An Garda Síochána, Roscommon/Longford Division is delighted to announce the launch of the Eighth Annual Roscommon/Longford Garda Youth Awards, in association with Longford and Roscommon County Councils who are sponsoring the initiative again this year.

The Roscommon/Longford Garda Youth Awards celebrate outstanding young people between the ages of 13 and 21 years. An Garda Síochána, Roscommon/Longford, in conjunction with Longford and Roscommon County Councils recognise that a lot of good work is being done by young people in every community in these two Counties.

The nomination process is now open and An Garda Síochána in Roscommon and Longford are inviting the public to nominate a young person or group of young people they know, who were committed to making a difference to their Community during the last year.

Pictured at the launch of this year's Garda Youth Awards were (l. to r.): Sergeant Deirdre Coleman, Janine Bartley, Longford Community Safety Partnership, Chief Superintendent Raymond McMahon, Courtney Corcoran, Longford Community Safety Partnership, Paddy Mahon, Chief Executive Longford County Council, Shane Tiernan Chief Executive Roscommon County Council, Niamh Duffy, Roscommon Community Safety Partnership, Superintendent James O’ Leary. Garda Colm Satchwell, Garda Anthony Scanlon.

Chairperson of the Roscommon/Longford Youth Awards Inspector David Cryan commented that the Garda Youth Awards celebrates outstanding young people and recognises the good work being done by these individuals:

“Each year, I have the distinct honour of serving as Chairperson of the Roscommon/Longford Garda Youth Awards—an occasion that continues to inspire, uplift, and remind us all of the extraordinary young people within our communities.

What stands out most, year after year, is the sheer volume and quality of nominations we receive. These are not just names on paper; they are powerful stories of resilience, kindness, leadership, and quiet determination. From young people overcoming personal adversity to those giving selflessly to others, the range of achievements is both humbling and deeply encouraging.

As Chairperson, I have the privilege of reading through these nominations and witnessing firsthand the positive impact our youth are making across Roscommon and Longford. The importance of the Garda Youth Awards cannot be overstated. They provide a platform to recognise and celebrate young individuals who might otherwise go unnoticed. Not every act of goodness makes headlines, but these awards ensure that such efforts are acknowledged, valued, and shared with the wider community.

Moreover, the awards serve as a powerful message to all young people—that their actions matter, that positive choices are seen, and that their contributions are appreciated. The continued growth in nominations each year is a testament to the strength of our communities, the dedication of families, schools, youth organisations, and indeed An Garda Síochána, all working together to support and guide our young people.

I would encourage anyone who knows a young person making a difference—no matter how big or small—to take the time to nominate them.

Nominations can be made under any of the 4 categories:

Individual Award – Making a positive contribution to their Community, making it a better place to live in.

Group Award – Two or more young people making a positive contribution to their Community, making it a better place to live.

Special Achievement Award – Overcome difficult circumstances, defied all the odds and whose commitment deserves recognition.

Community Safety Award – Through a crime prevention or safety initiative/innovation, have made their Community a safer place to live in.

Last year’s Individual Award winner Sean Gill from Castlerea, was recognised for his extraordinary commitment to assisting Pearse Bolger with the care of his guide dog, Quantum. For over twelve months, Sean has voluntarily dedicated his weekends and holidays to walking, grooming, and washing the guide dog, whilst also undertaking household tasks including furniture restoration and technical repairs. His selfless actions have provided essential support whilst demonstrating remarkable leadership and compassion.

The Group Award was presented to Cloonfad Foróige Club, who responded to tragedy with remarkable resilience and community spirit. Following the loss of former members James Daniels and Harry Fagan in a car accident in September 2024, the club organised a wake-a-thon raising €4,000 for both the Foróige Club and the Irish Road Victims Association. The group also secured funding to create a vital community gathering space for current and future generations.

Gardaí will be distributing nomination forms to schools, youth groups and voluntary organisations right across the counties of Roscommon and Longford via email in the coming weeks.  These forms may also be requested from Roscommon.GardaYouthAwards@garda.ie or may be downloaded on the Garda website and also from the Longford and Roscommon Local Authority websites.

Nomination Forms can be emailed to Roscommon.GardaYouthAwards@garda.ie or can be posted to The Community Policing Unit, Longford Garda Station, County Longford. All nominations must be received by 5pm on Friday, 19th June 2026.

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