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The 2011 Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards Finalists:
Judith Burns,
17, from Downpatrick, Co. Down, is a year 14 student at Assumption Grammar School, Co. Down.
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Judith travelled to Malawi with the charity Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland on a two week home-building scheme. To raise the required £2,000 for the trip Judith took part in various fundraising events including: Jimmy’s 10km run; door to door collections and organising quizzes, whilst balancing her A-level studies.
During her visit to Malawi Judith gained an invaluable insight into the culture of an underdeveloped third world country, whilst helping them in the process. The task of building the houses required intense physical labour as Judith and the team were working with limited tools in the blistering heat for eight hours per day. The team built two houses which has been life changing for two families who previously were living in slums.
On her return Judith set up a clothing donation scheme within her school for the Billy Riordan Memorial Trust to clothe the children of the community of Lilongwe.
“Whilst on the home-building trip, Judith was an invaluable member of the team and was one of the most reliable and hardworking participants of the build” says Susan Ivery. “She never failed to give her best and set a wonderful example to the rest of the group by being the first and last on site”.
Eoin Byrne,
17, from Clonegal, Co. Wexford is a sixth year student at Tullow Community School, Co. Carlow.
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Eoin generously dedicates his time to various causes including Sr. Thomasina’s Dyslexic Workshops helping children with reading, spelling and maths after school. This lead him to become involved in afterschool programmes with disadvantaged students in Bishops House Youth Centre.
He travelled to Lourdes to assist wheelchair bound adults and worked on the international team organising afternoon and evening processions, ushering ceremonies and visiting the City of the Poor.
Eoin is also engaged in fundraising for cancer research; Patrician Brother’s missions in Kenya; St. Vincent de Paul; the Hope Foundation; the Haiti earthquake victims and the flood victims in Ireland. He also cares for the schools Memorial garden and the Daniel Delany Mediation garden.
”Whatever is needed, Eoin is always ready to give a helping hand” says Sr. Mary Murphy. “His constant and willing spirit and generous heart appeals to all age groups and he has the capability of reaching out to children, to the elderly and to his own age group”.
Katie Carr,
17, from Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, a fifth year student at Borrisokane Community College, demonstrates the spirit of volunteerism by raising funds for a variety of charities.
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Inspired by an article about an underprivileged children’s hospital in Brazil, Katie took the initiative to organise a bag packing event in a local supermarket. She encouraged her school friends to get involved and together they raised €3,300.
Katie’s fundraising didn’t end there. After hearing a speaker from the Irish Heart Foundation talking about the vital equipment needed in Irish hospitals she began collecting money outside shops in her local town and donated €1,500 to the cause.
At school Katie is involved in a fundraising campaign called Team Africa, where her school links with schools in Nairobi and Uganda. As part of this campaign Katie and other pupils took part in a Mini Marathon and raised €2,500 which was spent on providing a better education and at last one meal a day for pupils for the African schools.
“Her approach towards fundraising activities has always been positive and the fact that she helped raise in excess of €8000 at such a young age is quiet remarkable”, says Elaine Dunne, Resource Teacher.
Hannah Driver,
16, from Shillelgah, Co. Wicklow, a fifth year student at Tullow Community School, Co. Carlow, is motivated by her belief that volunteerism is all about giving and not counting the cost.
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Hannah is heavily involved in the Girl’s Friendly Society and the Bough Youth Club. She says that volunteerism has challenged her to develop her people skills, while she has learned new leadership and organisational skills.
Hannah joined the Girl’s Friendly Society at the age of five, a service group in her local Church of Ireland. She is now a leader in the Society and is responsible for organising events and fundraising for both the local branch and the general council.
As a member of Bough Youth Club, Hannah is responsible for organising visits to the local hospital and nursing homes and fundraising.
She has helped raise €2,000 for her church mission in Kenya and raised €1,000 for the Make a Wish Foundation. She has also fundraised for Cancer Research, Irish Wheelchair Association, the flood victims in Ireland and the Haitian Earthquake Appeal.
