Limerick gardai seek to recognise contribution of young people in their local communities

NOMINATIONS are being sought for the eleventh annual Limerick Garda Youth Awards, which will take place later this year.

Sponsored by Garvey’s Supervalu, Corbally and Centra in Newcastle West and Adare, the awards aim to honour young people living in Limerick who have made a significant contribution to the community in which they live.

Awards will be presented to nominees from each of the four garda districts in the Limerick division - Limerick city north (Henry Street), Limerick city south (Roxboro Road), Newcastle West and Bruff.

"What we are doing is we are acknowledging what young people are bringing to their communities - they are involved in every aspect of life, social life and some people don't even realise what some of these kids are doing," said Chief Superintendent Derek Smart at the launch of this year's awards.

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In November two of those who received Limerick Garda Youth Awards last year received national recognition at the Garda National Youth Awards in Portlaoise.

Garda Stephen Aherne, who engages with TY students across Limerick, is appealing to members of the public to nominate any young people – aged between 13 and 21 - who they feel are deserving of recognition.

"It's massive, it's a big plus in their portfolios going forward if they are looking for a job or anything like that - they can show that they have this done and they can show they have a certificate of recognition from the guards and their own schools or even their local communities," he said.

Speaking at the launch of this year's awards, Helen Cregan, store manager at Garvey's Supervalu, Corbally said they are delighted to support the awards.

"It's great to be able to see what these awards can do for you people starting out and it's good to give that little bit back to community for us - you can see what so many young people have achieved and it gives them a good pathway in life gong forward," 

Nominations can be submitted by individuals, community and voluntary groups, schools, youth clubs and other organisations. Nomination forms are available at garda stations across Limerick and can be downloaded from the garda website, garda.ie.

Completed application forms can be handed in to or posted to any garda station in Limerick or emailed to LK.YouthAwards@garda.ie