Tipperary youth is among Ireland’s top volunteers for 2019

A Tipperary youth is among twenty outstanding young people who have been recognised from Ireland for the exemplary volunteer work they’ve carried out in their local communities. The local students were revealed as Pramerica announced its finalists for the 2019 Spirit of Community Awards, the only all-Ireland youth initiative of its kind. 

Among those recognised is Lorcan Tuohy-Donnelly, Borrisokane Community College

The programme, which is run in partnership with the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) and the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI), rewards post-primary students for outstanding acts of volunteerism and the positive contribution they make in their local communities.

“Year after year, I am so impressed by the incredible drive and passion shown by our participants. 2019 is no different. The volunteer work carried out by teenagers and young people in towns and villages in Ireland is truly having an impact and making a difference,” said Andrea McBride, Vice President of Information Systems, Pramerica Systems Ireland. “From caring for the elderly and supporting mental health awareness to helping people with learning disabilities, motor impairments and blindness – so much of the volunteering activities that young people are involved in is going under the radar. Our awards programme aims to shine a light on these dedicated students by applauding their achievements and encouraging others to give back to their hometown.” 

The post-primary students will be presented with €500 and an engraved silver medallion at the awards ceremony on 28th March at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The top two Junior Honourees will also receive an additional €500 for their chosen charity and two of the 20 students will be named All-Ireland Youth Volunteers of the Year.  These two students will receive €1,000, a gold medallion, a crystal trophy for their school and an all-expense paid trip to the United States in May to participate in the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards ceremony.

This year’s awards ceremony will see former professional footballer, psychotherapist and mental fitness teacher Richie Sadlier speak to honourees about his experience of working in the mental health sector. He will also speak about his range of insights and experience from his voluntary work.

Speaking about the Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards, Sadlier said: “It is great to see the high-calibre of young people from across Ireland who have been nominated for the Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards. The voluntary efforts of these young people have such a positive lasting effect on those they help. It also allows them to develop important life skills that will only benefit them and those around them as they get older. I’m delighted to be involved in an event that celebrates the selfless work of these honourees.”

Follow the Pramerica Spirit of Community on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat (@Pramerica_SOC) or visit spirit.pramerica.ie.