An incredible young woman from Gort was one of the most exceptional young people of Ireland honoured at the Garda National Youth Awards this week.
Tara Rose Lynch from Gort was one of five recipients of the Community Safety Award for her work with Gort Neighbourhood Watch in honour of her father.
Tara’s father Brian Lynch set an example for his daughter by single handedly processing and advancing applications for pendant alarms on behalf of the elderly people living in their area.
Brian did all of this despite an ongoing cancer diagnosis, and when he passed away last year, Tara took up his mantle.
Despite her grief, and being in the middle of studying for her Leaving Cert, Tara carried on his work. Not only processing the applications for pendant alarms, but helping with their installation and explaining to elderly people how they work.
The judges said that though her work centres on the alarm pendants, Tara consistently goes “above and beyond” for the community.
“Though the main purpose of her voluntary work is to source the alarm systems for people, she is a friendly and comforting face that brings a lift to the people she visits.”
“They all know that she is in their corner, and that is the epitome of community spirit.”
The annual National Garda Youth Awards which recognise exceptional young people aged 13-21 who have positively contributed to their community were held in Portlaoise this week.
The awards 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.
Speaking on the day, Deputy Commissioner 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 enthuasticaly.”
“We hope today’s awards are a fitting acknowledgement of the very valuable contribution that these young people are making to society.”
Garda National Youth Award 2023 Recipients as selected by a national panel:
Community Safety Award
• Solas Project Youth Programme, Dublin South Central
• Young Social Innovators: The Thrill Can Kill, Carlow
• Banna Rescue: Amber Dunne and Eoin Buckley, Co. Kerry
• Handled With Hearts: Drumshambo Vocational School, Co. Leitrim
• Tara Rose Lynch, Gort Co. Galway
Special Achievement Award
• Latisha McCrudden, Roscommon/Longford
• Eoghan McCabe, Louth
• Sophie Lanigan, Dublin East
• Sarah and Rachel Bello, Carlow/Kilkenny
• Craig Byas, Dublin North Central
• Sara Marza, Cavan Monaghan
• Erin O’Sullivan, Tralee, Co. Kerry
• Jordan Behan, Dublin South Central
Group Award
• The Upcyclers: Castleisland Community College, Castleisland, Co. Kerry
• Yvonne Lynch and Farrah O’Shea, Bantry Co. Cork
• Hill Street Youth Leadership Group, Dublin North Central
Individual Award
• Heidi Harnedy, Cork West
• Jamie Forde, Galway
• Adam Lough, St Columba’s Comprehensive School, Glenties Co. Donegal
• Ailis Malone, Banagher, Co. Offaly
• Brian Cull, Arigna, Co. Leitrim
• Casey Cullinane, Knocknaheeny, Co. Cork
Special Recognition Award
• Mulroy College, Donegal
• Miley Doran, Carlow/Kilkenny
• Ian Flood, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
