Nominations are now open for the Garda Youth Awards

Nominations are now open for the Donegal Garda Youth Awards and the public is invited to nominate a young person who was committed to making a difference to their community last year.

An Garda Síochána Donegal has launched the 2024 awards in association with the Joint Policing Committee. The annual Donegal Garda Youth Awards celebrate outstanding young people between the ages of 13 and 21 across Ireland.

“All nominees will receive recognition at an awards event that will take place later this year on a date that is to be decided,” a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána has said. “The organising committee will notify winners and nominees of these details following the adjudication process.”

There are four separate award categories for young people which include the Individual Award; the Group Award; the Special Achievement Award; and the Community Safety Award. 

The Individual Award is for those who made a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live. 

The Group Award is similar and it is for two or more young people making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live. 

The Special Achievement Award is given to those who have overcome difficult circumstances, defied all the odds and whose commitment deserves recognition. 

Lastly, the Community Safety Award is given to those who through a crime prevention or safety initiative/innovation, have made their Community a safer place to live.

Nomination forms may be obtained from the following Garda Stations; Letterkenny, Milford, Buncrana or Ballyshannon. A copy of the form may also be requested by emailing here or downloaded from the Donegal County Council website. 

The closing date for nominations is noon on Thursday, March 7.

The national awards were established in 2019 by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris "in recognition of the meaningful work of so many young people in communities across Ireland.”