OVER 100 young people, including some exceptional individuals from Donegal, have been honoured for their outstanding contributions to their communities at the prestigious Garda National Youth Awards.
The annual ceremony, launched in 2019, celebrates young people and groups who have gone above and beyond to make a real difference in their local areas.
Among the individuals recognised was 15-year-old Paddy Boyle from Tory Island, who was commended for his heroic actions in a dramatic rescue of a man whose fishing boat capsized.
While on his way to feed sheep, Paddy heard shouting from the cliffs and immediately contacted his father to launch their Rigid Inflatable Boat. Despite knowing that the Coastguard was on their way, Paddy ran towards the sound and found a fisherman clinging to rocks.
Without hesitation, Paddy descended a steep cliff to assist the man, pulling him to safety and staying with him until help arrived.
Also recognised in Donegal was Rihanna Reynolds, who received a Special Achievement Award for her incredible resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
Rihanna Reynolds was acknowledged for her remarkable contributions made in the Donegal Division.
Diagnosed with ADHD at a young age, Rihanna faced significant challenges in her education, particularly during Transition Year. However, with support from her teacher and youth worker, she completed Foroige’s NFTE programme, which helped her develop a business idea aimed at supporting other young people with ADHD.
Rihanna created a tool designed to help others identify and express emotions, activate coping strategies and seek support.
