Three young people from Donegal have been commended for their outstanding commitment to personal development and contribution to society at the Gaisce Gold Award ceremony.
President Michael D. Higgins delivered the Gaisce Gold Award to each recipient at a ceremony which took place at Áras an Uachtaráin, the first to take place in three years.
Samantha Gallegher from Moross, Conor Farrell from Letterkenny and Ciara McDaid from Newmills received the Gaisce Gold Award, Ireland’s highest recognition of a young person’s initiative, achievement and voluntary contribution to society.
Samantha Gallagher being presented with her Gold Gaisce Award by President Michael D. Higgins and Gaisce CEO Yvonne McKenna
In order to complete a Gold Gaisce Award, recipients set and achieved their own goals across challenge areas that include personal skill, physical activity, community involvement, team adventure journey and a residential project.
CEO of Gaisce, Yvonne McKenna, said: “Every day, I am inspired by the courage, the energy and the commitment of young people doing their Gaisce Award, and I am so thrilled we are getting to celebrate the breath of their achievements, from tackling global challenges like biodiversity to local supports for neighbours in need, young people are consistently pushing themselves for others.”
Conor Farrell being presented with his Gold Gaisce Award by President Michael D. Higgins and Gaisce CEO Yvonne McKenna
At the height of Covid in 2020-2021, over 40,000 young people aged 14-25 answered the President’s call to pursue a Gaisce Award, supported by over 1,200 President’s Award Leaders in 750 organisations nationwide.
Gaisce- The President’s Award will this month launch a Gaisce Gold Voices Community, encouraging all Gaisce Gold Award recipients from the past 35 years to get involved and renew their commitment to promoting Gaisce values to new generations of young people.
Ciara McDaid being presented with her Gold Gaisce Award by President Michael D. Higgins and Gaisce CEO Yvonne McKenna
For further information on Gaisce- The President’s Award, please visit www.gaisce.ie
