The CYSD Sisterhood of Strength from Mallow has been honoured at the Garda North Cork Youth Awards, taking one of the Group Awards in recognition of their outstanding contribution to their community.
The group is a Teen Traveller girls’ collective made up of ambitious young women who volunteer locally, support community initiatives, help organise events, and act as positive role models within their area. Despite facing barriers and discrimination, they continue to show resilience, positivity, and a strong commitment to helping others in their community.
Also receiving Group Awards were students from Scoil Mhuire Kanturk, who were recognised for an inspiring fundraising and awareness challenge. The students raised over €13,000 through a 120-kilometre journey along the Camino de Santiago, in support of Cliona’s Foundation, which provides vital assistance to families caring for seriously ill children.
The evening also celebrated outstanding achievement across a range of categories, with Leah O’Keeffe receiving a Cork North Garda Youth Award for her contribution to boxing.
Leah has built an impressive career both inside and outside the ring and has been a major asset to Kanturk Boxing Club over the years. She has stepped up as head coach during training sessions when required and has also become a qualified boxing judge.
In competition, she has secured multiple County and Provincial titles, along with three All-Ireland titles, her most recent coming at the IATBA Third Level Championships earlier this year.
The Community Safety Awards also highlighted two innovative youth-led projects from North Cork.
The first, “The Weight of Water”, focused on water safety awareness. The group carried out research and developed a creative campaign using repurposed buoys to highlight key safety messages. Their work will now form part of a national initiative with Water Safety Ireland, and is already being used by Cork County Council Libraries.
The second project, “ScanSafe”, was developed by students from St. Mary’s Secondary School. It is an innovative wearable QR identification system designed to give emergency services quick access to vital medical information for vulnerable individuals, including those living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Both projects were praised for their creativity, practicality, and potential real-world impact.
The Individual Awards category then recognised six exceptional young people: Reanna Jones, Ella Marie Dunstan, Leah O’Keeffe, Dylan O’Driscoll, Doireann Bhreathnach, and Lucie Knox. Each was honoured for their commitment to volunteering, supporting older people, helping their communities, and positively influencing their peers across North Cork.
The event was delivered in collaboration with a range of valued partners, including Pat McDonagh (Supermac’s), the Charleville Park Hotel, Garda Kathryn Canty, and An Garda Síochána.
