Gardaí seek nominations for 2025 Youth Awards
The An Garda Síochána Westmeath Youth Awards are a way for communities to recognise young people who have done outstanding work or enjoyed significant achievements.
The 2025 awards were launched on Friday morning at the Atrium in Áras an Chontae, Mullingar, when Superintendent Bláithín Moran (Community Engagement for Westmeath) said they were delighted with the success of last year’s awards and they are looking forward to seeing the nominations for this year’s.
"It’s a great opportunity for people to nominate young people as individuals or in groups, aged between 13 and 21, who have done some fantastic work either in their community or even in the family home," said Superintendent Moran.
"Last year we had two fantastic winners, Tyrone Donoghue (county winner) and Westmeath Comhairle na nÓg (Community Safety Award), who went forward to win at the national awards, and we had a fabulous event down in Portlaoise in 2024 in which they got nominated or received an award.
"It’s great to be able to recognise young people in society and the positive work that they do in our community." If you would like to nominate a young person or group, the details will be on the ‘An Garda Síochána Westmeath’ Facebook page; or you can call to the garda stations in Mullingar and Athlone to pick up the nomination forms.
Westmeath County Council, who sponsor the event, will also post a link, and community gardaí across the county will be calling to schools and other organisations, where they will explain the process and provide nomination details.
Superintendent Moran and her colleague, Sgt Damien Connaughton, Athlone Garda Station, said they wouldn’t be able to hold the event without the support of Westmeath County Council and Celtic Roots Studios, who sponsor the prizes.
Concluding, Gda Connaughton reiterated the main drive behind the awards: “It’s an acknowledgement from An Garda Síochána Westmeath that kids do make positive contributions to their areas, to where they come from.”
The closing date for nominations is August 1 next.