Heroic young people honoured at Garda Youth Awards 2025
Special Achievement award-winner Lauryn Webster with her family at the Garda Youth Awards in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow Photos: michaelorourkephotography.ie
YOUNG people are an absolute credit to themselves and everyone else in this day and age of multiple distractions and bad press. Their goodness, resilience, courage and kindness were recognised and awarded recently when the Carlow/Kilkenny gardaí hosted their annual youth awards in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow.
The awards celebrate outstanding young people aged between 13 and 21 years, and recognise the good work they are doing throughout their communities.
Three awards were presented to nominees from Co Carlow, including Lauryn Webster, who scooped a Special Achievement Award; Danny Carthy won the overall award for Co Carlow, and a group of students from St Leo’s College, Carlow won the community award. At the ceremony, Inspector Conor Nolan explained why Lauryn was such an inspiration.
“In 2022, Lauryn received the life-changing diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumour. Since then, she has faced countless challenges, which each day bring their own difficulties, including persistent fatigue and physical strain. And yet, despite all of this, Lauryn walks into school every morning with a smile on her face. She is a beacon of positivity to those around her – not only showing up but lifting up others simply by being herself.
“Lauryn is an active and valued member of her school community. She has helped to organise and lead multiple fundraising events for Crumlin Hospital and other charities. But Lauryn’s talents and spirit don’t stop there. She is also a gifted singer and performer, proudly representing her school on stage at the Pan-Celtic International Competition and at Scleip. Her voice, her presence and her passion for the arts shine just as brightly as her courage does.
“What makes Lauryn so deserving of this award is not just her resilience in the face of personal adversity but the grace, kindness and generosity she continues to show to others. She is a powerful example of strength, determination and what it means to give back – even when life presents unimaginable challenges.”
Danny Carthy from Bagenalstown scooped the overall prize for Co Carlow.
Insp Nolan said: “Danny is a proud member of the Traveller community and has become a powerful voice for the importance of education. While many young people in his community leave school early, Danny made the brave and determined decision to stay in school and complete his leaving certificate. He is now continuing his education at Carlow Institute of Further Education and planning to go on to further study at SETU.
“During his time in school, Danny made a real difference – not just by what he achieved but by how he supported others. He volunteered in the Big Brother and Sister Programme, acting as a positive role model for younger students. His kindness, caring nature and leadership in the classroom earned him the respect and admiration of students and staff alike.”
A group of socially-conscious young women from St Leo’s College, Carlow scooped a Community Safety Award. The Young Social Innovators group from the school researched and produced a project called Phoneless Phobia, where they explored what life would be like for teenagers if they didn’t have constant access to their phones all the time.
The awards were originally launched locally in Kilkenny/Carlow in 2019 to highlight the resilience, compassion and community spirit exhibited by young individuals. Whether through acts of kindness, leadership or perseverance, these young individuals demonstrate their commitment to improving the world around them and inspire others to foster a culture of positivity and support.
Leading proceedings on behalf of An Garda Síochána, Insp Nolan said: “Judging the contribution of young people under key themes was really challenging. Our award winners have made a real difference to people. I am delighted on behalf of An Garda Síochána to acknowledge the contribution of these young people to their communities, especially vulnerable people living among us. These are young people making a real difference.”
Superintendent Anthony Farrell congratulated the winners who overcame challenges and in some cases personal adversity to make a real positive difference. “These award winners are fantastic young people. Through their actions, they have changed focus from themselves to others in their community – small acts of thoughtfulness and kindness do make a real difference. A special well done for our Carlow award winners, St Leo’s College, Danny Carthy and Lauryn Webster.
“Finally, thanks to managing director Colin Hayes and the team at Netwatch for their unwavering community support,” he said.
Supt Farrell also thanked the local representatives for their support, Netwatch for its sponsorship and the Woodford Dolmen Hotel for hosting the event.
