Former Laois young offender wins Garda Youth Award
Laois/Offaly chief superintendent Anthony Lonergan (right) with sponsor Pat McDonagh of Supermac’s and Supt Tony Tighe, at the launch of the 2026 divisional Garda Youth Awards
A YOUNG man who has overcome a life of crime and substance misuse is among the winners of a Laois/Offaly Garda Youth Award.
Ross Harding of the Foróige Youth Diversion Project, Portlaoise, was presented with a special achievement award at a ceremony in The Killeshin Hotel last night.
The annual awards recognise young people aged 13 to 21 who have done exceptional work in their communities or have shown great determination in their own lives.
When Ross first engaged with the LOOP Youth Diversion Project in 2023, he was battling substance misuse, criminal involvement and academic challenges. But he chose another path.
Through steady work with supports, Ross finished school, graduated from the National Learning Network, secured employment in retail and has remained crime- and substance-free. He passed his Driver Theory Test, found creative outlets in DJ performance at Foróige events and learned the value of purposeful work through the Social Farming Initiative.
The award citation said: ‘Now training as a Foróige volunteer, Ross is turning recovery into service, mentoring young people with the credibility of lived experience.’
A special achievement award also went to Jorge Marcello, who was adopted in Portugal and was later diagnosed with a significant, deteriorating visual impairment, which meant he was registered blind.
While he could have been forgiven for stepping back from sport, Jorge instead literally dived in, joining the learn to swim group with VI Community Physical Activity Hub in Portlaoise three years ago.
With incredible dedication and determination, he progressed so quickly that within a year he was competing as a para athlete at mainstream level.
His work ethic earned selection to the Irish Para Development Squad and guidance of other young swimmers, with three more reaching the Irish Para Development squad. Because of Jorge’s dedication, Swim Ireland now recognises the Hub as a Para team, where new athletes can be nurtured.
Portlaoise resident Esraa Ammouri won an individual award for her remarkable achievement in transforming adversity into belonging. Having fled war and years of displacement, she used her story not for sympathy but as a platform to ensure others are heard.
Through ‘GirlTalk’ and a range of creative projects that include films and podcasts, Esraa helps to build spaces where every young person feels seen and safe. She translates when needed, facilitates when asked and constantly encourages others, balancing study and family responsibilities with an unwavering commitment to service. She challenges prejudice and encourages others to do the same, strengthening social inclusion in Laois.
An individual award also went to U20 and intermediate hurler Liam Whelan of Clonad GAA, a player, coach, musician, mentor and junior Irish officer, who wears each role with the same generous spirit.
Liam is delivering oral Irish support to students preparing for state exams, displaying a blend of talent and service that he uses to lift others, from passing on hurling skills to bringing music to community events with his accordion.
Cheerfully named ‘The Jambos’, Mountrath Community School students Kate Lalor Fitzpatrick, Katie Dowling and Aisling Kiernan won a group award for their amazing fundraising work on behalf of many worthy causes.
Their efforts have funded equine therapy sessions for students with additional needs and provided hours of in home nursing care through the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation.
A group award also went to the GirlTalk Youth Group in Portlaoise, which has created a welcoming space where young women aged 15-20 from diverse backgrounds can connect, share their experiences and support one another.
Bringing together young women from Syria, Ukraine, China, Malaysia, the Czech Republic and beyond, they have turned personal journeys into a shared celebration of belonging, through film, art, food and poetry.
Ryan Mannion from Portlaoise received a special achievement award for his remarkable kindness as big brother to Jamie, who lives with a severe disability and complex medical needs.
Ryan supports fundraising for Jamie’s therapy, accompanies him to inclusive basketball with Portlaoise Panthers and has volunteered at Laois Sports Partnership camps for children with disabilities.
Scoil Chríost Rí students on the school’s Sports and Physical Education Committee (SPEC) were presented with a community safety award for organising and delivering CPR training. They have already trained over 200 students and aim to train everyone by the end of the year.
A special recognition award went to Caoimhe Buckley from Mountrath Community School, who helped save a young swimmer’s life in Spain.
While on a Laois Marlins Swim Club training camp in Barcelona in June 2025, Caoimhe noticed teammate Logan Smyth in distress in the pool. She raised the alarm, helped recover him from the water and supported swift actions that brought him to safety and on to hospital. Caoimhe also assisted her head coach and showed great support to Logan and his family.
Sponsored by Supermac’s and The Killeshin Hotel, the ceremony with MC Anne Marie Kelly of MidlandsIreland.ie was attended by the winners’ proud families and friends. Special guests included Laois football legend Mo Nerney.
The awards were presented by Laois/Offaly chief superintendent Anthony Lonergan, Portlaoise district superintendent Brian Farrell and Tullamore district superintendent Tony Tighe. Members of the Garda Youth Awards committee were led by detective inspector Jane Ryan and Inspector Joe Culliton.
Terrific musical entertainment was provided Portlaoise Comhaltas and the Malva Ukrainian Choir, while the ceremony was also attended by Pat McDonagh and Pádraic Ó’Neachtain of Supermac’s and the Só Hotel Group.
