TWO Skibbereen young adults who helped a man who was clearly in crisis were honoured with a Special Recognition award at last weekend’s Garda National Youth Awards.

The awards, which recognise exceptional young people aged between 13 and 21 who have positively contributed to their community were held in the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoie.

Naoise Quinn and Ailíse O’Sullivan, who were nominated for the award by Gda Adrian Holland, had been walking on a beach in September last year when they observed a man standing at a cliff edge.

‘He was clearly in crisis and likely to engage in self-harm. Acting on instinct, Naoise and Ailíse physically intervened, preventing the man from harming himself. They kept the man safe and calm until the gardaí arrived,’ their citation read.

‘Their response was spontaneous and courageous. Despite their young age, both Naoise and Ailíse displayed remarkable calmness, maturity and presence of mind in a high-pressure situation. Together, they managed the crisis effectively, demonstrating teamwork, empathy and extraordinary courage.’

Another West Cork winner at the awards was Bakhtyar Nabi, who also received a Special Recognition award, having been nominated by Kate O’Sullivan.

‘Bakhtyar Nabi is an exceptional young man who has shown immense courage and resilience. He and his brother left Afghanistan and spent nine months travelling to Ireland. After their arrival, the brothers stayed in Dublin, and then Maynooth, before finally settling in the IPAS centre in Clonakilty,’ his citation read.

Since he moved to Clonakilty, Bakhtyar joined a cricket team in Cork city, was picked to play for the Munster team and was named Player of the Year.

‘In the IPAS centre, Bakhtyar helps other residents with childminding and cooking and also teaches younger peers soccer skills. He has faced unimaginable hardship, yet he remains determined to better himself and help those around him.’