Awards honour the caring and brave

A TIRELESS devotee to community work and a young man who bravely battled cancer to continue his studies were among those recognised for their achievements at the West Cork Garda Youth Awards.

The awards, which are in their 15th year, are a celebration of outstanding young people between the ages of 14 and 21 years, who are doing good work in their community.

In total, 27 people received 14 awards to commend their selfless involvement in everything from rescue operations to voluntary work, during a ceremony at the West Cork Hotel in Skibbereen.

This year saw a record number of 120 nominations for the awards – up from just over 100 in 2009 – a figure which according to the judging panel reflected the “excellent and positive contributions being made by the youth of west Cork.”

The Sam Maguire Cup was brought along by two gardaí – John Miskella, based in Clonakilty, who was a member of the victorious Cork team, and Peadar Healy, a Glengarriff- based garda and selector with the Cork team.

The awards, sponsored by SuperValu, were presented by Chief Superintendent Tom Hayes of Bandon Garda Station.

Chairman of the judging panel, Inspector Brendan Fogarty of Bandon, felt that all the winners were of an outstanding calibre.

The winners were spread across the west Cork region, including Bantry, Drimoleague, Bandon, Macroom and Clonakilty.

One winner, Tadhg O’Donovan from Bandon, was recognised for his continued work with the Belarussian Orphanage Project, and for his coaching efforts at his local athletics club.

Macroom district award winner Mary Crowley was honoured for her work as a helper during a pilgrimage to Lourdes and for her assistance to the elderly, including a lady whom Mary cares for four evenings a week.

Among the Special Achievement Award winners was Donnacha McCarthy from Drimoleague, who lost his sight during a long battle with leukaemia, but went on to complete his Leaving Certificate and begin his studies at University College Cork.

Áine Herlihy of Knocknagree received a Special Achievement Award for her heroic rescue of her three-year -old sister Abbey from a house fire.

Áine’s quick actions to save her sister and contact emergency services when she discovered flames prevented fire spreading to the whole house.

Chief Supt Hayes said all the winners had shown great community spirit. “No doubt, they will become future leaders in society,” he added.