Garda awards honour some of West Cork’s great young people

Everyone’s a winner: That’s the message from gardaí in West Cork who say a record number of youngsters were nominated for their annual Youth Achievement Awards - and they’ll all get a special certificate to put on their CVs to impress prospective employers.

Nearly 160 teenagers were nominated for the Cork West Garda Division’s awards this year, considerably up on previous years, and showing that their peers are keen to highlight the work they are doing for their communities.

In total 24 awards were handed out at the Maritime Hotel, Bantry, including three for special achievements and a group award. The awards were founded by Garda juvenile liaison officer (JLO) James O’Mahony more that 20 years ago and the template was so successful it has been copied by many garda divisions.

This year’s ceremony, for which the Irish Examiner was media partner, saw awards go to people who had struggled through tragedy, adversity and illness, those who had given their time for others less fortunate than themselves, and youngsters who had collected huge sums of money for charity.

Pa Hurley from Innishannon, one of the overall winners at the West Cork Garda Youth awards

One of those honoured was Charlotte Davis-Ryan. She was 12 when she lost her father, Barry Ryan, her brother Barry Davis-Ryan and his girlfriend, Niamh O’Connor, who drowned in Baltimore on June 30 last year. Gardaí said that, despite the trauma, Charlotte helped the emergency services and was a stalwart for her mother.

Others honoured included Conor Coughlan (13), Ballinhassig, who when just five was diagnosed with a serious bone disease.

Despite 27 operations the plucky youngster has become involved in a wide variety of sports.

Chief Supt Tom Hayes, who is in charge of the Cork West Garda Division, paid tribute to the winners, saying he had no doubt they “would be the leaders of the future”.

Conor Coughlan, Ballinhassig, who received an overall award at the ceremony

The senior garda also stressed the importance of young people volunteering in their communities, and that An Garda Siochána was delighted to be in a position to honour them.

SuperValu sponsored the awards ceremony and the company’s regional manager Gerry Devine said he was “moved and overwhelmed” by the life experiences, actions and achievements of these young heroes.

Tolly Franklin, Durrus, left, and Liam O’Driscoll, Ballineen, who received overall awards at the West Cork Garda Youth awards 2015 at the Maritime Hotel, Bantry

Insp Pat Meaney, chairman of the organising committee,

He said their success was testament to the support and encouragement they receive from parents, families, teachers, and volunteers in the community.

“The task of the judging committee was a difficult one, given the standard of nominations,” he said.

Cork readers can see more in tomorrow’s County