The award recipients Seamus Higgins (Bronze) Edward McCarthy (Silver) Brian McDonagh (Silver) are studying for their Leaving Certificate at the Clare Youth Service, while Martin Molloy (Bronze) is a Junior Certificate student at Ennis Community College.

The aim of An Gaisce, the President’s Award, is to promote personal development for students aged between 15 and 25 years. Awards are contingent on the fulfilment of basic criteria within four sections, including community involvement, personal skill, physical activity and adventure activity.

Commenting at the awards ceremony held at the Youth Information Bureau in Carmody Street, Minister Killeen said, “The young people being honoured have each in their own way fulfilled all that is required of them to achieve the award.”

He continued, “They hiked across the Burren and helped run programmes for younger members of their group to participate in residential weekends. They also worked on a community farm in France assisting in the feeding and care of the animals, as well as helping to build traditional French ovens. In preparation for their trip to France these young people undertook a ten-week French language course.”

“There was also the small matter of skill and for this all the recipients completed various stages of the British Horse Society riding tests and stable management programme. For physical activity they involved themselves in Kayaking and canoeing”, explained Minister Killeen.

He stated that the Gaisce Awards scheme was a wonderful way of cultivating personal development and encouraging young people to set and accomplish their own personal challenges.

Minister Killeen added, “In reality it achieves much more; instilling confidence, encouraging team effort, inspiring dreams and fostering friendships. The intrinsic rewards are immeasurable. Apart from a specific time commitment young people are encouraged to choose skills they would like to develop.”

“The award also fosters an interest in helping ones community and encourages all participants to be proactive in leading healthy lifestyles and discovering the benefits of adventure and interest in the environment”, concluded the Clare T.D.

-ENDS-
 
Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and Communication Energy and Natural Resources with special responsibility for Environment and Energy, is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available on request