A total of 200 people from across the county attended the 27th celebration of the Lee Strand Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards 2024 in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel, Tralee on Friday night.
There were 25 awards presented – 20 merit awards, a group award, a special achievement award, a community safety award, an inspiring our youth award and the overall prize.
The awards scheme, which commenced in 1998, is for young people aged between 13 and 21 years who have made a great contribution to their communities.
14-year-old Cillian O’Leary from Kilcummin in Killarney was announced as the overall winner. He has completed 50 park runs despite living with very physical challenges caused by a rare genetic disorder.
The youth award was presented to Meán Scoil Nua an Leith Triúigh’s transition year class and the special award went to Taylor Lynch.
The community safety award was presented to Ciara Murphy and Saoirse Murphy while the Inspiring our Youth Award was presented to Kerry GAA star and schoolteacher Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh who inspired her county to All-Ireland success this year.
Merit award recipients were: Blathnaid Casey, Callum Russell Caoimhe Brosnan, Calvin O’Sullivan, Chloe Mason, Clodagh McGorrian, Erin O’Connor, Fionn Spillane, Jack Collins, Liam Smith, Mic Oscailte Group (Jack O’Céilleachair, Katie Ní Chéilleachair, Liam MacGabhann and Emily NicGabhann), Mikey McGlynn, Morgan O’Flaherty, Padraic McCarthy, Patrick Joseph O’Sullivan, Presentation Secondary School Tralee Dream Spacers, Rebecca O’Sullivan, Sadhbh O’Halloran, Shauna Harris and Sliabh Luachra Boxing Club.
Garda Chief Superintendent Padraic Powell said It is fundamental that the youth of this country are recognised for the crucial role they play in the future of society.
“It is essential that we recognise their excellent contribution to society in areas of sports, arts, culture and charity and also in the way they may selflessly and lovingly care for a relative or friend,” he said.
“These awards have a positive impact on our wider community in celebrating the achievements of such outstanding young people,” he added.
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