Laois and keeps doors open for those finding their feet in a new place and with a new language.

Esraa was recognised as a role model whose courage has made her community kinder and stronger.

Liam Whelan, Portlaoise/Clonad GAA

Liam Phelan from Portlaoise was also recognised with the Individual Award. A player, coach, musician, and mentor, Liam Whelan wears each role with the same generous spirit.

As a hurler with Clonad GAA at U20 and Intermediate level, he has contributed to onfield success while modelling as an excellent example of a true club man. Off the pitch, Liam gives his time to helping coach younger teams, supporting Cúl Camps, and, as Junior Irish Officer, strengthening the club’s Irish language culture.

He helps organise the Irish committee’s activities and has even provided entertainment for Culture Night, on the eve of a semi-final.

Liam is now delivering oral Irish support to students preparing for state exams.

‘The Jambos’ - Kate Lalor Fitzpatrick, Katie Dowling and Aisling Kiernan, Mountrath Community School

The Jambos, made up of Kate Lalor Fitzpatrick, Katie Dowling and Aisling Kiernan from Mountrath CS, were awarded the Group Award.

The Jambos are a reminder that when imagination is paired with purpose, fundraising
becomes community building.

Meeting regularly to discuss issues that they feel strongly about, these students have turned ideas into action, crafting decorations from reclaimed wood, organising no uniform days, and donating proceeds to causes that change lives.

Their efforts have funded equine therapy sessions for students with additional needs and provided hours of in-home nursing care through the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation.

The Jambos highlighted issues of need at home and abroad, widening perspectives while
keeping the focus on practical help.

GirlTalk Youth Group, Portlaoise

GirlTalk Youth Group in Portlaoise were honoured with the Group Award. The youth group has created a welcoming space where young women from diverse backgrounds can connect, share their experiences and support one another.

Bringing together young women from Syria, Ukraine, China, Malaysia, the Czech Republic and beyond, they have turned personal journeys into a shared celebration of belonging through film, art, food and poetry.

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They volunteer by mentoring new members, advising youth clubs on inclusion, and ensuring that diverse voices are heard.

They have created a safe and inclusive community where difference is celebrated. They were presented the award for leadership that was rooted in empathy and everyday action.

Jorge Marcello, VIP Community Physical Activity Hub, Portlaoise

Jorge Marcello, a member of VIP Community Physical Activity Hub in Portlaoise, was presented with the Special Achievement Award.

Jorge was adopted in Portugal and later diagnosed with a deteriorating visual impairment which led to him being registered as blind.

Joining the VIP Hub’s ‘Learn to Swim’ group three years ago, Jorge was dedicated to training weekly with the Hub.

He put in extra hours with his local club and progressed so quickly that within a year he was
competing at the mainstream level as a para-athlete. That work ethic earned him his selection to the Irish Para Development Squad.

Three younger VIP swimmers have since reached the squad. Because of Jorge’s dedication, Swim Ireland now recognises the Hub as a para team where new athletes can grow.

Jorge encourages others to believe that barriers can be overcome with patience, coaching and sheer determination.

He is a gifted musician, a committed student supported by the visiting teacher service, and above all a trailblazer whose success is opening up national opportunities for VIP swimmers.

Ross Harding, Foróige Youth Diversion Project in Portlaoise

Ross Harding of the Foróige Youth Diversion Project in Portlaoise was also awarded the Special Achievement Award.

When he first engaged with the LOOP Youth Diversion Project in 2023, Ross was battling substance misuse, criminal involvement and academic challenges. But he chose another path.

Through steady work and support, Ross finished school, graduated from the National Learning Network, secured employment in retail, and remained away from substances and crime.

He passed his Driver Theory Test, found creative outlets in DJ performance at Foróige events and learned the value of purposeful work through the Social Farming Initiative.

After transitioning from the project in 2025, he continued to show others what was possible.

His journey has influenced his peers and he is an excellent example of how to address life’s challenges.

Now training as a Foróige volunteer, Ross is turning recovery into service, mentoring young people with the credibility of lived experience. He was presented with the award for resilience, responsibility and leadership by example.

Ryan Mannion, Portlaoise

Ryan Mannion from Portlaoise was also honoured with the Special Achievement Award.

As his little brother Jamie lives with a severe disability and complex medical needs, Ryan has grown up alongside ambulance callouts, hospital trips and the adjustments that his family life requires.

Through it all he has been kind, empathetic, thoughtful and mature, adapting to Jamie’s needs at home.

He supports fundraising for Jamie’s therapy, accompanies him to inclusive basketball with Portlaoise Panthers, and has volunteered at Laois Sports Partnership camps for children with disabilities.

Ryan is highly regarded by his local community and school Dunamaise College.

The judging panel presented Ryan with this award for resilience, compassion and service rooted in family.

Sports & Physical Education Committee (SPC), Scoil Chríost Rí in Portlaoise

The SPEC team at Scoil Chríost Rí won the Community Safety Award.

Working closely with a trained teacher, they organised and delivered CPR training at scale and have already trained over 200 students, with the goal to train everyone by year end.

They set up sessions, encouraged participation, supported peers during practice and took part in ‘Restart a Heart Day.’

They then shared their learning with another school, spreading skills beyond their own corridors.

They were recognised with this award for their leadership, initiative and the lifesaving knowledge they have placed in so many hands.

Caoimhe Buckley, Mountrath Community School

Caoimhe Buckley from Mountrath CS was presented with the Special Recognition Award.

While at a Laois Marlins Swim Club training camp in Barcelona in June 2025, Caoimhe Buckley noticed a teammate, Logan Smyth, in distress in the pool.

She raised the alarm, helped recover him from the water and supported the swift actions that brought him to safety and to hospital.

Caoimhe also assisted her head coach and showed great support to Logan and his family. Back home, she continues to be one of those students who simply helps, contributing to school life and community.

She was recognised for her brave and selfless response to such an emergency situation.

The MC for the evening was Anne Marie Kelly of MidlandsIreland.ie. This year’s awards were presented by Chief Superintendent Anthony Lonergan, Laois/Offaly Garda Division, Superintendent Brian Farrell, Portlaoise District and Superintendent Tony Tighe, Tullamore District.

Special guests on the night included Laois Ladies footballer Mo Nerney and Ross Harding, an aspiring music DJ and also a winner of a Special Achievement Award. Pat McDonagh and Pádraic Ó’Neachtain of Supermacs and the Só Hotel Group were also in attendance.

Also present on the night were members of the Garda Youth Awards Committee led by Detective inspector Jane Ryan and Inspector Joe Culliton as well as the judging panel.

Musical entertainment was provided by the Portlaoise branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. The ceremony concluded with beautiful music provided by the Malva Ukrainian Choir.