“Hannah is an excellent role model. She is such an inspiration as you listen to her talk about her desire to reach out to the less fortunate and her missionary zeal,” says Sr. Mary Murphy, Tullow Community School.
Megan Fahy,
17, from Tonaphubble, Sligo, a fifth year student at Mercy College Sligo, has used her own experience of living with a rare kidney condition to help write children’s books on the subject raising much needed funds for vital hospital equipment.
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As a child Megan spent a considerable amount of time in Temple Street Children’s University Hospital and was desperate to give something back. So she embarked on an innovative project with her Transition Year colleagues, setting up a company called “Grow with a Grin” which has now developed a portfolio of books which explain common medical conditions for children including “Gary Glasses”,” Danny Diabetes”, “Ellie Eczema” and “Angie Asthmas.” Each book focuses on how a character deals with the illness or impairment in the book title. The proceeds from the sales of the books will be distributed to Temple Street Hospital, the Diabetes Federation of Ireland, Eczema Society and the Asthma Society.
Megan is also actively involved with Barrettstown Camp as a “Cara” and has completed the Leader in Training Programme. Despite undergoing a kidney transplant in December 2009 and weekly trips to Dublin for blood tests after her surgery, Megan managed to drive forward with her spirit of volunteerism.
Megan is described by her teacher, Anne Gorby, as, “an everyday hero who lives her life by living life to the full and tackling life’s obstacles head on”.
Ciara Finnerty,
17, from Tralee, Co. Kerry, is a fifth year student at Mercy Mounthawk secondary school. She is an ambassador for mental health in her school and says it is a great pleasure to help others.
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Ciara joined many voluntary organisations and took part in fundraising events for charities including the Red Cross; Cuan Mhuire – Sr Consilio Rehab and Jigsaw Kerry Youth Advisory Panel. She is currently chairperson and founding member of a Young Social Innovators group called ‘Emotion Promotion’, established in 2008.
As a student Ciara understands the pressure of exams and wanted to help young people deal with this by expressing their emotions in a positive way. Ciara uses her talents in singing and art as a way of expressing herself and wanted to show other young people how to do the same using their talents and skills.
As part of research for the pilot Emotion Promotion programme, Ciara and the YSI group held a sponsored silence to experience what it feels like to be trapped or unable to express emotion, raising €2,000 for mental health services.
“Ciara tries to overturn all obstacles that she encounters with a smile. The determination that she has shown to achieve a new goal is inspirational” says her teacher Mary Enright.
John Forde,
15, from Annascaul, Co. Kerry, a fourth year student at Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne, dedicates his volunteerism to support the physically disabled.
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At national school John had a class mate who had cerebral palsy. John’s 10-year commitment to helping make his friend’s school experience better encouraged other students to do the same. John has never seen it as a chore and the two students have developed a strong friendship.
As a transition year student John will complete his work experience in a national school. In the future he would like to follow in his uncle’s footsteps and go abroad and volunteer as a teacher in an underdeveloped country.
John’s school chaplain +na Ni Ghliosafn says “John’s work has an effect on all of us. He demonstrates a human being reaching out to another in need. He is truly an asset to our school, a gem, a pleasure to work with”.
Jade Gallagher,
18, from Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, a sixth year student at Colaiste Ailigh, Letterkenny describes her volunteerism experience as uplifting and enjoyable.
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Jade takes care of the provision of prescription tablets for a kidney transplant patient. The elderly man has no family to rely on and is a neighbour of Jade’s grandmother.
She keeps a close eye on prescription changes and hospital appointments. As it is a life- dependant task, Jade treats it with utmost commitment and responsibility. It means taking the pressure off her grandmother’s shoulders as she would have been the only other person willing to help.
Jade’s constant commitment to her elderly friend’s medical needs along with participating at various fundraising activities during her transition year proves a remarkable dedication to her community.
“The challenge to Jade is this constant commitment week after week, year after year from a young age”. says Siobhan Nf Laighneach, Teacher . “She initiated this offer of service when she saw a need and this offers peace of mind and security to more than one elderly person”.
