14 groups and individuals were honoured at the inaugural Tipperary Garda Youth Awards last evening.
Last nights ceremony at the Garda College in Templemore recognised the efforts of teenagers who made their communities a better place to live in or who have shown great determination in their own lives.
The judging panel included former Tipperary goalkeeper Brendan Cummins, Una Foden of the Saturdays and Circuit Court judge Gerard O'Brien.
In all there were ten individual recipients while four groups were honoured.
A number of teenagers were recognised for their work in community and voluntary endeavours including Adam Hunt from Carrick on Suir, Ballyporeen's Andrew Macken, Brandon Meany from Littleton, Niamh Peters from Tipp Town, Nenagh's Niamh Ryan, Aisling Dunphy from Carrick and Borrisokane's Cillian Carr.
Also honoured last night were Caoimhe and Michael Reidy from Cahir who came to the aid of their mother when she suffered a bad fall.
Another recipient was Nenagh's Nicole Byers Ryan who despite severe health problems says her overall desire is to “live my life to the full as much as I can” and has been described as a role model to everyone she encounters.
Fethard's Timmy Hurley is another Tipperary teenager who has battled to overcome his own health issues but is very involved with the care of his younger brother Cian who is severely autistic.
The group awards went to the “In Tune for Life Orchestra” from Ballycommon, Nenagh, the Angels in Wellies” group from Carrick-on-Suir, the Transition Year YS1 Group from Presentation Secondary Ballingarry and the Young Social Innovators Team from Cashel Community School.
Chief Superintendent of the Tipperary Garda Division Catherine Keogh described the Youth Awards as a great opportunity to foster stronger relationships between the Gardaí and young people in the Premier County.
