Heroic Kilkenny teen acted fast in two serious emergency situations
Remarkable young people celebrated at Kilkenny/Waterford Garda Youth Awards 2026
A 'Special Achievement' award at this year’s Kilkenny/Waterford Garda Youth Awards was presented to Finn Abbott, who was nominated by Bernadette and Jacqueline Brophy.
At just 13 years of age, Finn was faced with two serious emergency situations on consecutive days.
In the first incident, he found a girl unconscious due to substance misuse.
While others left her, Finn acted decisively contacting an ambulance and his mother, putting the girls needs first and foremost, making sure she was cared for over all else.
The next day he was again called upon in an emergency when his friend hurt himself and Finn again displayed enormous maturity by ensuring he received the care needed.
Finns’ contribution directly helped two people who were in a medical crisis.
Displaying courage and maturity beyond his years, he put their needs above all else.
While others walked away, he showed remarkable calmness and responsibility of which he should be very proud.
The Garda Youth Awards recognise remarkable groups and individual entries from young people aged between 13 and 21 years of age.
The awards acknowledge those who by their presence, make their communities and society in general, a better place in which to live and acknowledges the endeavours of young people who have faced and overcome challenges in their life.
More coverage of the awards in next week’s Kilkenny People newspaper.