Lee Strand Garda Youth Awards launched

THE 20th annual Lee Strand Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards 2017 were officially launched this week at the Lee Strand creamery in Tralee.

This year’s awards will be presented at a 20-year celebration ceremony in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel, Tralee on Friday, January 26, 2018.

Since 1998 the awards have acknowledged the achievements of young people from Kerry between the ages of 14 years and 19 years.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Superintendent Tom Myers highlighted the importance of recognising the achievements of Kerry’s young people.

“An Garda Síochána are delighted to be associated with the Lee Strand Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards. We often underestimate the worth of our youth who are both innovative and important to our future. It is important to recognise their excellence in the area of sports, arts, culture, charities or caring for a relative or friend,” said Chief Supt Myers.

“The awards have a positive effect on our wider community and I would like to extend our appreciation and thanks to Lee Strand for their continued sponsorship and support over the past 20 years,” he added.

John O’Sullivan, General Manager, Lee Strand echoed the Chief Superintendent’s sentiments.

“Lee Strand has a strong commitment to supporting initiatives within the local community and we are delighted to support the Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards for 20 years,” he said.

“The awards provide a great opportunity to celebrate and recognise the achievements of the young people of Kerry, who have made a positive impact within their local community,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

The closing date for the receipt of nominations is Friday, December 8, 2017.

Any member of the public can nominate a young person whom they feel has made a contribution to their local area.

Nominations are accepted from individuals, community and voluntary groups, schools and youth clubs/organisation.

The winners will be selected by a panel of judges – all of whom are community volunteers around the county – under the chairmanship of Chief Superintendent Myers.

Nomination forms are available from all Kerry Garda Stations; KDYS Offices in Tralee, Killarney and Listowel or by contacting Tralee Garda Station on 066 7102311. Nomination forms are also available to download on www.leestrand.ie

Photo by Domnick Walsh Eye Focus A group of Mercy Mounthawk secondary school students joined Kerry Garda Chief Superintendent Tom Myers, Lee Strand General Manager John O’Sullivan and Tralee gardaí in Tralee to help launch the 2017 Lee Strand Garda Youth Awards.