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.