Joanne hailed as inspiration to everyone who knows her

AN inspirational teenager who has overcome incredible odds to live a full life was among several young people honoured at a Garda awards scheme last night.

Joanne O’Riordan, 15, from Millstreet, Co Cork, who was born without arms or legs, was among two recipients of a special achievement award at the 16th annual West Cork Garda Youth Awards held in Kinsale’s Acton’s Hotel.

Joanne was born with a condition known as total amelia, but has overcome every challenge to become fully involved in school and the community.

“I’m delighted with the award — it was unexpected. I supposed some people think it’s well deserved but I’m one of those modest people really,” said the transition year student.

“When I was born, my parents didn’t know what to do. But when I was two they met a girl from England called Tina who had the same condition and that gave them hope. And with advances in technology and medical science, things got easier. I just take every day as it comes really.”

She was nominated by Siobhan Doyle, her French teacher at Millstreet Community School. “For all of us who know Joanne, her positive demeanour and her charismatic personality makes her disability fade into the background,” said Ms Doyle. “It does not impede her full participation and interaction in all aspects of school life. She is truly an inspiration to us all.”

She praised her work ethic, her perseverance, and her performance in the Junior Certificate.

Joanne’s schoolbooks have been uploaded to a computer and, with the help of her special needs assistants Nicola O’Donoghue and Joanne Twomey, she types her schoolwork using a biro she holds in her mouth, or dictates it.

She is involved in the school magazine, which she hopes will help her achieve her ambition of becoming a journalist.

The Jedward fan will star in the school play, It Runs in the Family, this month, and help switch on Millstreet’s Christmas lights on November 26.

At the BT Young Scien-tist Exhibition in Dublin next January, Joanne will present her research project, No Limbs No Limits, on educational supports for Irish students with disabilities, which she compiled with classmate, Nadine Spillane.

She is also the focus of a documentary for the BBC which is being filmed by her brother, Steven.

Margaret Barrett, 20, from Lyre, was also presented with a special achievement award. Despite suffering from cerebral palsy, Margaret lives an independent life and is an inspiration to all who meet her, judges said.

There were four overall winners at the SuperValu-supported awards scheme, including Daniel Cronin, 20, from Ballineen, who was honoured for his involvement in sports training. He was instrumental in the formation of a local Foróige club and has released a DVD on local history.

Timmy Murphy, 15, from Riverstick, was honoured for helping to care for his mother, Bernadette, who has motor neurone disease.

Niamh Cadogan, 16, from Drimoleague, who is battling leukaemia, was honoured for helping her autistic brother and other families touched by the condition by organising special iPads to help communication. She also uses Skype to keep up with her schoolwork.

Jennifer Collins, 17, from Bandon, was honoured for her outstanding community activities.

Kate Ann Fenton, from Bandon; Ciara Sheehan, from Bantry; Deirdre O’Sullivan from Rosscarbery; Sorcha McSweeney from Macroom; and Karina Cronin from Ballydesmond won district awards.

Group awards were presented to the Carmelite Pilgrimage Youth Group from Kinsale, and to sisters Chloe and Jessica Sheehan.

The former principal of Belgooly NS, Eamonn Kelly, who retired recently after a 40-year career, was honoured for his outstanding service to the youth of West Cork.

The judging panel chairman, Inspector Brendan Fogarty, said they were overwhelmed by all 132 nominees.

“Looking at all the award winners, we were so humbled and impressed by the sacrifices each of them has made.

“The contributions they have made locally, nationally and internationally has been outstanding.”