The 5th Annual Limerick Garda Youth awards took place at the Woodlands House Hotel in Adare on Thursday 29th November. Chief Superintendent Gerard Roche of the Limerick Garda Division hosted a gala dinner for the 2018 winners.
Attending the Garda Youth Awards 2018 were Deputy Mayor Cllr Eddie Ryan and Mr. Kevin McCarthy MD of Garveys Group who were the main sponsors of the event.
Speaking at the ceremony Chief Superintendent Roche stated that the night was in recognition of all the wonderful achievements of the young people receiving Garda Youth Awards 2018. They were a credit to their family, their community and themselves.
Councillor Eddie Ryan, Deputy Mayor of Limerick congratulated all the winners and wished them well for the future. “It was great to see young people being recognised for all the work they do within the community and the challenges they have overcome,” Mr. Ryan said.
The five individuals who received the Garda Youth Awards 2018 were Craig O Brien, from St. Patrick’s Road , Alan Wallace from Coole West Athea Co. Limerick, Sean Byrne, a second year student at Scoil Na Tríonóide Naofa, Doon, with Ethan, a student at Desmond College, Newcastle West and Jade Purcell from Rosbrien in Limerick.
Alan from Coole West Athea Co. Limerick is 18 years old and is a student at Desmond College Newcastle West. His favourite subjects include maths, physical education, art and computers. He has overcome many obstacles since his diagnosis of ASD at age 6. He has progressed from communicating through a picture system to delivering a heartfelt farewell to the postmistress at Athea PO which closed in October. Alan’s many talents have seen him involved in promoting the Fair Trade initiative in Desmond College. He has received many awards for his artistic creations which are admired and enjoyed by everyone.
Ethan is a student at Desmond College, Newcastle West. He is 14 years old and lives in Newcastle West. He provides regular and substantial care to a visually impaired friend each day. He is the guiding light for Ruben. He meets greets and guides Ruben to school every morning. He collects Ruben at his home to school and gently guides him to school mentioning any potential hazards that may lie ahead.
Thomas Curtin from Newcastle West and Dylan Moloney, Ardagh and are students at Desmond College, Newcastle West. They are 17 years old, both Dylan and Thomas were members of a very successful student enterprise team that have won several national and international awards. The boys invented a height adjustable crutch which allows users to sit down or get to a standing position with ease. This device will be of significant benefit to those in their community needing such equipment.
The awards are designed to acknowledge the volunteering activities of young people living within the Limerick Garda Division between the ages of 13 years and 21 years. They also acknowledge the endeavours of young people that have faced and overcome challenges in their life.