Shane's inspirational spirit recognised at awards bash

Sean McMahon

In Hotel Kilmore

 

The inspirational story of a young Bailieborough man who has lived life to the full throughout his cancer treatment was amongst the many highlights of a memorable night at the inaugural Cavan/Monaghan Garda Divisional Youth Awards. 

The awards bash took place on Thursday evening February 20, at Hotel Kilmore and proved a huge success. Chief amongst those successes was the presentation of a Special Achievement Award to Shane Farrelly whose story is truly inspirational.

The citation, read out by Garda Martina McMahon, revealed that this remarkable young man was diagnosed with cancer and underwent treatment while a senior cycle student in Bailieborough Community School.

“He showed great optimism and calmness throughout this challenging time and he was known by the doctors as the boy that was always smiling," read the citation. "While undergoing chemotherapy, he kept focussed on his school work - caught up - and worked on his laptop and kept his parents going and approached the challenges he was facing as if he was going on a journey, via the scenic route.

“His endurance, courage, dignity and stoic determination has inspired all who have come into contact with Shane. Shane dedicated his time and energy to charity and his school's cross curricular activity and to friendships and relationships. He raised €700 for the Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes and visited the shrine himself. He was a member of the Cross Border Orchestra and has performed with the local cancer groups at concerts. He painted a beautiful picture which he presented to a nurse in the Mater Hospital.

Shane was deservedly nominated by one of his teachers in Bailieborough Community School, Catherine Rudden. His award was presented by Superintendent James Coen and Ms Lorraine Harris, SuperValu Bailieborough, sponsors. 

Thursday's gathering was addressed by the Assistant Garda Commissioner Barry O'Brien, who extolled the virtues of the young people receiving awards. He added that the occasion helped to foster a sense of community and noted “the importance of the contribution of young people to the life of our communities”.

He said that from reading the citations, he had no doubt these young people will excel in the years ahead in public and civic service.

 

Winners of awards

There were five winners in the individual awards category: Rhiannon Smith from Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan; Katie Cooney from Bailieboro County Cavan; Katie O’Neill from Carrickmacross County Monaghan; Conan O’Neill from Scothouse, County Monaghan; and Joshua Moore from Rockcorry, County Monaghan.

There are five winners in the group awards category: Silver Fins Special Abilities Swim Club, Bailieboro County Cavan; The Buddies from Jumping Jellybeans Afterschool from Virginia County Cavan; Traveller Culture and Awareness Group Beech Hill College, Monaghan; Colman Clarke and Colm Birmingham from Carrickmacross, County Monaghan; and Teach na nDaoine Summer Camp Volunteers from Monaghan.
 
In the Special Achievement category there are a further five winners: Shane Farrelly Bailieborough County Cavan; Ellie Flanagan Bailieborough, County Cavan; Lilav Mohomad Clones, County Monaghan; Francis Balmer Junior Glaslough, County Monaghan; Renee Nolan Clones County Monaghan.

The winner in the Community Safety Awards the Transition Year Students from Patrician High School, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan.

Overall winners in each category will be selected by a judging panel and will go forward to a selection process for the National Garda Youth Awards event which takes place later this year.