Some of Donegal’s most inspirational young people have today received National Garda Youth Awards in recognition of their positive work in their local communities.
The students of Mulroy College Milford and Glenties student Adam Lough were celebrated at the major event in Portlaoise.
A Special Recognition Award went to the Mulroy College students (pictured above), who united in support of each other following the Creeslough tragedy.
Among the 10 people that lost their lives on 7th October last year were two young students of Mulroy College: Leona Harper and James Monaghan, as well the mothers of two other students: Catherine O’ Donnell and Martina Martin.
A number of students that were at the scene also suffered injuries, while the whole school community has been forever changed by that fateful day.
Of some comfort, however, is the compassion and support that the staff and students of Mulroy College have not just shown one another in the days and weeks that have followed, but to the whole community of Creeslough.
Their maturity and compassion have lifted people up during a distressing time, and the support that they continue to offer to the locality is a tribute to all ten people that lost their lives.
An Individual Award was given to Adam Lough, St Columba’s Comprehensive School Glenties.
Deputy Commissioner, Anne Marie McMahon presents an Indivudual Garda Youth Award to Glenties student Adam Lough
Sport has long had the power to connect people and places, and Adam Lough recognised this. In March 2022, he started to consider establishing a rugby club in his rural Donegal home. He had those that are neither passionate about GAA or football but who wanted to try something new.
He trained as a junior coach and referee, and held fundraisers to be able buy much needed kits and equipment to get the club off the ground. He spread the word through every avenue and reached out to all those new to the community to make sure they knew they were welcome and urged them to connect with the club.
Adam has since worked with the IRFU to set-up a training programme with developmental officers who came to Donegal especially and the club is going from strength to strength.
Adam’s efforts are best surmised in the feedback of the person who nominated him for this award, “The day I saw our first Ukrainian teammate take to the field alongside our Spanish exchange students and a whole group of young players from neighbouring townlands; Glenties, Ardara, Finntown and Doochary – I realised the impact of all of Adam’s hard work. No rivalry between places, just a solid community.”
The Garda National Youth Awards took place at the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise and acknowledged the remarkable contributions made in a number of Garda Divisions which included Offaly, Dublin, Kerry, Cork, Sligo/Leitrim, Mayo/Roscommon, Longford and Donegal.
The award were promoted and expanded by the then Assistant Commissioner, Anne Marie McMahon and who now as Deputy Commissioner continues to recognise the meaningful work of so many young people in communities all across Ireland. Deputy McMahon presented each of today’s 25 awards.
Speaking on the day, Deputy Commissioner, Anne Marie McMahon said, “Today is about recognising the dedication of young people – how they support one another and help their communities. Each of today’s recipients demonstrates all that is great about our young people, and all of us in An Garda Síochána are very proud of their hard work which is done selflessly and enthusiastically.
“We hope today’s awards are a fitting acknowledgement of the very valuable contribution that these young people are making to society.”
