The Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town, was filled with pride and celebration on Tuesday evening as the Donegal Garda Youth Awards 2025 recognised some of the county’s most outstanding young people. Please click on the arrows to go through the gallery
The annual awards, organised by An Garda Síochána in Donegal and proudly supported by Supermac’s Ireland, highlighted the generosity, resilience, and determination of young people who go above and beyond to make their communities stronger.
The evening began with a warm welcome from Inspector Paul McGee and Superintendent Karen Duffy, deputising for Chief Superintendent Goretti Sheridan, alongside acknowledgements from Supermac’s representative, Mr Marc Brown, from Donegal Town. Greg Hughes of Highland Radio served as Master of Ceremonies, entertaining the audience with his trademark humour and enthusiasm, while Kevin Furey provided music and technical support.
Among the distinguished guests were Superintendent John Finucane and Principal Officer Rose Sweeney from the Garda National Youth Diversion Bureau, Inspector Paul Gallagher from Letterkenny and Judge Emile Daly, attending her first official Donegal event since her judicial appointment to District No.1 in County Donegal.
Representatives from Foróige, community Gardaí from across the county, nominators, teachers, youth workers, families, and friends of the nominees also joined to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Donegal’s youth.
Following a three-course meal, the spotlight turned to the awards ceremony. Each nominee was honoured with a certificate before the five overall award winners were revealed by Judge Emile Daly:
Individual Award – Karolina Byrne, for her outstanding commitment and impact on her local community.
Special Achievement Award – Rihanna Reynolds, recognised for overcoming personal challenges to make a difference.
Community Safety Award – Casey Reid and Aoife Cameron, commended for their initiative in promoting safety and well-being among peers.
Group Award – John Cannon and Ryan Quinn, honoured for their collaborative efforts in community service.
Special Recognition Award – Paddy Boyle, acknowledged for exceptional contribution, a category reserved for extraordinary efforts such as acts of bravery and lifesaving.
The evening also included a poignant tribute to Christian McCullagh, a student of Deele College, Raphoe, who recently passed away after a short illness. Christian was remembered as an inspirational young man whose life touched hundreds of children around Ireland. His memory was honoured with deep respect by all present.
A key factor in the continued success of the awards is the work of the Donegal Garda Youth Awards Committee. The committee is supported by Garda Gráinne Doherty of the Community Policing Unit in Letterkenny, and the county’s three Juvenile Liaison Officers – Garda Brendan Roache, Garda Patrick McGlynn and Garda Yvonne Carolan. The committee is chaired by Inspector Paul McGee.
This dedicated team ensures the smooth running of the awards each year, from coordinating nominations to delivering an event that showcases the very best of Donegal’s young people. Their tireless commitment has allowed the awards to grow year on year, cementing it as one of the county’s most uplifting annual celebrations.
The event also shone a light on the role of Community Gardaí across Donegal who were present on the night, including Garda Colm McConigley (Milford), Garda Brenda Healy (Ballybofey), Garda Catherine Callaghan (Lifford) & Garda Shaun Patton (Buncrana) whose daily engagement with local communities is a cornerstone of modern policing. Garda Christopher Mc Dyre (Letterkenny) also assisted at the ceremony.
Closing the evening, organisers reflected on the purpose of the Garda Youth Awards: to acknowledge the courage, generosity, and positive influence of young people and the involvement of Garda members at all levels, the Donegal Garda Youth Awards 2025 stood out as a powerful reminder of the difference young people make in society every day.
Congratulations to all of our overall winners and also to all of the young people who were nominated this year.
