Nominations sought for annual Laois/ Offaly Garda Youth Awards

AN Garda Síochána in the Laois Offaly Garda Division officially launched the Garda Youth Awards last week, celebrating young people who make a positive difference in their communities.
The event is once again supported by sponsor Mr Pat McDonagh of Supermacs, SO Hotel and Killeshin Hotel who continues to recognise the value of this important community initiative.
Garda Youth Awards celebrate outstanding young people in the community between 13 and 21 years of age, and recognises the good work that they are doing throughout their communities and acknowledges young people who have faced and overcome personal challenges in their lives.

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The Garda Youth Awards celebrate the contributions of young people, both individually and as part of groups. Nominations are now open across four award categories:
Individual award: Making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live.
Group award: Groups of two or more, making a positive contribution to their community and making it a better place to live.
Special achievement award: Has overcome difficult circumstances, defied all the odds, and whose commitment deserves recognition.
Community safety award: Through a crime prevention or safety initiative or innovation, has made their community a safer place to live.
If you know a young person who has shown leadership, kindness, resilience or community spirit and is worthy of recognition, Garda are encouraging you to make a nomination and help celebrate their achievements.
Nominations for deserving young people may be made by individuals, community and voluntary groups, schools, youth groups or other organisations. The closing date for nominations is Friday February 20.
The application form and further information on how to nominate is available through the Laois Offaly Garda Division Facebook page and at www.garda.ie
Completed forms should be emailed to lo.gardayouthawards@garda.ie or dropped to your local Community Policing Garda at Portlaoise, Tullamore or Birr Garda Stations.
Nominees will be submitted to a judging panel who select winners in each category. Award winners will be celebrated at a special event at on 26th March 2026 in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise, Co. Laois.

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The following members from the Laois Offaly Garda Division were present at the launch:
Chief Superintendent Anthony Lonergan, Superintendent Brian Farrell, Inspector Joe Culliton, Detective Inspector Jane Ryan and Garda members from the Community Engagement areas in Laois and Offaly.
Supermac’s who continue to support the Laois/Offaly Garda Youth Awards since 2018 were represented by -
Mr Pat McDonagh, Managing Director of Supermac’s; Una Tuohy General Manager at Killeshin Hotel and Padraic O’Neachtain.
An Garda Síochána were pleased to have three previous Youth Award winners at the launch -
Rachel Fennelly from Laois Civil Defence
Holly Ogilive from Laois Kayake and Canoe Club
Mattie Doyle Youth Work Ireland Laois