Honouring the community contribution of young people
The Garda Youth Awards, celebrate outstanding young people aged between 13 and 21 years, and recognises the good work they are doing throughout their communities.
The first ever Garda Divisional Youth Awards was created by a local Juvenile Liaison Officer in West Cork in 1995. He noticed that the young people in the community were doing tremendous things that deserved recognition. The awards event has grown in leaps and bounds since then.
In 2019, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris launched the first ever An Garda Síochána National Youth Awards saying: “The inaugural Garda National Youth Awards will be a showcase for the positive contribution young people are making in their communities. The awards at national and divisional level are a great way for gardaí to develop strong relationships with community groups and young people in their area.”
The judging panel for the Garda Youth Awards Tipperary consisted of Brendan Cummins, former Tipperary hurler and current U20 Manager; Andrew Looby, Tipp FM; and Aisling Moloney, Tipperary footballer and Australian Rules player.
Recipients were presented with their awards at a ceremony held in the Garda College, Templemore, recently.
CALLUM EDWARDS, BIRDHILL
Callum is faced with many challenges in his every day. He is described by his nominator as being very mannerly, respectful and always willing to help all in any way.
To hold these qualities, even when facing a number of difficulties, is a credit to Callum and shows his high level of personal growth and endurance.
Both Callum’s parents have faced serious health conditions, with his father being diagnosed with cancer, while his mother has several health conditions. Callum has developed his independence, while both parents were receiving treatment.
Meanwhile, Callum’s maternal grandmother, with whom he was extremely close, has been diagnosed with dementia and is not able to be present in his life and support him as she had previously.
Callum is very helpful in school and is willing to assist in any way. He regularly offers to help and when given a task, he is reliable, trustworthy and dependable, and supports all in his school community.
He was involved in the school musical and the establishing of the Christmas market. Callum shows others the value of teamwork and kindness. He has shown himself to be a role model for younger year groups.
Callum’s reliability and willingness to help others has made day to day activities easier for those around him. He has a reliable and excellent work ethic and demonstrates the positive impact one person can have.
LORCAN FLANNERY, ROSCREA – SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT
Lorcan was born with Achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism that results in shorter arms and legs. As a result, Lorcan has faced numerous hospital visits and has undergone several major orthopaedic surgeries, with more expected in the future.
When he was younger, Lorcan needed the use of a wheelchair, which significantly affected his daily life. Time and time again Lorcan overcame difficult circumstances such as these with determination.
His smaller height also presents everyday challenges, as he navigates a world largely designed for taller people. Despite these obstacles, Lorcan continues to face each day with resilience and strength
Lorcan approaches life with remarkable positivity and determination. He consistently strives to achieve a high standard in everything he does. Sport has always been his greatest passion. From a young age, he played hurling with Shinrone GAA and soccer with Killavilla United, and he also took part in events as a member of Ballyskenach Athletics Club.
A major turning point in Lorcan’s personal development came after attending the World Dwarf Games in Germany in 2023. Inspired by his experience, he took up badminton at club level in Roscrea. His commitment and hard work quickly paid off - he earned a place on the Irish Para Badminton team and represented Ireland at the European Para Badminton Championships in Turkey in September 2025, achieving an impressive world ranking of 58.
In addition to his international success, Lorcan has competed in multiple UK Para Championships. Notably, he won both a gold and a silver medal at the DSA UK National Games in Sheffield in 2024.
Lorcan has become an inspiring role model, especially for students who face their own physical challenges. He demonstrates daily that limitations do not define a person, and that perseverance, ambition and a positive mindset can open doors to extraordinary opportunities.
His peers see a hardworking, motivated student who applies himself academically, trains with commitment in sport, travels on international school trips, and proudly represents the school at local, national and international levels.
He makes the younger students feel welcome and included and is definitely part of the reason that badminton is growing in numbers, as he has helped to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. Lorcan is a very special person who is more than deserving of this award.