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AWARD: MŽéabh O'Sullivan Darcy, Sarah McCarthy and Ellen McSweeney of Mangerton Guides, Killarney, pictured at the National Guide Awards in Croke Park with (left) Irish Girl Guides President Maureen Murphy, Mangerton Guides Leader Patricia Palmer and IGG Chief Commissioner Helen Concannon.

Four Killarney teenagers received the Trail Blazer National Guide Award – Irish Girl Guides’ highest award – at a special ceremony in Croke Park.

The girls, who are all aged 14 or 15, were among 135 Irish Girl Guides (IGG) members who travelled from all corners of the country to receive the award and with their Guide leaders and families, celebrate reaching the pinnacle of Guiding.

Méabh O’Sullivan Darcy, Sarah McCarthy and Ellen McSweeney of Mangerton Guides, Killarney, and Gracey Myers of Fossa Guides, Killarney, each received a Trail Blazer gold pin from Irish Girl Guides (IGG) President Maureen Murphy and a National Guide Award certificate from IGG Chief Commissioner Helen Concannon.

[caption id="attachment_28734" align="aligncenter" width="1094"] TRAIL BLAZER: Grace Myers of Fossa Guides, Killarney, pictured at the National Guide Awards in Croke Park with (left) Irish Girl Guides President Maureen Murphy, Fossa Guide Leader Anne O'Connell and IGG Chief Commissioner Helen Concannon.[/caption]

Congratulating the recipients, IGG President Maureen Murphy said it was a privilege to be to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of the Trail Blazers who have all shown commitment in completing the challenges and, in doing so, putting their individual footprint on their tasks.

“You are inspirational, you will inspire younger members and take your learning and experiences gained into your communities and wider society.”

Carol Stanley, Assistant Chair of IGG Guide Branch, said that, without the hard work and commitment of the 135 girls, there would be no celebrations.

“This award is made in recognition of the successful completion of a series of challenges, including teamwork activities, outdoor survival skills, community service, global awareness and working with younger members of Irish Girl Guides to help them develop confidence, independence and essential life-skills. We are delighted for you all and we all know that you have worked to your fullest potential to receive this award and hope you continue to use many of the life-skills you have achieved wherever life takes you in the future.”