Birr's Caitlin Curley honoured at Garda Youth Awards for Foróige contributions

Birr's Caitlin Curley has been honoured at the Laois/Offaly Garda Youth Awards for her incredible contributions to her local Foróige group.

She was one of ten Offalians to be recognised at the ceremony, which took place recently at The Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise, and honoured young people from the Laois/Offaly Garda Division by presenting them with a Garda Youth Award in the company of their family and peers.

A Garda Youth Award recognises the outstanding achievement of young people between the ages of 13 and 21 years who have undertaken exceptional work in their local communities or who have shown great determination in their own lives.

The stories of the winners on the night were emotional, inspiring and remarkable. They served to demonstrate the strength of character which our young people possess and leaves us in no doubt that our future is in safe hands.

An Garda Síochána has said it is delighted to award these young people for their outstanding achievements and their contribution to their local communities. Recipients were honoured with nineteen prestigious awards in three categories.

Caitlin turned Birr's Foróige group into a safe, supportive and lively space where young people take on roles, learn to lead and feel they belong.

Despite studying in Galway, Caitlin travels home weekly to facilitate meetings, proof that commitment is measured less in time than in heart.

Her approach is simple and powerful: give others the platform, plan carefully, show up consistently, and celebrate what young people can achieve together.

She has championed members to participate in the Gaisce awards, and links her Foróige group to national training on sustainability, cyberbullying and youth participation in politics.

Caitlin has strengthened community spirit, improved opportunities for younger members and reminded all of us that local leadership matters.