Niamh Halligan,
15, from Cobh, Co. Cork, a fourth year student at Cobh Community College, uses her musical talents to fundraise in her community. Niamh plays a variety of instruments including the tin whistle, flute, concertina, violin, and the harp.
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It is Niamh’s self motivation and passion for Irish traditional music that drives her to share her talents with the wider community. Her voluntary community activities involve performing at fundraising concerts and galas, for senior citizen groups and tourists and at schools and local parades.
Niamh’s musical talent helped to raise funds for her local suicide prevention group which has trained three new suicide counsellors. Her dedication has also resulted in the opening of a new community centre and youth centre in her town.
Niamh’s musical contribution has a huge impact on her local community and many senior members have often said it “takes them back to their youth”.
“Niamh is a highly motivated, talented and a very generous young person and represents all that is good in our young people”, cites Catherine Leahy, Guidance Counsellor. “She uses her considerable musical talent to benefit those who face hardship in their lives”.
Kevin Healy,
18, from Mallow Co. Cork, a sixth year student at The Patrician Academy dedicates his time volunteering for animal welfare.
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Kevin’s motivation for volunteering was driven by his love for animals. He wanted to do something beneficial to help mistreated animals. On hearing about the work of the Cork Animal Care Society (CACS), he developed a strong admiration for the volunteers and he wanted to get involved in some way too. He also is an active volunteer with SNIP (Spraying and Neutering Intervention Program).
Kevin has helped raise awareness of animal welfare by setting up Facebook and bebo sites, establishing a database for the charity and by donating art work for children’s books with the underlying message of animal welfare. He also participated in hugely successful fundraising activities for CACS by organising cat food donations in schools.
“Any attention brought to Kevin’s work is met with a humble response from him” says Annette Harte. “This very special young man deserves to be recognised for the enormous contribution he has made to animal welfare over the past few years.”
Angela Heddles,
17, from Islandmagee, Antrim is a year 14 student at Downshire School, Carrickergus, Antrim. Angela is a remarkable teenager who demonstrates the spirit of volunteerism through her work as a volunteer at Carrickfergus Senior Gateway Club. Angela has also undertaken relevant first Aid training to support her work in the Gateway Club.
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Angela is an active member of her community participating in many activities including art, drama, hand and nail care, knitting and games. She is also Girls Brigade Leader and School Prefect.
Angela has had to overcome psychological barriers as she manages to deal with adults with a wide range of special needs, from quiet and withdrawn to loud and aggressive. She does her best at getting to know each person individually and respond sensitively to his/her needs.
Gateway Club Leader Thomas Haighton describes Angela “as particularly proactive and resourceful when conducting group work, while ensuring every member of the club is getting the best attention.”
Seoighe Kearney,
18, from Mallow, Co. Cork, a sixth year student at Davis College, has a long lasting reputation and dedication to volunteering and charity work having so far raised €25,000 for various organisations.
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Seoighe has twice taken part in the Niall Mellon Township building project in South Africa, she has walked 240km of the Camino de Santiago in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation, travelled to Lourdes as an invalid helper, participated in collections for various charities including the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) and the Irish Cancer Society and encouraged her friends to get involved along the way.
As part of her Gold Gaisce Award this year, Seoighe visits an elderly member of the community suffering Alzheimer’s one hour a week, offering support, help, security and company. Coming to terms with the stress and anxieties of Alzheimer’s was challenging, but Seoighe’s commitment to her client created trust and respect and in turn she learned invaluable life skills.
Aidan Stacey from the Irish Heart Foundation says: “Seoighe has proven that the spirit of the community is thriving in the youth of Ireland. She is a wonderful example to young people throughout the country with her dedication, hard work and positive can-do attitude”.
Liam Kelleher,
17, from Bantry, Co. Cork a sixth year student at Ardscoil Phobal Bheanntrai is a determined volunteer with the Bantry Inshore Search and Rescue Association.
