Today on Morning Focus, we were joined in studio by Garda Youth Award Winners as we heard their inspiring stories as to why they were given these awards.
Firstly we were joined in studio by students from St. John Bosco Community College, Abbey Hehir, Rebecca Murphy and Ryley Cantrell as they are Clare winners for the community safety award for their project the ‘Slurry Pit Saver’.
Inspector Paul Slattery, also joined us in studio tell us more about the Awards.
You can listen back to that segment of the interview below:
Then we heard from 3 of the special achievement award winners, Labhaosie Fitzgerald from Tulla, Jade Needham from Killaloe and Jessica Whelan from O ‘ Briens Bridge. The Special Achievement Award is given to someone who has overcome difficult circumstances, defied the odds and whose commitment deserves recognition.
Labhaoise, was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma in 2014. She had a tumour on her brain which spread down her spine, she is undergoing chemotherapy and has had many surgeries. Despite this, she has an amazing can-do attitude and is an inspiration to everyone at her school, St. Josephs. She still tries her best to attend school and catches up on her homework when she isn’t well enough to and even completed her Junior Cert just last year.
Jessica, was 2 years old when she lost an eye due to an accident in the family home, she has no sight in her left eye following 24 procedures. Jessica is described as fearless and doesn’t allow her disability to hold her back, she gets involved in sports and school activities when she can. She has two Autistic brothers which whom she supports constantly at home or in social settings. Jessica completed a project on autism and presented it to her school, she also organised a phone collection for her brothers in association with Autism Ireland and lastly, Jessica organised a TY Bake Sale to raise money for Temple Street Children’s Hospital, she presented the cheque to the Eye Ward with her Dad.
Finally, since Jade was three years old she has been living with Cystic Fibrosis, despite her lifestyle in managing her CF through medication, exercise and physiotherapy, she remains very positive. Her positive outlook didn’t change either when she suffered two bereavements in her family due to CF she still soldiers on with a positive mindset to life. Jade has raised over €4,500 for charity and maintains a positive presence on her social media channels to inspire other CF sufferers to find something there passionate about and do it!
To hear the second part of that interview, you can listen back below:
