Lee Strand and Kerry Gardai launched the 25th year of the Lee Strand Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards on Saturday in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel in Tralee.

The awards are held for youths between the ages of 13 and 21 years 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 dinner awards ceremony in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel, Tralee on Friday, September 30.

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 2022 will also be presented.

“It is so important to recognise that the youth of this country are the future and they have something to say and that we within an Garda Síochána should be prepared to listen too," Chief Superintendent Eileen Foster said.

"It is important to recognise their excellence in the area of sports, arts, culture, charity 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 25 years.”

Gearoid Linnane, CEO, Lee Strand added “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 for 25 years since its commencement in 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 Monday, September 12 next. Nominations are available from any Garda Station in Kerry or are also available to download on www.leestrand.ie/garda-awards/.

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/organisations. The winners will be selected by a panel of judges who are community volunteers from around the county under the chairmanship of Chief Superintendent Eileen Foster, An Garda Síochána. For further information contact 066 7102300.