ONE 170 people from across the county attended the 26th celebration of the Lee Strand Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards 2023 in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel, on Friday night.

The evening commenced with dinner and was followed by a presentation of 25 awards, 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.

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The awards scheme which first commenced in 1998 are held for youths between the ages of 13 and 21 years and recognise the great contribution young people have made and continue to make to their communities in Kerry.

Sixteen-year-old Ryan Griffin from Waterville, who won silver at the Special Olympics World Games earlier this year, was announced as the Overall Winner of the Lee Strand Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards 2023.

The Lee Strand Kerry Garda Group Award was presented to The Upcyclers in Castleisland Community College.

The Lee Strand Kerry Garda Youth Special Achievement Award was presented to Erin O’Sullivan in Tralee.

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The Lee Strand Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Community Safety Award was presented to Amber Dunne & Eoin Buckley (Banna Rescue). The Inspiring our Youth Award was presented to Elma Walsh.

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 Aaron Horgan, Ballyheigue; Aliza Gul, Killarney; Anna Landy, Tralee; Caitlin Faley, Listowel; Cillian Ginty, Tralee; Cliona Foley, Kenmare; Ethan Ward, Kielduff; Habitat Heroes, Meán Scoil Nua an Leith Triúigh, Castlegregory; Joey McCarthy, Killarney; John O’Connor, Killarney; Julia Beasley, Listowel; Laura Scanlon, Kilgarvan; Leila Halloran, Tralee; Nattagun Ryan, Killarney; Orla Ní Chinneide, Dingle; Pauraic Meaney, Abbeydorney; Roisín Dalby, Dingle; Rutendo Mukwata, Kenmare; Samuel Behal, Killarney and St Brendan’s Choir, Killarney.

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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,” added Superintendent Powell.

Donal Pierse, Chairperson, Lee Strand commented; “Lee Strand is delighted to support the Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards since 1998. Over the past 26 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.” Scroll down for photos…

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