Nominations now open for the Garda Youth Awards
By Mary Dennehy
THE Garda Youth Awards have been launched across local communities, with individuals, schools and youth groups encouraged to nominate by November 30.
The awards are being held across the DMR South division, which includes Tallaght, Crumlin and Terenure and their respective sub-districts of Rathfarnham, Sundrive Road and Rathmines.
Supt Ian Lackey, Supt Frank Ferry, Maria Tierney, Ronan Walsh (Gen Manager), C/Supt Kevin Gratton and Insp Paul Sargent (Image: Paddy Barrett)
Initiated in West Cork in 1995, the awards are celebrated annually throughout the country.
However, last year was the first time the awards were ever celebrated in Dublin, when the DMR South Division recognised the positive impact of young people in its local communities.
Celebrating outstanding young people between the ages of 13 and 21, the awards are this year being sponsored by The Plaza in Tallaght – which will stage the awards ceremony in early 2020.
Last year, more than 50 young people and groups were nominated in the inaugural DMR South awards.
During an inspirational event in Tallaght Stadium the positive steps young people take to enhance the lives of their friends, families and communities were applauded.
Category winners last year included, Ciara Kavanagh, a volunteer with St Mark’s Youth Club in Tallaght, Frances Kennedy and Jenna O’Sullivan, who together volunteer with Cheeverstown House, and the Crumlin Community Cadets/Order of Malta for caring for residents in their area.
Erika Kieran, who was diagnosed with alopecia in secondary school, won the Special Achievement Award for the ‘enormous contribution’ she made to her school and community.
All four category winners went forward to represent DMR South in the national final of the Garda Youth Awards.
Once again, the community is encouraged to nominate a young person or group under the categories of Individual Award, Group Award, Special Achievement Award and Community Safety Award.
Crumlin Inspector Paul Sergeant said that young people can be nominated for something they have done in their home, their school or wider community – and also for overcoming difficult personal circumstances.
“Young people can be nominated for helping someone or for an effort they made in their school or community,” Insp Sergant said.
“They can also be outstanding role models in their community.
“We are delighted to be running the awards for a second year.
“The awards are a great way for local gardai to connect with younger people in the community . . . and see the good work that they’re doing.”
Nomination forms for the DMR South Garda Awards are currently being distributed to schools, youth groups and clubs across the area.
People are also invited to contact their local Garda station or community Garda to get a form.
Deadline for nominations is Saturday, November 30.
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