Total Amelia teen lauded for efforts in community

A TEENAGER born without arms or legs is to be the recipient of a special achievement award at the West Cork Garda Youth Awards later this week.

Joanne O’Riordan, 15, from Millstreet suffers from a disability known as Total Amelia, but rather than fade into the background, she has been actively involved in school and community events.

“She has promoted a positive awareness of disability amongst her peers, and is involved in sport, drama, the Young Scientist exhibition, school trips, the school magazine and visits to the elderly,” said Gda Damian White, the spokesman for the awards.