A

An inspirational teenager from Killarney, who has had to overcome great challenges, was this week named the Overall Winner of the Lee Strand Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards 2018.
17 year-old Ian O’Connell from Killarney was described as “an outstanding individual, an inspiration to all” and “a true real life hero” at the awards ceremony held in the Ballyroe Heights Hotel in Tralee on Friday last.
Over 250 people from across the county attended the ceremony, where 20 Merit Awards, a Group Award, a Special Achievement Award, a Community Safety Award and the Overall Winner Award were presented on the night.
When Ian was 16 years-old, he became paralysed from the neck down after falling off his bike in the Killarney National Park. The entire country was inspired by Ian O'Connell's remarkable interview on the Late Late Show last May. His motto if I can’t stand up, I will stand out” has made him a national hero for his positive attitude to life. Ian was presented with a specially commissioned crystal trophy and the Overall Winner Certificate to mark his achievement.
The Lee Strand/Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Group Award was presented to the Sporting Chance Programme - National Learning Network. The Lee Strand/Kerry Garda Youth Special Achievement Award was presented to Ciarán Sears in Tralee. The Lee Strand/Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Community Safety Award was presented Kevin Lenihan, Eamon Nolan and James McDonnell from Castleisland Community College.
Twenty Lee Strand/Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Merit Award Certificates were presented to individuals who have made a positive contribution to their community and make it a better place to live. The recipients were Alannah Blennerhassett, Tralee, Oisín Bolt, Killorglin, Ian Coleman Horgan, Killorglin, Zara Daly, Kilcummin, Nathan Egan, Castleisland, Con Enright, Currow Villag, Ava Fitzmaurice, Castleisland, Edmond Healy, Duagh, Ellen Hickey, Killarney, Alexandra Kelly, Tralee, Caoimhe Lynch, Beaufort, Ciarán MacGearailt, Baile 'n Fheirtéaraigh, Cathal McLoughlin, Tralee, Ruth O'Connell, Tralee, Michaela O'Donoghue, Ballymacelligott, Jude Pierse, Ballyduff, Weronika Slomiany, Killarney, Melanie Smith, Blennerville, Rebecca Thompson, Caherciveen, and Donald Walsh, Tralee.
“Lee Strand is delighted to support the Kerry Garda Youth Achievement Awards since 1998,” Donal Pierse, Chairperson, Lee Strand said.
“Over the past 21 years Lee Strand in association with An Garda Siochana have always been proactive in acknowledging and identifying the positive work by young people and voluntary groups to enhance community life in Kerry. The awards are a fantastic celebration of their outstanding achievements.”
Chief Superintendent Tom Myers added that An Garda Síochána consider it essential to engage in a positive fashion with the young people in local communities.
“In doing so it is necessary to acknowledge positive achievements by those young people, whether these are in the fields of voluntary work in the community, sport, or education,” he said.
“It would not be possible to acknowledge this achievement and have an occasion whereby the families of nominees can join in the celebrations without the support from Lee Strand, the local Co-Op highly respected in the community.”