YOUNG PEOPLE HONOURED FOR ACHIEVEMENTS
THE first ever County Wexford Garda Youth Awards took place at County Buildings last week recognising the positive work and contributions to society of young people aged between 11 and 21.
Held in association with Wexford County Council, 22 award winners were selected from 70 nominations, the high standard providing a tough task for judges Peter Culleton, Terry O’Neill and David Lee.
All 22 and their families were present on Friday night when they received their awards and certificates.
‘Many of these young people who received awards have made and continue to make amazing contributions to their local community,’ said Inspector Denis Whelan, ahead of a very successful evening MC’d by Alan Corcoran.
‘Some may have excelled in sports, while others have overcome adversity, be it serious illness or personal difficulty. Other young people have given their own time to help others or makes their community or school a better place.
‘ The Wexford Garda Youth Awards was an opportunity for An Garda Siochana and Wexford County Council to help get these wonderful young people the recognition that they fully deserve,’ he said.
Those awarded are as follows:
Lauren Blake
Lauren Blake, Gorey is a 16-year-old student in Gorey Community College. She has an older brother Cian, 18 and a younger brother Ryan, aged 9. Both brothers are diagnosed with Autism. Lauren is a very kind, caring young lady and does whatever she can to help and assist her brothers, all while achieving excellent results in school.
Clara O’Doherty
Clara O’Doherty, Barntown, is 17 years old and has struggled with asthma from a very early age. Despite this Clara was determined to succeed. Clara has earned distinction in the Royal Academy of Ballet and has won County and Leinster medals in Football and Soccer. At the age of 11, Clara decided that she wanted to refresh her goals and set her sights on Kickboxing and becoming a World Champion at it. Clara’s asthma could be a huge obstacle for this if it weren’t for her strength and determination. Clara is a member of the Blackbelt Academy. Clara is now a three time world champion, a member of the Irish National Kickboxing Squad competing against and defeating the best in the world.
Naoise McManus
Naoise McManus, Barntown, is an 11 year old in 6th class in the Mercy School, Wexford. Naoise suffers from asthma and at times finds it difficult to breathe. At the age of 4 Naoise began to study Kickboxing. In 2015 Naoise joined the Blackbelt Academy in Waterford. Here she has proven herself to be a terrific student and now an inspiring junior instructor. Naoise not only dedicates her time on and off the mats to her own development but by her own initiative to the development of others.
Náoise has won every competition held in Ireland. In 2015 she won a European title in Hungary. In 2016 Naoise won the Irish National Champion title, World Silver Medal and WLEC World Silver and Bronze medals.
Shannon Buckley
Shannon Buckley, Gorey, is 12 years old and is a pupil at Bunscoil, Loreto, Gorey. Shannon has been diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic disorder which weakens the muscles that help the body move. Over the last four years, Shannon has had to deal with her body muscles weakening to a point where she now needs a wheelchair for short journeys. During all this time Shannon has never complained. She tries so hard to participate in all school activities with her peers and remains a very popular member of her class due to her upbeat attitude and her wonderful sense of humour.
Laura O’Brien
Laura O’Brien, Bunclody, aged 14, is in her second year in FCJ Bunclody. Laura has Cystic Fibrosis. In September 2016 Laura approached the Principal of FCJ in relation to holding a C.F. Fundraiser. She rallied her Aidan II class around her, then her year group and finally the whole school, all 867 students, along with the staff. On Thursday, November 14, 2016 the whole school wore purple and had their faces painted purple, the Cystic Fibrosis charity colours. Laura liaised with CF Ireland to arrange the delivery of 900 wristbands for all students and staff and decorated the school in purple bunting. Laura fundraised €2,360 for CF Ireland – a brilliant achievement.
Adam Kinsella
Adam Kinsella, New Ross, is a 15-year-old boy who is currently a member of St Marys Boxing Club in New Ross, who also gives his time to help train and spar with a number of junior boxers in the club, all of whom look up to Adam.
He is an excellent example of the spirit and dedication required to be a true boxing champion. His list of boxing achievements include County Wexford 46kg winner 2016; Leinster IABA 46 kg winner 2016; All Ireland IABA 46kg runner up 2016; County Wexford 33kg winner 2016; Leinster IABA 39 kg winner 2015; St Marys Boxing Club New Ross Overall Club Boxer 2015.
Bronwyn Redmond
18-year-old Bronwyn Redmond, Gorey, is diagnosed with Dyspraxia and Dyslexia which has thrown some obstacles her way in her school life. She also has suffered from episodes of depression, which she has overcome. She is still learning the skills to cope with this and to be resilient. She feels her openness and ability to communicate her feelings and emotions has helped others to accept and face up to their own difficulties.
Bronwyn is Vice President of the Students Council in Gorey Community School. She is also a member of Gorey Youth Needs LGBT Group.
