National Award For Cobh’s Niamh Halligan

Pictured at the 2011 Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards are Ireland Rugby Coach Declan Kidney, Niamh Halligan from Cobh who was honoured for her outstanding acts of volunteerism and Henry McGarvey, MD, Pramerica Systems Ireland Ltd, sponsors of the programme. Photo by Photo One Studios, Galway

PRAMERICA HONOURS COBH STUDENT FOR VOLUNTEERISM AT NATIONAL AWARDS CEREMONY IN GALWAY

Pramerica honoured Niamh Halligan, from Cobh Community College in Co. Cork , at a gala awards dinner in Galway last night for her outstanding volunteer work during the fifth annual Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards.

Niamh and 19 other programme finalists hailing from all corners of Ireland, received €500, an engraved silver medallion and personal recognition from Ireland rugby coach, Declan Kidney

The Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards sponsored by Pramerica Systems Ireland Limited in partnership with the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) and the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) were introduced in 2006 to encourage youth volunteerism throughout Ireland, and to identify and reward young role models.

“It’s uplifting and inspiring to see our youth step forward and volunteer in so many great ways, especially when people are most in need, “ said guest speaker Declan Kidney.  “They bring hope and optimism for the future and do so smiling. Well done to you all.”

Addressing the finalists, Henry McGarvey, managing director of Pramerica Systems Ireland said, “It is a great honour to be involved in this event each year and celebrate the generosity of our youth, the ambassadors of our future. Students such as Niamh inspire young and old alike. Their commitment to help and make a difference shows the strength and determination of their generation and hopefully generations to follow.”

Niamh, aged 15, from Cobh, Co. Cork was selected for the honour because of her voluntary activities in her community, using her musical talents to fundraise for her local charities and organisations.

In particular Niamh’s musical talent helped raise funds for her local suicide prevention group which has trained three new suicide counsellors. Her dedication has also resulted in the opening of a new community centre and youth centre in her town. Niamh is involved in performing at fundraising concerts for senior citizen groups and tourists and at schools and local parades. Niamh’s musical contribution has a huge impact on her local community.

Guidance counsellor, Catherine Leahy describes Niamh as: “a highly motivated, talented and very generous young person. Niamh represents all that is good in our young people – her contribution and dedication to worthy social causes will endure well into the future”

Pramerica selected finalists in February based on motivation, service, impact, sustainability, commitment and personal challenge.  They were presented with Certificates of Achievement at their schools by officials of Pramerica, NAPD and GTCNI last month, and received further recognition at last night’s dinner.  At last night’s ceremony, two of the finalists Megan Fahy from Sligo and Seoighe Kearney from Cork were also awarded All-Ireland Youth Volunteers of the Year, selected by a committee chaired by Nobel Prize-winner John Hume.

Megan Fahy, 17, from Tonaphubble, Sligo, a fifth year student at Mercy College Sligo, has used her own experience of living with a rare kidney condition to help write a portfolio of books which explain common medical conditions for children, raising much needed funds for vital hospital equipment.

Megan is also actively involved with Barrettstown Camp as a “Cara” and has completed the Leader in Training Programme.  Despite undergoing a kidney transplant in December 2009 and weekly trips to Dublin for blood tests after her surgery, Megan managed to drive forward with her spirit of volunteerism.

Megan is described by her teacher, Anne Gorby, as, “an everyday hero who lives her life to the full and tackles life’s obstacles head on”.

Seoighe Kearney, 18, from Mallow, Co. Cork, a sixth year student at Davis College, has a long lasting reputation and dedication to volunteering and charity work having so far raised €25,000 for various organisations.

As part of her Gold Gaisce Award this year, Seoighe visits an elderly member of the community suffering Alzheimer’s one hour a week, offering support, help, security and company. Coming to terms with the stress and anxieties of Alzheimer’s was challenging, but Seoighe’s commitment to her client created trust and respect and in turn she learned invaluable life skills.

Aidan Stacey from the Irish Heart Foundation says: “Seoighe has proven that the spirit of the community is thriving in the youth of Ireland. She is a wonderful example to young people throughout the country with her dedication, hard work and positive can-do attitude”.

The two students received €1,000 for a charity of their choice, a gold medallion and an all-expense paid trip to the United States in May to take part in the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards ceremony.

In addition to John Hume, the selection committee included Henry McGarvey; Ivan Arbuthnot, chairperson, of GTCNI; Tim Geraghty, former president of the NAPD; Mary Davis, managing director of EurAsia Special Olympics; and Yvonne McKenna, CEO of Volunteer Centres Ireland.

“We’re delighted to participate in this initiative”, said Patricia O’Brien, president of the NAPD. “Each year, we’re astounded and moved by the level of dedication, commitment and care our students invest in helping others. They show leadership beyond their years, and I believe the future is safe in the hands of these young people.”

Ivan Arbuthnot agreed saying, “We in Northern Ireland are proud to have been part of the Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards since its inception five years ago. These awards are proof that our young people care enough about helping others. So much so, that they find their own opportunities for volunteer service.”