PICTURES: Laois young people honoured at Garda Youth Awards 2026

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The 2026 Laois/Offaly Garda Divisional Youth Awards took place at The Killeshin Hotel in Portlaoise on Thursday, March 19.

Young people from across Laois and Offaly were celebrated on the night in the company of their families and peers.

The Garda Youth Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of young people between the ages of 13 and 21 who have undertaken exceptional work in their local communities or who have shown great determination in their own lives.

Nineteen awards were presented across a number of categories, including the Individual Award, Group Award, Special Achievement Award, Community Safety Award and the Special Recognition Award. There were several winners from Laois.

Esraa Ammouri and Liam Phelan from Portlaoise were both presented with the Individual Award.

Esraa was given the award for acting as a role model in her community through the 'Girl Talk' group and a range of creative projects, from the “Stories of Journeys” programme to national conferences, films and podcasts.

As a hurler with Clonad GAA at U20 and Intermediate level, Liam was recognised for his contribution to his club's success as well as being an excellent example of a true club man. Off the pitch, Liam gives his time to helping coach younger teams, supporting Cúl Camps, and, as Junior Irish Officer, strengthening the club’s Irish language culture.

The Jambos, made up of Kate Lalor Fitzpatrick, Katie Dowling and Aisling Kiernan from Mountrath CS, were awarded the Group Award.

Through their innovative fundraising efforts, these students have funded equine therapy sessions for students with additional needs and provided hours of in-home nursing care through the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation. 

GirlTalk Youth Group in Portlaoise were also honoured with the Group Award. The youth group has created a welcoming space where young women from diverse backgrounds can connect, share their experiences and support one another.

Jorge Marcello, a member of VIP Community Physical Activity Hub in Portlaoise, was presented with the Special Achievement Award. 

After being diagnosed with a serious visual impairment, Jorge worked hard with the VIP Hub's swimming club to become a member of the Irish Para Development Squad. Three younger VIP swimmers have since reached the squad. Because of Jorge’s dedication, Swim Ireland now recognises the Hub as a para team where new athletes can grow.

Ross Harding of the Foróige Youth Diversion Project in Portlaoise was also awarded the Special Achievement Award, as well as Ryan Mannion who is also from Portlaoise.

Now training as a a Foróige volunteer, Ross was recognised for his journey to overcome substance abuse and gain meaningful employment and education.

Ryan was honoured for his commitment to fundraising and helping his little brother Jamie who has a severe disability and complex needs. 

The Sports & Physical Education Committee (SPC) from Scoil Chríost Rí in Portlaoise took home the Community Safety Award for teaching over 200 students at the school CPR training.

Finally, Caoimhe Buckley from Mountrath CS was presented with the Special Recognition Award for helping rescue a fellow swimmer who got into difficulty while swimming at a Laois Marlins Swim Club training camp in Barcelona in June 2025.

Take a look at some of the photos captured at the awards by photographer Denis Byrne.

Portlaoise Comhaltas providing music for the Laois/Offaly Garda Youth Awards held at the Killeshin Hotel.