Garda youth awards scheme heading for record entry

A LIKELY record number of nominations has been lodged for a garda-organised event to honour youth achievement.

The West Cork Garda Division was the first in the country to launch such an awards ceremony 15 years ago.

Gardaí are delighted that interest hasn’t diminished over the intervening years since Garda James O’Mahony, the juvenile liaison officer in Bandon, came up with the idea in 1995.

The closing date for entries was last Friday and, according to Garda Damien White who is helping to organise the event, around 100 entries have already been received.

“We could have a record number of entries when they are all counted,” he said. “We are very pleased with the response and want to thank all those people who went to the trouble of filling out nomination forms.”

The judges are expected to have their work cut out trying to select the winners when they meet in Bandon on November 1.

There are a total of 12 awards. Five will be overall awards, while one award each will be presented to young people who reside in the garda districts of Bandon, Macroom, Clonakilty, Kanturk and Bantry.

A group award will also be presented and there will be one special achievement award. The awards celebrate outstanding young people between the ages of 14 and 21 and every year they are sponsored by SuperValu.

The awards ceremony takes place on November 12 at the West Cork Hotel, Skibbereen.