Gardaí on hunt for outstanding youth

Nominations are being sought for the West Cork Garda Youth Awards, one of the biggest community events on the region’s calendar.

The awards, in their 19th year, highlight the achievements of outstanding young people between the ages of 13 and 21 and, last year, attracted a record 141 nominations.

Bandon-based Garda Damian White believes public interest this year will be even higher.

Nomination forms are available from all SuperValu stores or any Garda station in the Garda division, which extends from Kinsale to Kanturk and west to Beara. “An Garda Síochána in West Cork and SuperValu recognise that a lot of good work is being done by young people in every community in West Cork. Awards will be considered for nominated young people who, by their presence, make their communities a better place to live,” said Garda White.

Any member of the public can nominate a young person.

“Every nominee will receive a certificate, even if they do not win an award. This way, all nominees are recognised for their efforts, and the certificate is a very valuable item to have on a young person’s CV into the future,” the garda said.

Chairman of the organising committee, Insp Brendan Fogarty said: “Each year we are consistently impressed and humbled by the sacrifices made by these young people, as they contribute to their community, both at a local level, and also in the wider area.”

He paid tribute to the SuperValu chain for its continued sponsorship of the Youth Awards, which were initiated in West Cork in 1995 by Garda James O’Mahony, a juvenile liaison officer based in Bandon. The retail group sponsored the initial event and has been associated since. The Irish Examiner is a media partner.

The 2014 ceremony is scheduled for Friday, November 21 in Acton’s Hotel in Kinsale and will include 11 awards in total — five overall awards, four district awards, a group award and a special achievement award.

The group category applies to two or more young people whose combined efforts have contributed positively to their communities. The special achievement category is open to any young person who has defied the odds, or overcome difficult circumstances, and whose commitment deserves recognition.

The closing date for applications is October 31. Application forms can be submitted to Garda James O’Mahony, juvenile liaison officer, Bandon Garda Station or Garda Don Davis, juvenile liaison officer, Bantry Garda Station.