Katie strikes gold with prized President’s award

IT WAS a golden moment for Katie Ryan and her family in Dublin yesterday.

The pretty 21-year-old trainee teacher from Riverstick in Co Cork was among dozens of young people who were awarded gold Gaisce awards by President Mary McAleese at a ceremony in Dublin Castle.

Gaisce, the President’s Award, is Ireland’s National Challenge Award — the country’s most prestigious and respected individual award programme for young people between 15 and 25. Katie, who has already completed the bronze and silver Gaisce awards, had to complete four separate challenges for the gold award.