YOUTH REWARDED FOR TROJAN COMMUNITY WORK AT AWARDS
LOCAL WINNERS RECEIVE WEST CORK GARDA YOUTH AWARDS
THERE was a warm welcome for the winners of the 22nd West Cork Youth Garda Awards which were held at the Riverside Hotel in Macroom recently and held in conjunction with Supervalu.
Over 220 people attended and Chief Superintendent Con Cadogan, Divisional Officer for Cork West Division, paid tribute to the 19 award winners, saying that it was heartening to see so many young people involving themselves in activities within their local communities.
He also stressed the importance of the spirit of volunteerism in general, and he commended the positive input created by those who give freely of their time, and that An Garda Siochana was delighted to be in a position to honour the award winners.
He also said that the award winners’ dedication and commitment to their communities – be that local, national or international – was uplifting to witness.
Ken Leonard from O’Leary’s SuperValu in Macroom spoke on behalf of the SuperValu retailers who sponsor the awards. He paid tribute to all the award winners and the outstanding contribution they had made. He noted how encouraging it was to see the award winners value community, and how reassuring it was to observe that they were investing their time to enrich their community.
He also said he was proud to speak on behalf of the SuperValu retailers who had generously sponsored this event for two decades which is a real endorsement of SuperValu’s commitment to supporting local and building vibrant communities.
Inspector Pat Meany, Chairman of the Organising Committee, lauded the achievements of the Award winners, and commented that their success was also testament to the support and encouragement that they receive from their parents, families, teachers, and volunteers in the community.
He stated that the task of the judging committee was a difficult one, given the standard of nominations received.
This year, 118 nominations were received. Garda Damian White, PRO for the Youth Awards, stated that it was important to recognise that all the nominees would benefit, not just the Award winners.
“All other nominees will receive a Certificate signed by their local Superintendent to highlight their nomination and dding this to any CV will most definitely enhance it,” he said.
On the night locals winners were Elaine Nagle of Rathmore in Kerry and in the Macroom District an award went to Qiqa Maqubela, Millstreet. Steven Bradley, Clondrohid was also a winner.