West Cork Garda Youth Awards celebrating their 21st anniversary

AN Garda Síochána in West Cork have launched the 21st annual West Cork Garda Youth Awards, in association with SuperValu. 

These awards were initiated in West Cork in 1995 by Gda James O’Mahony, the juvenile liaison officer in Bandon. SuperValu sponsored the initial awards, and they have been on board every since.

The awards celebrate outstanding young people between the ages of 13 and 21. 

‘An Garda Síochána in West Cork and SuperValu recognise that a lot of good work is being done by young people in every community in West Cork,’ said Gda Damian White, the community garda in Bandon. 

Gda White, who is PRO for the awards, explained that the nomination process is open to everyone. ‘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,’ he said.

Since their inception in 1996, approximately 2,500 nominations have been received over the 20-year history of the awards. 

This year’s awards take place on Friday 25th November in the West Cork Hotel in Skibbereen.  There are 11 Awards – five overall awards, four district awards, one group 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. 

Insp Pat Meany of Bandon Garda Station, chairman of the organising committee, remarked: ‘We wish 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. An Garda Síochána would like to pay tribute to SuperValu for their continued sponsorship of the awards.’

The closing date for the applications is Friday 4th November 2016.

Application forms are to be submitted to Garda James O Mahony, juvenile liaison officer, Bandon Garda Station, or Garda Don Davis, juvenile liaison officer, Bantry Garda Station.