Young volunteers are honoured for inspiring families and communities

By Kieran O’Mahony

THE winners of this year’s West Cork Garda Youth Awards have been described as great inspriations to their families and their communities.

Now in their 22nd year, the awards were held once more in association with SuperValu, at the Riverside Park Hotel in Macroom. A total of 19 awards were presented to outstanding youths who have contributed to their communities. 

There were 118 nominations received for this year and each of the nominees who didn’t win an award will be also be recognised with a certificate of nomination, which will be presented to them at a later date, by their local superintendent.

Chief Supt Con Cadogan, Divisional Officer for Cork West Division, welcomed assistant commissioner Anne Marie McMahon, as well as Judge Mary Dorgan, to the awards. Chief Supt Cadogan commended the volunteers for all the work they do, and said it was encouraging to see so many people involved in the awards. 

He also said the award winners’ dedication and commitment to their communities, be that local, national or international, was uplifting.

Insp Pat Meany, chairman of the judging committee, said the judges had a difficult task, given the standard of nominations, and he also thanked juvenile liaison officers Don Davis and James O’Mahony, who he described as the ‘unsung heroes.’

Ken Leonard of O’Leary’s SuperValu in Macroom, speaking on behalf of sponsor SuperValu, said they hold this initiative in high regard. ‘These young people have worked tirelessly to help their communities and are an inspiration, and it’s important to recognise every single young person who has been nominated, as they are all winners.’