Gardaí seek nominations for outstanding West Cork youngsters

Gardaí in West Cork are looking for people to nominate outstanding youngsters who are a credit to their communities so they can highlight their achievements at an annual awards ceremony.

The West Cork Youth Achievement Awards will celebrate their 21st anniversary this year.

The first-ever in the country, it is hoped the number of nominations received will even top the record 155 which were received last year.

The awards had been initiated in 1995 by Garda James O’Mahony, the juvenile liaison officer at Bandon Garda Station and, throughout that period, have been sponsored by retail group SuperValu.

The public, over the weeks ahead, is being urged to nominate outstanding young people between the ages of 13 and 21.

Garda Damian White, a community garda based in Bandon, and spokesman for the award organisers, said 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 in the future,” he said.

Since its inception, approximately 2,500 nominations and around 300 young people have received awards.

This year, the West Cork Garda Youth Awards will take place on Friday, November 25 at the West Cork Hotel in Skibbereen.

There are 11 awards in total. They will include five overall awards, four district awards, one group award and one special achievement award.

The group award category applies for groups of 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.

Nomination forms are now available from any SuperValu store or garda station in the region.

Inspector Pat Meany, who is chairman of the organising committee, said gardaí and sponsors wished to recognise the sacrifices made by young people.

The Irish Examiner is media partner for the prestigious event and is privileged to be able to support the worthwhile community initiative.

The closing date for nominations is Friday, November 4. Entries to Garda James O’Mahony, juvenile liaison officer, Bandon Garda Station, or Garda Don Davis, juvenile liaison officer, Bantry Garda Station.