Tullamore's John Gorman recognised for influence on Acorn Project peers

Tullamore's John Gorman has been recognised at the Laois/Offaly Garda Youth Awards for the positive influence he has had on his Acorn Project peers.

He 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.

A Special Achievement Award was given to John from the The Acorn Project in Tullamore. John’s story is one of resilience rebuilt through music and love. After the loss of his father and the isolation of the pandemic, John’s world narrowed.

Poor lifestyle choices left him teetering on the brink of the road less travelled.

He chose to engage with The Acorn Project, where he wrote “Fly Away”, a song about bereavement. John went on to win the Midlands region of the Youth Music Awards and perform at the RDS.

Yet his greatest performance is at home, as carer, companion and expert advocate for his younger brother Luke, who has complex needs.

His influence has also helped peers in Acorn succeed in their QQI Level 4s and move into work.