She is a very positive role model to all members who attend the Gorey Youth Needs Group. Bronwyn has helped out with the Cycle against Suicide for the last two years.
Bobbie Hendrick
Bobbie Hendrick, Enniscorthy, is 15 years old and a student in Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy. He is an excellent boxer and already has a host of championships to her name. Bobbie has won 4 Leinster titles in 4 years running. She has also won 3 Irish Championships in the 54kg, 63kg and 66kg weight divisions. Bobbie has also won female boxer of the year in 2013 and 2015.
Bobbie is not just an exceptional athlete who has shown dedication, determination and a winning way in her chosen sport – she is also an inspiration to younger members of her boxing club and a very caring daughter and granddaughter, who despite her rigorous train-
ing schedule, still finds time to look after and help her mother and grandparents.
Matthew Canavan
Matthew Canavan, Duncormick, is 17 years old and is a great sports person. In 2013 Matthew captained his school team and this team was beaten by the narrowest of margins in the south Leinster final having won the Wexford county final. He was called up to his teams under18 team that year also. In 2014 he again competed with his school winning the under 16 county final when he lifted the cup, a great honour indeed. That year he was part of the county Wexford under 16 and under 17 development squad and played various Leinster teams that year.
In 2015 Matthew captained his club team and took part in the county final that year in the division one grade. In 2016 Matthew captained his rugby team to a Wexford semi final. Matthew has faced up to and overcome a number of difficulties in his life, which have shaped the person he is today. His achievements to date are a reflection of his commitment to be the person that he wants to be.
Martin Foley
Martin Foley, Wexford, is a 17-year-old young man studying at St Peter’s College. Martin has a string of outstanding achievements in Taekwon–Do from a young age. In 2012, at the age of 12, Martin received his 1st Dan Black belt with distinction and 2 years later at the age of 14 he received his 2nd Dan, also with distinction.
In 2012 Martin won the Gold Medal at Patterns in the Under 14 category, which at the age of 12 was a remarkable achieve- ment. In June 2014 Martin represented Team Ireland at the Taekwon-Do World Championships winning Bronze at the U18 Team Patterns and a 2nd bronze in the U18 Team Power-Breaking.
In the same year Martin won the silver medal at U16 Middleweight sparring. Martin also competed at the British championships winning bronze in the Under 16 sparring. After a strong of successes in the interveing years, in 2016 Martin was again at the World Championships winning Bronze in the sparring at U18 Middleweight. At the British Championships he won silver in the under 18 sparring also. His year was capped off by winning the IITF Student of the Year for 2016.
Amy Breen
Amy Breen, New Ross, is 17 years old. She has had some personal difficulties in her home life but has adapted to these changes and showed tremendous grit and determination to make something of herself.
Her teachers and the staff at Youth Reach New Ross will all testify that Amy gives 100 % in everything she does. Amy has shown a keen interest in social studies, and has volunteered her time doing work experience at a local nursing home, where again the nursing staff she worked alongside gave her a glowing report at the end of her time there.
Coláiste Bríde School Council
Coláiste Bríde School Council, Enniscorthy, became aware that local mental health support information was not readily available for or specifically aimed at teenagers and vowed to take action to promote a greater awareness of mental health services available in Wexford. As a result, they have produced ‘I am Worth it,’ a 32-page booklet promoting positive mental health and a supporting website which mirrors the booklet. The booklet has been distributed to 13,000 teenagers in every post primary school in Wexford.
Matty O’leary
Matty O’Leary, Bunclody, is 17 years of age and is currently attending Bunclody Vocational College and is in 6th year and will become the first member of his family to sit his Leaving Certificate in June 2017. Matty’s first love is boxing where he has achieved so much at such a young age. In 2011 he was a Wexford Boxing Champion and Leinster silver medallist.
In 2016 Matty retained his Wexford and Leinster titles and won a further gold medal in Poland and also won best 16 year old boxer in Wexford and also senior hurler of the year in Bunclody Vocational College. Matty has also won the fittest student in Ireland. Matty suffers from ADHD and it is a remarkable feat to achieve what he has achieved at such a young age.
Elsa Hughes
Elsa Hughes, Gorey Community School, aged 14, works hard at school and is a straight “A” student. In 2015, Elsa was diagnosed with a benign tumour of the brain. Elsa plays football and camogie with Kilanerin G.A.A. Club and also football and camogie with her school. She was nominated for and won the award for “Student of the Year” in first year, out of 275 students.
Josh Sheil
Josh Sheil, Wexford, is 15 years of age and attends Wexford CBS Secondary School. Josh is an exceptional young man who has overcome difficulties throughout his life. He was diagnosed with a hole in his heart as an infant but overcame this to excel in sport. This young man also suffers from Dyslexia but this does not stop him from putting in an outstanding effort in school and has won Academic Awards at CBS Secondary School. Josh suffered a setback in 2016 when he lost his father, best friend and coach Mikey.
