Picture: Domnick Walsh
A 21-year-old who became the head of his family after the tragic death of his both his parents within five months has been chosen as the overall winner of this year’s Lee Strand Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards.
Patrick Clifford, from Milltown, exhibited remarkable strength, bravery, maturity and resilience when his dad, Padraig, passed away last January, following an illness, just five months after his mum, Elaine, died from cancer.
Patrick was the eldest of their four sons with Jack aged 14, Andrew aged seven and the youngest, Conor, just five years of age and he took it upon himself to become the main carer for his three younger brothers and, in effect, he assumed the role of mam and dad.
Assistant Garda Commissioner Eileen Foster described him as an inspirational young man who puts the needs of his brothers above his own.
“His kindness has brought stability to the lives of his brothers and has touched the lives and hearts of the immediate community and far beyond.
“Patrick’s resilience has amazed everyone and he still manages to greet everyone with a smile and a kind word,” Assistant Commissioner Foster said.
She added that everyone is very proud and protective of the wonderful Clifford family an Patrick truly is an inspirational young man.
Last night, Patrick’s great courage was recognised when he received the prestigious overall award at the gala ceremony having been nominated by Theresa and Tony O’Gorman.
A total of 170 people from across the county attended the 25th annual awards celebration in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel, Tralee and, following dinner, a total of 25 awards were presented, including certificates of merit, a group award, a special achievement award, a community safety award and the prize for the overall winner.
This year also welcomed the introduction of a new award entitled Inspiring our Youth Award. The awards scheme, which commenced in 1998, are for youths between the ages of 13 and 21 years and recognise the great contribution young people have made and continue to make to their communities in Kerry.
The group award was presented to Bandage your Language, Mercy Mounthawk in Tralee, the special achievement award was presented to Cian Heaslip from Tralee, the community safety award was presented to Tommy Boyle from Castleisland and the Inspiring our Youth Award was presented to Garda Mary Gardiner.
Merit certificates went to Chloe Lynch Herlihy, Killarney; Allanah O’Sullivan, Tralee; Aoife Bourke, Blennerville; Caitlin McEnteggart, Firies; Cathal Casey, Ballinskelligs; Ciara Nix, Tralee; Dean McCarthy, Listowel; Dylan O’Connor, Killarney; Ethan McIntyre, Killorglin; Jared Tritschler, Listowel; Jessica Griffin, Tralee; Leah Murphy, Kilgarvan; Markas Bielovas, Killarney; Nicole Walker, Ballymacelligott; Odhran Ferris, Ardfert; Oisin Colton Foley, Castlemaine; Sarah O’Donoghue, Killarney; Shauna Riordan, Castleisland; Shay McCarthy, Waterville and Tara Foley, Killorglin.
Assistant Commissioner Foster said the awards provide An Garda Síochána with an excellent opportunity to positively engage with young people, while recognising their outstanding contributions to their communities.
“This year is particularly significant, as it marks 25 years of the Kerry Youth Achievement Awards and is also An Garda Síochána’s centenary year.
“In a time of monumental change and challenges across society, it is wonderful to see young people continuing to give back to their communities and long may that continue into the future,” she said.
Donal Pierse, Chairperson, Lee Strand commented: “The awards are a fantastic celebration of their outstanding achievements. We would like to congratulate all of this year’s winners and thank our customers for supporting Lee Strand.
“It is only with the continued support of our customers that enables Lee Strand to continue to sponsor great celebrations like the Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards.”
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