TWO hundred people from across the county attended the 27th celebration of the Lee Strand Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards 2024 in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel, Tralee on Friday.

Twenty-five awards were presented accompanied with an inspiring citation of each winner’s achievements. Twenty Merit Awards, a Group Award, a Special Achievement Award, a Community Safety Award, Inspiring our Youth Award and the Overall Winner Award were presented on the night.

The awards scheme which first commenced in 1998 are held for youths between the ages of thirteen and twenty-one years and recognise the great contribution young people have made and continue to make to their communities in Kerry.

Continued below…

Fourteen year-old Cillian O’Leary from Kilcummin in Killarney was announced as the Overall Winner of the Lee Strand Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards 2024.

The Lee Strand Kerry Garda Group Award was presented to Meán Scoil Nua an Leith Triúigh (TY Class of 2024). The Lee Strand Kerry Garda Youth Special Achievement Award was presented to Taylor Lynch.

The Lee Strand Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Community Safety Award was presented to Ciara Murphy & Saoirse Murphy. The Inspiring our Youth Award was presented to Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh.

Twenty Lee Strand Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Merit Award Certificates were presented to individuals who have made a positive contribution to their community and make it a better place to live. The recipients were: Blathnaid Casey; Callum Russell; Caoimhe Brosnan; Calvin O’Sullivan; Chloe Mason; Clodagh McGorrian; Erin O’Connor; Fionn Spillane; Jack Collins; Liam Smith; Mic Oscailte Group (Jack O’Céilleachair, Katie Ní Chéilleachair, Liam MacGabhann & Emily NicGabhann); Mikey McGlynn; Morgan O’Flaherty; Padraic McCarthy; Patrick Joseph O’Sullivan; Presentation Secondary School Tralee (Dream Spacers); Rebecca O’Sullivan; Sadhbh O’Halloran; Shauna Harris and Sliabh Luachra Boxing Club (Youth Leadership Group).

Chief Superintendent Padraic Powell stated; “It is fundamental that the youth of this country are recognised for the crucial role they play in the future of our Society. An Garda Síochána is committed to ensuring this is reinforced via the Garda Youth Achievement Awards in collaboration with Lee Strand.

“It is essential that we recognise their excellent contribution to society in areas of sports, arts, culture & charity and also in the way they may selflessly and lovingly care for a relative or friend.  These awards have a positive impact on our wider community in celebrating the achievements of such outstanding young people and I would like to extend our appreciation and thanks to Lee Strand for their continued sponsorship and support.”

Kieran Savage, Chairperson, Lee Strand commented; “Lee Strand is delighted to support the Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards since 1998. Over the past 27 years Lee Strand in association with An Garda Siochana have always been proactive in acknowledging and identifying the positive work by young people and voluntary groups to enhance community life in Kerry.

“The awards are a fantastic celebration of their outstanding achievements. We would like to congratulate all of this year’s winners and thank our customers for supporting Lee Strand. It is only with the continued support of our customers that enables Lee Strand to continue to sponsor great celebrations like the Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards.”

Overall Winner – Cillian O’Leary

Group Award – Meán Scoil Nua an Leith Triúigh (TY Class of 2024)

Special Achievement Award – Taylor Lynch

Community Safety Award – Ciara Murphy & Saoirse Murphy

Inspiring our Youth Award – Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh

Merit Awards

Blathnaid Casey

Callum Russell

Caoimhe Brosnan

Calvin O’Sullivan

Chloe Mason

Clodagh McGorrian

Erin O’Connor

Fionn Spillane

Jack Collins

Liam Smith

Mic Oscailte Group (Jack O’Céilleachair, Katie Ní Chéilleachair, Liam MacGabhann & Emily NicGabhann)

Mikey McGlynn

Morgan O’Flaherty

Padraic McCarthy

Patrick Joseph O’Sullivan

Presentation Secondary School Tralee (Dream Spacers)

Rebecca O’Sullivan

Sadhbh O’Halloran

Shauna Harris

Sliabh Luachra Boxing Club (Youth Leadership Group)