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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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.
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, 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