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The Lee Strand/Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards 2018 were officially launched on Friday, October 26 in Lee Strand in Tralee. The awards are held for youths between the ages of 13 and 21 and recognise the great contribution young people have made and continue to make to their communities in Kerry. The awards will be presented at a celebratory awards ceremony in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel, Tralee on Friday, January 25.

This year, 20 Merit Awards will be presented to individuals who have made a positive contribution to their community and make it a better place to live. A Group Award will also be presented to groups of two or more people who have made an impact to their community. The Special Achievement Award will be presented to an individual who has overcome difficult circumstances, has defied all the odds and whose commitment deserves recognition.

A Community Safety Award will be presented to an individual who through crime prevention or a safety initiative/innovation has made their community a safer place to live. The Overall Winner of the Lee Strand/Kerry Garda Youth Achievement 2018 will also be presented.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Superintendent Tom Myers said: “An Garda Síochána are delighted to be associated with the Lee Strand Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards. We often underestimate the worth of our youth, who are both innovative and important to our future. It is important to recognise their excellence in the area of sports, arts, culture, charities or caring for a relative or friend. The awards have a positive effect on our wider community and I would like to extend our appreciation and thanks to Lee Strand for their continued sponsorship and support over the past 21 years.”

John O’Sullivan, General Manager, Lee Strand stated: “Lee Strand has a strong commitment to supporting initiatives within the local community and we are delighted to support the Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards since 1998. The awards provide a great opportunity to celebrate and recognise the achievements of the young people of Kerry, who have made a positive impact within their local community.”

The closing date for receipt of nominations is Friday, December 7. Any member of the public can nominate a young person whom they feel has made a contribution to their local area. Nominations are accepted from individuals, community and voluntary groups, schools and youth clubs/organisation.

The winners will be selected by a panel of judges who are community volunteers from around the county under the chairmanship of Chief Superintendent Tom Myers, An Garda Síochána.

Nomination forms are available from any Garda Station in Kerry; KDYS Offices in Tralee, Killarney and Listowel, or by contacting Tralee Garda Station on 066 7102311. Forms are also available to download from www.leestrand.ie.