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He joined the organisation because his involvement in rowing and sailing in his coastal town made him very conscious of the dangers associated with water-based activities and wanted to share his knowledge and experience to benefit others in the community.
Not long after joining BISCRA, Liam became a member of the Shore Crew. Not only does he volunteer for the group but he also helps with fundraising by selling tickets for events, Christmas carol singing and participating in sponsored swims. And he also completed a sponsored 190km cycle.
Liam assists with water safety and on-shore searches and is trained as an Occupational First Aider. Given that BISCRA collaborates with the Bantry Fire Department, Liam has also learned how to assist them in preparation for call outs.
Liam also was a volunteer instructor at his local sailing club to emphasise the importance of safety.
“Liam is willing to volunteer and share his expertise with others and is fully dedicated to any cause in which he is involved”, says Mary McCarthy, Teacher.
Kate Kirwan,
16, from Knocklyon, Dublin, a fifth year student at Loreto High School Beaufort, Rathfarnham, is a remarkable teenager who demonstrates the spirit of volunteerism far beyond her years.
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Kate has participated in the Niall Mellon Trust building blitz in South Africa, is a regular fundraiser for charity, is a peer buddy for first years in her school, an active member of her school’s Green Committee and is a keen sports-person and a talented musician.
She found her trip to South Africa daunting as a 15-year-old girl, while the mental toughness required completing a 30km mountain hike in aid of the Irish Cancer Society pushed her to physical limits.
Kate’s tremendous energy and phenomenal community involvement has been cited by many of her peers and community leaders. She has been described as an “exceptional student” with a “never give up attitude” who has shown a contribution to volunteerism “above expectations of a student of her age.”
In the words of Principal Margaret O’Donoghue, “Kate undertakes voluntary activities with no personal gain.”
Mary Anne McCarthy,
18, from Ballineen, Co. Cork, a sixth year student at Sacred Heart Secondary School in Clonakilty, describes her volunteerism as a carer for her grandmother as “a privilege.”
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Mary Anne’s inspiration to help others developed after caring for her elderly grandmother for eight years. Mary Anne greatly appreciates the range of skills and compassion she learned serving as primary carer for her 93-year old while her mother was at work.
From this developed a desire to help others and Mary Anne used this passion to benefit numerous charities and organisations. Among the beneficiaries were the Chernobyl Project, the Jack and Jill Foundation, the Clonakilty Agricultural Show Society, her local For=ige Club and her local Church renovation fund.
Mary Anne completed a 90km cycle from Cork to Galway; researched, wrote and published a cookery book ‘Culinary Creations’ and is a committed member of the Civil Defence. She is also a keen fundraiser and was central to raising €2,500 for muscular dystrophy and €6,000 for the Jack and Jill Foundation.
“An award such as this would be a fitting tribute to Mary Anne’s kindness, hard work, dedication, commitment, leadership, skills and achievements”, says Mary Holland, Teacher.
Doreen Moynihan,
17, from Rathmore, Co. Kerry, a sixth year student at Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra describes her volunteerism as a way to ensure that senior members of the community feel valued and not isolated in today’s world.
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Currently volunteering with Rathmore Social Action Group, Doreen has participated in many fundraising events such as bag packing in local supermarkets, annual flag days; talent shows in honour of the Haiti victims; door to door collections, raising funds for sheltered homes in her local community and for a Community Centre in Peru.
Driven by a great sense of community spirit, Doreen dedicates time to visit a local day-care centre where the elderly enjoy her company and musical entertainment. Such activities have nourished Doreen’s confidence and she is now chairperson in the S.A.G for 2011.
Bridging the generation gap, Doreen also takes an interest in Rathmore’s youth community, volunteering as a DJ at the weekly, local discos. She believes that dedicating her time to such activities, provides recreation for the youth and avoids anti-social behaviour in the community.
Teacher Avril Joyce describes Doreen as: “an individual who is extremely caring, conscientious and unassuming and it is through the generosity and energy of exceptional young people like Doreen that less fortunate members of the community are supported and included fully in community life”
Tadgh O’ Donovan,
18, from Bandon Co. Cork, a sixth year student at St. Brogans College, devotes his time to coaching and volunteering for numerous local and international clubs and charities.
