The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Evening of high praise for Kerry’s youth
“It was lovely for him. He has a very positive attitude and it was a lovely award to get,” said Nora O’Connell, mother of inspirational Killarney youth, Ian, after he was announced Overall Winner at the Lee Strand Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards for 2018.
The 16-year-old Killarney teenager received his accolade at a packed Ballyroe Heights Hotel in Tralee on Friday for the inspirational way he responded to an accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down in August 2017. Ian’s ebullient attitude and infectious personality captivated the whole county, and indeed the nation, after The Late Late Show appearance in which Ian coined the phrase: “If I can’t stand up, I will stand out.”
Ian was joined by his family and friends as they watched him receive a specially commissioned crystal trophy and winner’s certificate with pride. And while we all know that Ian’s family don’t need an award to know their son is inspirational, it’s a nice honour to get all the same.
“Ian is very good and considering what he has been through his attitude is amazing. It was a huge event, and so many people have been good to Ian since his accident. This is something we would very much like to thank people for,” said Nora.
One of Ian’s top memories came in May 2018 when UFC star Conor McGregor made Ian out at Dublin’s Three Arena – a meeting Ian described at the time as leaving him speechless.
A total of 20 Lee Strand/Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Merit Award Certificates were given out at a reception attended by over 250 people. Each individual was awarded for the positive contribution they have made in the community, and how they can make it a better place to live. Other major categories include the Group Award, Special Achievement Award and Community Safety Award.
The Group Award was won by Sporting Chance Programme - National Learning Network. Kevin Smith is the Coordinator of the Sporting Chance which aims to provide people with disabilities - and people who are injured, have an illness or a learning difficulty - to obtain training and education in the sport and leisure industry.
Speaking on the night, Chief Superintendent Tom Myers said An Garda Síochána consider it essential to engage in a positive fashion with the young people in communities. By doing so, it acknowledges the positive achievements of young people.
“Whether these are in the fields of voluntary work in the community, sport, or education, it would not be possible to acknowledge these achievements and have an occasion whereby the families of nominees can join in the celebrations without the support from Lee Strand,” Mr Myers said.
Donal Pierse, Chairperson of Lee Strand, added that Lee Strand is delighted to support the Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards since 1998.
“Over the past 21 years Lee Strand in association with An Garda Siochana have always been proactive in acknowledging and identifying the positive work by young people and voluntary groups to enhance community life in Kerry. The awards are a fantastic celebration of their outstanding achievements,” Mr
Pierse said.