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Megan Fahy from Sligo and Seoighe Kearney from Cork were named All Ireland Youth Volunteers of the Year last night at a ceremony in Galway, at the conclusion of the fifth annual Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards
Seoighe and Megan received €1000 for a charity of their choice, an engraved gold medallion and personal recognition from Ireland rugby coach, Declan Kidney. They will also travel to the United States in May to take part in the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards ceremony.
They were among 20 finalists from throughout the island of Ireland, who were honoured at the event for outstanding volunteer service. Each of the finalists received a personal award of €500 and an engraved silver medallion presented by Declan Kidney.
Pramerica Systems Ireland sponsors the Pramerica Spirit of Community programme in partnership with the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) and the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI). The programme was introduced three years ago to encourage youth volunteerism throughout Ireland and to identify and reward young role models.
Guest of honour Irish Rugby Manager Declan Kidney, speaking at the event said: “It is more than inspiring to see our youth step forward and volunteer in so many great ways, especially in times where people are most in need. They bring hope and optimism for the future and do so smiling. Well done to Seoighe and Megan and indeed to the other 18 finalists”
According to Henry McGarvey, managing director, Pramerica Systems Ireland, “It is a great honour to be involved in this event each year and celebrate the generosity of our youth, the ambassadors of all that is good. These students are an inspiration to young and old alike, their commitment to help and make a difference shows the strength and determination of their generation and hopefully generations to follow.”
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 a portfolio of books which explain common medical conditions for children including “Gary Glasses”, “Danny Diabetes”, Ellie Eczema” and “Angie Asthma.”
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 her spirit of volunteerism.
Megan is described by her teacher, Anne Gorby as, “an everyday hero who lives life to the full and tackles life’s obstacles head on.”
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.
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”.
The committee that chose the two All-Ireland Youth Volunteers included Nobel Peace Prize Laureate John Hume; Henry McGarvey; Ivan Arbuthnot; Ciaran McCormack, NAPD; Mary Davis, EurAsia Special Olympics; and Yvonne McKenna, Volunteer Centres Ireland.
Patricia O’Brien, president, NAPD says: “We are delighted to take part in this initiative every year, and each year we are astounded and moved by the level of dedication, commitment and care our students invest in helping others. They show leadership beyond their years and I believe the future is safe in the hands of these young people”
“We in Northern Ireland are proud that we have been part of the Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards since their inception five years ago. These awards are proof that our young people care enough about helping others that they find their own opportunities for volunteer service”, Ivan Arbuthnot, chairperson, of GTCNI.
Application forms for the awards programme were distributed last autumn throughout all post-primary and second-level schools in Ireland. 20 finalists were selected in February, based on criteria such as personal initiative, creativity, effort, impact and personal growth. The finalists were all presented with Certificates of Achievement at their schools by officials of Pramerica, NAPD and GTCNI over the past month, and received further recognition at last night’s dinner.
The 2011 Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards Finalists
Judith Burns, Assumption Grammar School, Ballynahinch, Co. Down
Eoin Byrne, Tullow Community School, Tullow, Co. Carlow
Katie Carr, Borrisokane Community College, Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary
Hannah Driver, Tullow Community School, Tullow, Co. Carlow
Megan Fahy, Mercy College, Chapel Hill, Sligo
Ciara Finnerty, Mercy Mounthawk, Mounthawk, Tralee, Co. Kerry
John Forde, Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne, An Daingean, Co. Kerry
Jade Gallagher, Coláiste Ailigh, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
Niamh Halligan, Carrignafoy Community College, Cobh, Co. Cork
Kevin Healy, The Patrician Academy, Fair Street, Mallow, Co. Cork
Angela Heddles, Downshire School, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim
Seoighe Kearney, Davis College, Summerhill, Mallow, Co. Cork
Liam Kelleher, Ardscoil Phobail Bheanntrai, Bantry, Co. Cork
Kate Kirwan, Loreto High School Beaufort, Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin
Mary Anne McCarthy, Sacred Heart Secondary School, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
Doreen Moynihan, Scoil Phobail Cliabh Luachra, Rathmore, Co. Kerry
Tadgh O’Donovan, St. Brogan’s College, Bandon, Co. Cork
Karen O’Neill, St. Wolstan’s Community School, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Nathan O’Shea, Belvedere College, Great Denmark Street, Dublin 1
Joseph Tuohy, Mount Saint Michael, Rosscarbery, Co. Cork
Click here to read more details on each Nominee and their voluntary work.
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