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At school he has been part of the Students Council for six years, Vice President in fourth year and President in fifth year.
Tadgh is also involved in the Belarussian Orphanage Project and has travelled to Belarus twice and was appointed group leader on his second visit. He has raised an amazing €18,000 for this worthy cause.
Tadgh has fundraised for a local music festival, coaches U7’s and upwards at the local athletic club and was also involved in last year’s summer camp.
As a result of Tadgh’s energy, commitment, organisation and attention to detail, the Student Council is on a very solid footing in the school and fundraising for the Belarussian Orphanage project is ongoing.
“With a warm smile and a generous heart Tadgh has contributed in so many ways to his school, the Bandon Community and the Belarussian Orphanage Project as well as the countless other projects he has willingly helped in”, says Caroline Corrigan, Deputy Principal.
Karen O’Neill,
18, from Celbridge, Co. Kildare, is a fifth year student at St. Wolstan’s Community School. Her own experience of suffering from cancer has motivated her to support others.
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Karen became a volunteer with CanTeen Ireland, a support group for young people from 12-25 years who have or have had cancer. Her volunteerism involved taking part in conference calls, as a means of support for members to discuss their experiences; raising money and awareness for the organisation through schools events and day trips.
She also partakes in Teenlink, an initiative set up by the group where trained members visit newly diagnosed teenagers with cancer in hospital. This support network, offers friendship and help, and assists the transition between hospital and returning to life as a “normal” teenager.
Karen committed a lot of her time to the programme, and embraced the challenges of her own experience and the experiences of others with the illness. Karen would like to continue her work with affected teenagers and to raise further awareness of CanTeen Ireland.
Chaplain of St. Wolstan’s School, Nigel Kerrigan says: “Throughout these events Karen has demonstrated a strong sense of leadership which has earned the respect of both students and staff alike. Karen has worked with huge diligence and enthusiasm with CanTeen Ireland”
Nathan O’Shea,
15, from Kilkock in Co. Kildare, a fourth year student at Belvedere College in Dublin, is an active volunteer with the St. Vincent De Paul Society working tirelessly with the homeless on Dublin’s city streets.
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Nathan spends each Wednesday on the soup-run offering food, human contact, comfort, companionship and dignity to the homeless. He also visits with a 92-year old lady in a nursing home and raises money for Focus Ireland.
Other voluntary activities with the Saint Vincent De Paul include organising and attending its Christmas party for the elderly, collecting items for the children’s Christmas party and decorating flats for people who live in disadvantaged areas.
Inspired by his experience with a homeless man who could only speak Spanish, Nathan enrolled in a Teaching English as a Foreign Language course so he can communicate with non-English speaking homeless people on his soup-run.
“Nathan’s commitment to this service has been unrelenting and way above and beyond the call of duty” says Fr. Jim Culliton, Belvedere College. “His volunteering activity has inspired many of his friends and year group to believe they too have something to offer those most marginalised in our society”.
Joseph Tuohy,
17, from Drimoleague, Co. Cork, a sixth year student at Mount Saint Micheal School, has an inspirational commitment to youth leadership.
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Joseph has always had an interest in helping others, especially young people. His volunteer service as a junior youth leader provides an outlet for young people to engage in charity and community work in a safe and supervised way.
Joseph also got involved in the Reach programme, a community group that promotes social integration between marginalised groups in Northern Ireland, and as a result Joseph spent some time volunteering with young people across Northern Ireland and with the Roma community in Romania.
To overcome challenges he faced in his voluntary work, Joseph engaged in training in Social Integration, Suicide Awareness and Conflict Resolution. The lasting impact of Joseph’s volunteerism is clearly evident because the young people involved now have a much more positive outlook on life.
Deputy Principal Dee Keohane describes Joseph as “an excellent role model for young people yet he maintains a level of humility and is an inspiration to us all.”
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