Galway Divisional Gardaí have launched their 5th Annual Garda Youth awards, which will take place on May 8, 2025.
The awards celebrate and acknowledge young people aged between 13 and 21 and recognise the very positive contribution that they are making in their communities in Galway city and county.
There are four award categories: a Group Award which recognises a group that is making a positive contribution to their community; a Community Safety Award which recognises an individual/group that is making their community a safer place to live; a Special Achievement Award in acknowledgement of commitment that deserves recognition; and an Individual Award for a person who is making a positive contribution to their community.
Chief Superintendent Gerry Roche of the Galway Garda Division said: “All too often we do not hear of the good news stories regarding our young people, making a difference to their families, community, having overcome personal obstacles, displayed emotional resilience despite challenges of a physical, emotional, social nature.
The event was launched by All Ireland-winning Kilkerrin Clonberne Ladies Football captain Louise Ward at Fays SuperValu Oranmore. SuperValu are main sponsors of the awards.
Galway Gardaí and SuperValu recognise that there are many young people in every community – throughout the whole Galway Garda Division – who are involved in many positive activities, and too often their contribution to society goes unrecognised.
Supt. Roche said, “The nomination process is open to everyone, so if you know of a young person who is committed to making a difference to their community, please put them forward, as every nominee will receive a certificate, even if they do not win an award.
“This way, all nominees are recognised for their efforts, and the certificate is a very valuable item to have on a young person’s CV into the future.”
A presentation ceremony will take place on May 8 in Galway Racecourse at 7pm, where an overall winner will be announced in each category. These four winners will go forward to a second judging panel for the National Youth Awards.
The nomination process is now open, and An Garda Síochána in Galway are inviting the public to nominate a young person they know who is committed to making a difference to their community.
Nomination forms are available from Community Gardaí or from ciara.m.moran@garda.ie
