Pictured L-R Chief Superintendent Aileen Magner, Interim CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, Ray O’Driscoll, Tara Moroney, Colaiste Muire Ennis and Eorann Edwards, St Caimins Shannon. Photograph: Arthur Ellis
NOMINATIONS have opened to find Clare’s most inspiring young people in the eighth Clare Garda Youth Awards.
An Garda Síochána Clare Division, in partnership with The Shannon Airport Group, are calling on communities across the county to help identify young people whose kindness, courage, leadership, or resilience deserves recognition.
These awards honour young people aged 13 to 21 who make a positive impact in their community, whether through individual acts of volunteerism, collaborative youth initiatives, exceptional personal achievements, or efforts that help improve safety throughout their community.
Award categories include individual contributions, group efforts, special achievements in overcoming adversity, and community safety initiatives.
Clare has a proud history of outstanding nominees. In 2024, two youth groups and five individuals received awards for their achievements, with two of these young people progressing to earn national recognition at the National Garda Youth Awards.
Chief Superintendent Aileen Magner commented, “Each year these awards shine a light on remarkable young people whose actions strengthen the fabric of communities across Clare. Their courage, resilience and dedication remind us that leadership can begin at any age. We are asking the public to look around them and put forward the young people who quietly make a difference every day. Their stories deserve to be recognised and celebrated.”
Interim CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, Ray O’Driscoll stated, “The Shannon Airport Group is delighted to continue its long-standing support of the Clare Garda Youth Awards. These awards give us the privilege of acknowledging young people whose contributions uplift their communities and inspire all of us. It is an honour to stand behind an initiative that celebrates such positive energy, determination and generosity among Clare’s youth”.
The public are encouraged to participate in showcasing the outstanding young people shaping the future of County Clare. The eighth Clare Garda Youth Awards winners will be announced at a special event on May 19th, 2026, at Hotel Woodstock, continuing a long-standing tradition supported by The Shannon Airport Group since 2015 of celebrating the remarkable spirit and achievements of Clare’s youth.
Nominations are open to the public and can be submitted by anyone, family, friends, teachers, neighbours who sees the value in a young person’s contribution. Nominations must be completed by a nominator. The closing date for nominations is March 23rd, 2026.
Entry forms for the competition are now available and can be accessed on the Garda Siochana website: www.garda.ie/en/crime-prevention/community-engagement/an-garda-siochana-youth-awards/ or on The Shannon Airport Group website: www.snnairportgroup.ie/clare-garda-division-youth-awards-open-for-2026/.
A copy of the nomination form can also be requested by emailing Ennis.community@garda.ie. Forms are also available from local Garda stations.
