Awards highlight work done by local youth

NORTHSIDERS Mark Harmon and Aoife O’Connor from the MOST Project were declared overall winners at the inaugural Dublin North Central Garda Youth Awards.

The awards, held in association with Croke Park, recognise and celebrate the contribution young people are making in communities across the Dublin’s North Central local area.

Mark and Aoife, both aged 15, were nominated by Brádóg Youth Services for their involvement in a local project capturing what life is like growing up in O’Devaney Gardens.

Wanting to move away from the negative aspects that are often portrayed in the media and showcase the community they grew up in, Mark and Aoife are documenting accounts from relevant community members and activists to show a varied and extensive profile of their local area.

The judging panel were particularly impressed with the pride that Mark and Aoife have for their community and their commitment to the project. 

Other award winners included Molly Bolger, who was nominated by staff of the Christ the King Day Care Centre in Cabra.

The nomination was in recognition of over four years of volunteering at her local day care centre for her elderly neighbours.

They describe Molly as a “constant presence” within the centre during the summer months and school breaks.

The judging panel was very impressed with Molly’s work as a volunteer and how she quietly goes about helping and enriching the lives of her elderly neighbours – particularly those who are less able to help themselves.