Shannon Airport Group Backs Clare Youth Awards Recognising Courage Leadership and Community Action

(NEWS) SHANNON, Ireland, 2026-May-20 — /Travel PR News/ — Young people from across County Clare were recognised this week for community leadership, resilience, and social impact at the 2026 Clare Garda Youth Awards, an annual programme that highlights positive contributions made by young people throughout the county.

Held at Hotel Woodstock in Ennis, the awards ceremony honoured eight winners aged between 13 and 19 across categories including individual achievement, community safety, climate action, and youth-led social initiatives. The event was sponsored by The Shannon Airport Group and attended by community leaders, Garda representatives, families, and local organisations.

According to a press release published by The Shannon Airport Group, this year’s awards recognised young people who have demonstrated courage, leadership, and determination in areas ranging from water safety and fundraising to environmental projects and peer education initiatives.

Several recipients were recognised for responding to difficult personal circumstances while continuing to support others in their communities.

Among the winners was Caoimhe Moroney, a 15-year-old from Kilfenora who used her water safety training to rescue an elderly man at Bishop’s Quarter Beach. Mayar Jadalla from Ennis received an award after organising a six-week sports programme designed to help children living in emergency accommodation integrate into the local community.

Special Achievement Awards were also presented to Joe Slattery from Corofin, who returned to school following a life-changing injury sustained in 2024, and Sam O’Dwyer from Ennistymon, who has raised funds for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust following the death of his brother in New Zealand while also promoting awareness of medical conditions affecting young people.

Another recipient, Isabella Sydney from Ennis, was recognised for her positive contribution to her community after overcoming major physical challenges linked to a rare congenital condition. Isabella, who had both legs amputated as a child, now participates in wheelchair hurling at provincial level.

The awards also highlighted the growing role of youth-led initiatives addressing social and environmental issues in County Clare.

Clare Comhairle na nÓg received a Group Award for working with local organisations to introduce free period packs for girls’ sports clubs after identifying period poverty as a barrier to participation in sport. Meanwhile, the East Clare UBU Youth Group was recognised for environmental and biodiversity projects, including tree planting and local climate action initiatives.

A separate Community Safety Award was presented to students involved in the “Escape The Vape” campaign from St Patrick’s Comprehensive School and St Caimin’s Community School. The initiative focused on educating younger students about vaping through workshops, podcasts, and peer-led awareness campaigns.

The Clare Garda Youth Awards are part of a wider Garda programme that aims to acknowledge young people making positive contributions within their schools, communities, and local organisations.

Speaking at the event, Niall Kearns said the awards reflected the positive role young people continue to play across the region, while John Ryan noted that the programme highlights leadership, resilience, and community engagement among younger generations.

The awards also underline how youth organisations and local communities across Ireland are increasingly encouraging peer-led initiatives around health, inclusion, climate awareness, and community safety.