Nominations open for West Cork youth awards

NOMINATIONS are open for the 23rd annual West Cork Garda Youth Awards, in association with SuperValu which celebrate outstanding young people aged 13-21.

Set up in West Cork in 1995 by Garda James O Mahony, juvenile liaison officer, Bandon; SuperValu sponsored the initial awards, and have been committed to them since.

Awards will be considered for nominated young people who by their presence make their communities a better place to live in. Last year there were 118 young people nominated in total. Garda Damian White, community garda in Bandon, who is PRO for the Youth Awards, commented that the nomination process is open to everyone: ‘So if you know of a young person who is committed to making a difference to their community, please put them forward, as every nominee will receive a certificate, even if they do not win an award. This way, all nominees are recognised for their efforts, and the certificate is a very valuable item to have on a young person’s CV into the future.’

This year’s event will take place on Friday  November 23rd in the Beara Coast Hotel in Castletownbere.  

The categories are individual award, group award, community safety award and a special achievement award.

The nomination forms are now available from any SuperValu store in the West Cork Garda Division, and also at garda stations throughout West Cork. 

Application forms will also be distributed by the community gardai in each local garda district. Electronic versions of the nomination form are available from [email protected]. The closing date for the applications is Wednesday November 7th.

Launching this year’s awards, Insp Pat Meany of Bandon Garda Station, who is chairman of the organising committee said the awards aim to recognise the sacrifices made by these young people, as they contribute to their community, both at a local level, and also in wider areas. And he paid tribute to SuperValu for their continued sponsorship.

Application forms are to be submitted to Gda James O’Mahony at Bandon Garda Station, or Gda Don Davis, Bantry Garda Station.

Forms can also be emailed to [email protected]