Kudos for Kilkenny’s kind-hearted young people at awards ceremony

The good work young people are doing throughout their communities was hailed at the Kilkenny/Carlow Garda Youth Awards.

The event, sponsored by Netwatch and Kilkenny and Carlow County Councils, celebrated outstanding young people aged between 13 and 21 years, highlighting their resilience, compassion and community spirit.

Whether through acts of kindness, leadership, or perseverance, these young individuals demonstrated their commitment to improving the world around them and inspired others to foster a culture of positivity and support within the two counties.

Ciara Ryan from Callan was the winner of the Individual Award

Presentations were made on the night by Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Michael McCarthy and Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, Cllr Fergal Browne, as well as Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere TD; Jennifer Murnane O’Connor T and Minister for State; Natasha Newsome-Drennan TD; Colin Hayes, Netwatch; Mick Galwey, Netwatch and Superintendent Sean O’Meara, Kilkenny Gardaí.

There were four main categories for the 2025 awards: Individual Award, Group Award (for two or more young people), Special Achievement Award and Community Safety Award. A number of awards were also presented to winners from the Carlow, Kilkenny and Thomastown areas at the ceremony.

Area Award winner Holly Long (Ballyhale)

The main category award winners will have their nominations submitted for consideration for the Garda National Youth Awards to be held later in 2025.

Individual Award Winner: Ciara Ryan, Callan, Co Kilkenny – presented by Superintendent Sean O’Meara, Kilkenny Garda Station.

Group Award Winner: Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership Swim Buddy Group – presented by Cllr Michael McCarthy, Cathaoirleach Kilkenny County Council.

Area Award winner Maisie Rowe (Kilkenny City)

Special Achievement Award Winner: Lauryn Webster, Carlow – presented by Mick Galwey, Netwatch.
Community Safety Award Winner: Phoneless Phobia, St Leo’s College, Carlow – presented by Cllr Fergal Browne, Cathaoirleach Carlow County Council.

Area Award Winners

Danny Carty, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow – presented by Superintendent Sean O’Meara, Kilkenny Garda station.

Ellie Carter, Gowran, Co Kilkenny – presented by Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere TD.

Area Award winner Ellie Carter (Gowran)

Maisie Rowe, Kilkenny City – presented by Natasha Newsome Drennan TD.

Holly Long, Ballyhale, Co Kilkenny – presented by Colin Hayes, Netwatch.