Despite the untimely death of his father, Josh went on to win a county final at Premier Under 14 hurling with Faythe Harriers. He also won a Premier Under 16 hurling medal with Faythe Harriers. He won a medal when Faythe Harriers won the county hurling Féile and then went on to win the All Ireland Division 1 hurling Féile playing for Faythe Harriers. All of these achievements are form 2016.
Eden Fitzgibbon
17-year-old Eden Fitzgibbon, New Ross, has been an active member of New Ross No Name Club for the past three years. In her first year as a member of the club, Eden was selected by both her peers and the adult committee to be the Hostess of the Year and as such she represented the club at both Regional and National level.
In June of 2016, Eden’s mother Deborah passed away after a long battle with cancer and during this time Eden set up the “Lean on Me” support group which raises awareness and provides support for teenagers who have experienced bereavement in their family and especially to those whose parents are suf- fering from a terminal illness.
In her role as a Junior Adult Leader, Eden is responsible for helping to supervise up to 80 transition year students on a number of trips and events, which promote a safe environment for young people without the use of alcohol or drugs.
Daiana Fustiac
Daiana Fustiac, aged 18, Enniscorthy, or as her community know her, Mona came to Ireland in 2006. Since then, Enniscorthy has become her home. She has two younger brothers and an older sister. Daiana has been volunteering for the Roma Project in FDYS.
Her voluntary work is appreciated by the Roma Project in FDYS, with special thanks for participating in Erasmus & programmes in Lithuania and Wicklow, for her role in representing the Roma Community in the European Youth Event in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Daiana’s parents and sister did not have the opportunity to complete their education so Daiana has broken that barrier and upon completing her Leaving Certificate, she undertook a PLC in legal studies and has now applied to work in An Garda Siochana.
Leanne Kavanagh
Leanne Kavanagh, Gorey, is a 16 year old student attending Gorey Community School. She is a regular member and mentor in Gorey Youth Needs Group. Her first two years in secondary school were very difficult. Leanne was a victim of severe bullying, both physical and emotional. Leanne had some difficult times but thankfully came through these and used her experiences to try and help others. Last year Leanne volunteered, helping younger students in homework club and was always on hand to help out or have a chat with anyone having a hard time.
Megan O’Rourke
Megan O’Rourke, aged 16, Clonhaston, Enniscorthy. Despite ongoing and relentless mental health issues, Megan has shown a steely determination to succeed in her school life. From a position of debilitating anxiety which made even going to class an ordeal, Megan has adapted wellbeing strategies to find a way to cope rather than give in and go home.
Éadaoin Stafford
Éadaoin Stafford, aged 16. Everyone responds to tragedy differently. Some give up, some curse God, and some amaze us with their strength of character. Éadaoin is one such person. Éadaoin has approached school life during very emotionally challenging times with a quiet and steady determination. Despite the heavy constraint of tragedy and emotional turmoil at a very young age, she has moved steadily forward, never once looking for the special circumstances she would so easily deserve.
Kathlyn Furlong
Kathlyn Furlong, Enniscorthy, aged 17, joined DMP athletics club in 2010 and has since succeeded in becoming one of the top hammer throwers in Ireland. Kathlyn has won 4 Irish titles. Having proven her stature in the event in Ireland she went on to compete in International Competitions, representing her country for the past 2 years. The road to success hasn’t been plain sailing for Kathlyn and she has battled through a tremendously tough time in her personal life. Kathlyn’s 4 national titles and her continued success in the athletics field show the vast amount of strength of character, spirit, determination and very obvious talent.
While in the midst of Kathlyn’s leaving certificate, Kathlyn once again became Irish Champion and had the great honour of representing her country in Wales in the International Celtic Games.
Ben D’Arcy
Ben D’Arcy, Gorey, is 18 years old. He overcame a very serious personal tragedy in his life some time ago, when he was a student at Creagh College, Gorey. Since then Ben has continued to excel inside and outside of school. While in fourth year Ben became involved in the FDYS and helped to develop and eventually deliver a programme to 6th class pupils in Gorey. The topic being on the importance of speaking out on issues as they arise. Ben continued to display his genuine support to get the message out to young people that ‘It’s OK to talk’. Following on from this Ben cycled from Wexford to Arklow with Cycle Against Suicide helping to spread the word in his own schooL. In addition to the cycle Ben organised a Polo Cross tournament in which his team wore the orange of Cycle Against Suicide further spreading the message and raising funds which were much needed for the charity.
Ben’s personal tragedy, early in his teens, has never stopped him from focusing on his future. He has remained committed to fulfilling his potential and will no doubt be successful in whatever he does.