*Photograph: Arthur Ellis.
INSPIRING teenagers from Co Clare were honoured at the eight Clare Garda Youth Awards.
Eight awards were presented to winners aged from 13 to 19 years at a special event held on Tuesday at Hotel Woodstock in Ennis, in recognition of the young people’s bravery, determination and positive impact.
Sponsored by the Shannon Airport Group, the awards celebrated teenagers from Kilfenora, Ennistymon, Ennis, Corofin and Shannon.
Caoimhe Moroney, a fifteen year old from Kilfenora won an individual achievement award. She used her water safety skills to rescue an elderly man from the water at Bishop’s Quarter.
Another individual achievement award was presented to sixteen year old Mayar Jadalla from Ennis after she set up a six week sports programme to help children living in emergency accommodation integrate into the community.
Corofin’s Joe Slattery received a special achievement award. The eighteen year old from Corofin suffered a life changing injury in 2024 and has now returned to school, embracing a new chapter in his life with an attitude that inspires his peers, family and community.
Sam O’Dwyer aged thirteen from Ennistymon was acknowledged with a special achievement award. He continues to raise money for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust following the tragic death of his brother in New Zealand, while also raising awareness in his community of medical conditions which can affect young people.
Ennis’ Isabella Sydney also picked up a special achievement award. The seventeen year old had both her legs amputated at the age of seven because of a rare congenital disorder. Her positive attitude ensures she sees no limits and she is an active member of the Munster Wheelchair Hurling Team.
Clare Comhairle na nÓg members Isabel (19), Niamh (18) and Caitlin (17) all from Ennis were winners of a Group Award. They worked with Clare Youth Service and Clare Local Partnership to introduce free period packs for girls’ sports clubs having identified period poverty as a barrier to girls participating fully in sport.
East Clare UBU Youth Group who has members ranging in age from twelve to seventeen also received a Group Award. They have led several climate action initiatives including Eco Action Killaloe, tree planting and supporting local biodiversity projects.
Winners of the community safety award were the Escape the Vape school ambassadors from St Caimin’s Community School and St Patrick’s Comprehensive School, both located in Shannon. The students aged from fourteen to seventeen established an anti-vaping campaign, engaging and educating fifth and sixth class primary students via workshops, podcasts and posters.
Speaking at the event Niall Kearns, Airport Director of Shannon Airport said, “The Shannon Airport Group is very proud to sponsor the Clare Garda Youth Awards and being here today, among the worthy winners, is truly inspirational. These young people are the future of the region, they are brave, innovative and full of energy and enthusiasm for life, making the world a better place for those around them. We whole heartedly congratulate them on receiving their awards and thank them for their significant contributions to the county”.
Superintendent John Ryan stated, The Clare Garda Youth Awards highlight the very best of our local young people, those who display strength and integrity in the face of exceptional circumstances, and those who lead positive change within their schools and communities. These awards are about recognising effort and reinforcing the message that young people have a vital role to play in building safer, stronger communities”.
