November 2013 Young People Honoured for Outstanding Community Work and Achievements Through Gaisce Awards at NUI Galway

Over 100 young people from second and third-level institutions across County Galway and Mayo were honoured with a Gaisce Medal for their outstanding community work and significant personal achievements at a special awards ceremony at the University last week. Organised by the University’s Gaisce Society the Awards were presented by NUI Galway Deputy President and Registrar, Dr Nollaig MacCongáil on behalf of the Patron of Gaisce -The President’s Award, President Michael D. Higgins.

Gaisce – The President’s Award, is a programme that aims to foster and develop young people's potential. It is a guided and supported framework is provided for young people to explore their natural skills and gain confidence in their abilities, while contributing to their community.

This year’s Award recipients included young people who spent time volunteering with charity organisations, working with the poor, the elderly, people with disabilities, and getting involved in youth groups and clubs. Gaisce Award recipients also worked with community groups, sporting organisations and charity shops.

Two NUI Galway students, Cathy Gormley from Trim, Co. Meath and Ciara Luke from Cork City, were presented with a Gaisce Bronze Award. 

This year’s Bronze and Silver Award recipient bodies include: Coláiste Iognáid Galway City; Dunmore Community School, Co. Galway; Dominican College, Taylors Hill, Galway City; Mount St. Michael’s, Claremorris Co. Mayo; St. Brigid's School Galway City; St. Killian's College Ballinasloe Co. Galway; and Youthreach, Galway City.

Rebecca Tierney, Auditor of Gaisce Society and Bachelor of Arts student at NUI Galway said “it was an honour for the society to host the awards for the exceptional people receiving their awards as the Gaisce Award allows young people all over Ireland to show what they are capable of and we are more than happy to enable this to continue to happen.”

On average, Gaisce participants contribute over 100,000 voluntary hours in their local communities each year. A total of six million voluntary hours have been completed since the Gaisce Award programme was established in 1985.

For more information on the Gaisce Awards visit www.gaisce.ie.

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