Kilkenny teen steps up to run family farm after major setbacks
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 William Cody, who was nominated by Anthony Leahy, Coláiste Abhainn Rí, Callan.
Will has carried an exceptional weight for someone so young. He lost his mother some years ago.
More recently his father’s serious farm accident removed his central adult support while also placing significant practical responsibilities on someone so young’s shoulders.
Showing enormous courage, Will has stepped up to run the family farm, a demanding role, while at the same time finding the time and commitment to navigate his Junior Cert in two months.
He also excels in his sport playing a significant role in the school’s Junior All-Ireland win, never letting his team down.
Will really is an inspiration to us all, dealing courageously and selflessly with all the personal setbacks he has had to endure.
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.