Inspirational Young People Recognised on Awards Night

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has recognised a group of inspirational young people at the 6^th Annual YAFTAS Awards. The event, which took place at the Canal Court Hotel & Spa in Newry, was a celebration of a programme between the Youth Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin said, “I am delighted to be here to celebrate the work that our outstanding young people are doing. The YAFTAS were specifically created by Newry & Mourne Youth Council and supported by our Council and the Education Authority to recognise the unsung heroes of our community who often do not get the recognition they deserve. These awards shine a positive light on our district’s young people and the work that they are doing.

“The competition this year made the shortlisting of these winners even more difficult since our young people across the district have been involved in some fantastic youth work programmes, volunteering, and supporting of their peers, friends and family. Both the young people and their achievements deserve to be highlighted and recognised.”

The glamourous event saw some 200 people celebrating both the young people and the projects they were involved in. There were seven award categories recognising different aspects of community and voluntary service:

Good Relations Award

Winner: Leaders of Hope and Harmony (LOHAH), Kilkeel

Runner Up: Newtownhamilton TBUC in the Community, Newtownhamilton

Young Carer Award

Winner: Ben McGlade, Newry

Runners Up: Antonia and Aoise O’Goan, Downpatrick

Community Safety Award

Winner: Regener8, Slieve Gullion

Runner Up: Newry Fire Cadets, Newry

Voice of Young People Award

Winners: Cathal McCann, Emma Cunningham and Brooklyn Flanagan, Downpatrick

Runner Up: Lara O’Neill, Newry

Innovation and Creativity Award

Winner: Slurrysafe Team, Downpatrick

Runner Up: Assumption Community Link, Ballynahinch

Inspirational Young Person Award

Winner: Cormac Savage, Downpatrick

Runner Up: Hannah Kelly, Newry

Inclusion Award

Winner: Wonder Youth Group and Newry Youth Forum, Newry

Runner Up: St. Oliver Plunkett Inclusion Group, Crossmaglen

The event was supported by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, the Executive Office, the Policing & Community Safety Partnership, Specsavers Newry, Education Authority, Education Authority Small Grants, Buttercrane Centre Newry, Newry Clinic; PJ O’Hare’s, Carlingford and JP Corry.