An assembled audience in excess of 200 guests gathered at the Westlodge Hotel in Bantry on Friday May 9th last, to laud the Award winners at the 29th West Cork Garda Youth Awards, in association with SuperValu.
Chief Superintendent Vincent O’ Sullivan paid tribute to the Award winners, saying that it was heartening to see so many young people involving themselves in activities locally. He also stressed that the Awards are an acknowledgement of the work of the young people within their own communities. He proclaimed the Award winners as being the leaders of the future. Chief Superintendent O’ Sullivan stated that the Awards are an indication of the Award winners outstanding potential to shape and change society, and create positive impacts wherever life takes them.
“At SuperValu, we are committed to building inclusive and thriving communities. These inspirational young people share these goals and have worked tirelessly to make their communities better places. With such a high standard of nominees, it was a difficult task to choose the award winners. I would like to congratulate each one of the award winners, and also the nominees. It is good to know that the future is safe in their hands.” Kevin O’Shea, SuperValu retailer manager said.
The West Cork SuperValu stores which have sponsored these Youth Awards for the past 28 years are Caulfield’s SuperValu Bandon, Smith’s SuperValu Kinsale, Healy’s SuperValu Dunmanway, O’Leary’s SuperValu Macroom, Boherbue Coop, Field’s SuperValu Skibbereen, Murphy’s SuperValu Castletownbere, O’Keeffe’s SuperValu Bantry, Scally’s SuperValu Clonakilty and O’Keeffe’s SuperValu Millstreet.
These retailers are proud to support the West Cork region by providing over 1,100 jobs, sourcing from local suppliers and through their support of important initiatives such as these awards.
A total of 18 Awards were presented, and the mood was uplifting, as the dedication and excellence of the Award Winners was celebrated.
Renew IT from Kinsale Community School were the recipients of a Group Award.
Anthony Byrne, Lena Peters, Maria Louisa Vogt, Philip Murphy, Julius Thalkofer, Moki Sheehy, Eva Clarke, Billy Dennehy, Cathal Murray and Matthew Coholan, all Transition Year students, focused on digital IT and the digital e-waste that impacts the wider community. These students from Kinsale Community School refurbished old laptops and gave them a second life by donating them to their partner school in Tanzania. This ensured that they minimised e-waste while enhancing the educational resources of less privileged students in Tanzania. These students went above and beyond by bringing sustainability and educational equity through the power of technology.
Eighteen year old Cormac O’Callaghan, received a Special Achievement Award.
Cormac lives with the condition Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy which causes progressive muscle weakness, and manifests with symptoms such as difficulty walking, as well as muscle pain and stiffness. Cormac is a keen cyclist and he has competed at a national and international level in para cycling, including the World Cup in Italy and the World Championships in Scotland. Cormac is an ambassador for Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, and he is always willing to share his experiences to benefit others who live with neuromuscular conditions. He emphasises that having a disability doesn’t make you different from anyone else. His award was accepted by his parents Liz and Con O’Callaghan.
Well done to all the nominees and award winners.