This year’s launch of the Waterford Garda Youth Awards was held on Friday February 28th in Waterford Garda Station.

The Garda Youth Awards celebrate young people between 13 and 21 years of age and recognise the good work being done by young people throughout our communities.

The awards acknowledge the young people who by their presence make their communities and society in general, a better place in which to live. They also acknowledge the endeavours of young people who have faced and overcome challenges in their life.

This year’s Waterford Garda Division Youth Awards will take place on Thursday 15th May at 7pm in the Tower Hotel.

Nominations are now invited from young persons aged between 13 and 21 on August 31st 2025 for the following categories:

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

Group Award – this is for groups of 2 or people young people who are making a positive contribution.

Special Achievement Award – This award is for those who have overcome difficult circumstances, defied the odds, and whose commitment deserves recognition.

Community Safety Award – This award is for those who through crime prevention or safety initiative/innovation, have made their community a safer place to live.

At last year’s awards Waterpark student, Ava Walsh was named the overall winner on the night, receiving the Pat Noctor Award for her work in helping young people overcome grief. Ava was inspired to help others after the tragic passing of her father when she was only 13 years old. Ava was also the overall winner in the Special Achievement category.

This year’s sponsors for the Waterford Garda Youth Awards are Waterford Crystal, Waterford Community Safety Partnership, Tower Hotel, Waterford and WLR FM.

Closing date for nominations is April 23rd.

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