An Garda Siochana in Wexford in association with Wexford County Council are delighted to launch the 6th Annual Wexford Garda Youth Awards for 2022. An Garda Síochána are delighted to be working so closely with Wexford County Council again in presenting these annual awards that acknowledge the brilliance of our young people in our local communities in County Wexford. The launch of these annual awards is to acknowledge the achievements of young people who are making a difference in their own lives and in their communities within the Wexford Garda Division. These Awards acknowledge the endeavours of young people who have faced and overcome challenges in their lives.
Wexford County Council is delighted to be associated with this event and is privileged to be able to support this worthwhile community initiative. Cllr. Michael Whelan, Chairman of the Joint Policing Committee said “The Garda Youth awards is a very good initiative, it shows young people in a good light and I would encourage more groups and individuals to put forward more candidates for the awards. The Awards are an important opportunity for Wexford County Council and An Garda Síochána to celebrate our exceptional young people and the contribution they make in their communities”.
This year, it is important to remember that due to Covid, there hasn’t been the same opportunity for young people to become involved with activities or projects compared to previous years. However, we have also witnessed that many young people were active on the ground throughout the Covid 19 crisis, volunteering and becoming involved in a variety of projects that supported both the vulnerable in the community, and the frontline services.
In launching this year’s Awards, Inspector Graham Rowley of Wexford Garda Station, remarked “Once again, I am delighted to launch the Wexford Garda Youth Awards for 2022. Following national representation and success in last year’s awards, it is clear that there is an abundance of amazing young people , making regular, positive contributions to our community. I would encourage you to take this opportunity to nominate suitable young people, for consideration and recognition in their respective field. This past year have presented unprecedented challenges for our community, we wish to recognise the sacrifices made by young people, as they contribute to their community, both at a local level, and also in wider areas. An Garda Síochána would like to acknowledge Wexford County Council for their continued sponsorship of the Youth Awards, along with South East Radio (Mr Alan Corcoran, Morning Mix) and Wexford People Newspapers for their support”.
As heretofore, awards will be presented in four categories:
- Individual Award – Making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live.
- Group Award – Group of two or more, making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live.
- Special Achievement Award – Overcome difficult circumstances, defied all the odds and whose commitment deserves recognition.
- Community Safety Award – Through a crime prevention or safety initiative/innovation, have made their community a safer place to live.
Anyone can nominate a young person between the age of 13 and 21 years for an award. This year, due to Covid 19, nominations will be completed through an online process, this is available through the following link: https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/community/supports-grants-and-awards/garda-youth-awards
Details of this process will be distributed to schools, youth groups and voluntary organisations right across Wexford in the coming days and will also be available upon request from your local Garda Station, the closing date for nominations will be Monday the 10th of June 2022 . A Judging Panel will decide upon the Divisional Winners, the Judging Panel will also nominate an individual/ group to represent Wexford for consideration at the National Garda Youth Awards. It is anticipated that the awards ceremony will take place towards in September 2022. The Awards will be organised in adherence with all Government Covid 19 guidelines.
If anyone requires further information they can contact Inspector Graham Rowley at [email protected] , 053 9165280 or through their local Garda Station.
