Three local Gaisce President’s Award Leaders recognised
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Áine Kerr, Gaisce chairperson, Joan Gilmartin, Gaisce PAL with Loreto College, Fiona Coghlan, Irish Rugby International, and Avril Ryan, Gaisce CEO, presenting an award to Joan for five years of active service as a Gaisce President’s Award Leader (PAL). Photo by TONY MAXWELLImage 2 of 3
Áine Kerr, Gaisce chairperson, Maureen Lee, Gaisce PAL with the Irish Wheelchair Association, Fiona Coghlan, Irish Rugby International, and Avril Ryan, Gaisce CEO, presenting an award to Maureen for five years of active service as a Gaisce President’s Award Leader (PAL). Photo by TONY MAXWELLImage 3 of 3
Áine Kerr, Gaisce chairperson, Fiona Coghlan, Irish Rugby International, Michael Loftus, Gaisce PAL with Marist College, and Avril Ryan, Gaisce CEO, presenting an award to Michael for 15 years of active service as a Gaisce President’s Award Leader (PAL). Photo by TONY MAXWELLThree volunteers from Westmeath were among the 111 recognised at a Gaisce President’s Award Leaders event in Dublin Castle as part of the Gaisce 40th anniversary.
The event celebrated President’s Award Leaders (PALs) from all over Ireland who work on a voluntary basis supporting, encouraging and guiding young people to undertake their Gaisce Awards each year.
To mark the 40th anniversary of Gaisce’s, a new tiered system of Civic Merit Awards for PALs was unveiled at the event. PALs who have supported young people taking part in the Gaisce programme were presented with the Laoch Award for five years’ service, the Seaimpín Award for 10 years’ service, and the Réalta Award for 15 years’ service.
Among those recognised from Westmeath were Joan Gilmartin, Gaisce PAL with Loreto College, Maureen Lee, Gaisce PAL with Irish Wheelchair Association (five years), and Michael Loftus, Gaisce PAL with Marist College (15 years).
Their commitment to mentoring and supporting young people on their Gaisce journey has helped participants grow in confidence, develop new skills, and engage positively with their communities.
Those honoured represent a variety of organisations that work with Gaisce, including post-primary schools, youth organisations, youth diversion services, disability services, youth justice and prison services.
Speaking at the event, Helen McEntee, Minister for Education and Youth, said: “It is inspirational to see so many gathered here today, from schools, third-level institutions, youth services, youth justice services and from all walks of life who support the delivery of the award for young people championing Gaisce nationwide. I want to express my gratitude to all of you who have played a role in making a difference in the lives of young people, through your dedication and commitment. Congratulations on all you have achieved.”
Avril Ryan, CEO of Gaisce, addressing the audience said: “Our extraordinary PALs make the Gaisce journey possible for young people, amounting to over half a million in the last 40 years. Now more than ever, we want young people to continue developing their potential through the award, to see it as a pathway that grows with them and helps them to embrace opportunities.
“The PALs are the bridge to those opportunities for young people, opening the door to what’s possible. We thank them for their dedicated service to young people undertaking the Gaisce Award.”