At the Garda Youth Awards on Saturday, Sgt Martin Long, Keith Quinn, students, Padraig Casey, Aaron Flanagan, Rylan Briody, Seán Hayes and Cathal Óg Fagan, Coláiste Mhuire, Garda Carmilla Corbett, and Aoife Davitt, cathaoirleach, Westmeath County Council. Photo: James Treacy

Two million views, and now national award for TY video

Published: Thu 27 Nov 2025, 9:54 AM

All nominees and award recipients “are to be commended for their dedication and commitment”, Assistant Commissioner for Roads Policing and Community Engagement, Catharina Gunne, said at the Garda National Youth Awards on Saturday.

She was speaking in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise, where students from Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar were among those awarded in an event that recognises exceptional young people aged 13-21 who have positively contributed to their communities.

The Mullingar students, Aaron Flanagan, Seán Hayes, Rylan Briody, Padraig Casey and Cathal Óg Fagan, were Community Safety award winners for the Meath/Westmeath Division, having been nominated by teacher Cathy McEnerney. The citation read out at the event stated:

The Coláiste Mhuire TY students ran a successful road safety campaign focused on young male drivers, in conjunction with Westmeath County Council and the RSA. They designed, scripted and produced a video that went viral, receiving over two million views.

Their message spread across the country and they have received feedback from all over Ireland on how it was a hard-hitting but effective campaign. The video was also shared by national organisations including An Garda Síochána, county councils, and news outlets. The students worked tirelessly not only to create the video but to ensure their message reached a variety of audiences, regardless of age.

School principal Keith Quinn said: “We are incredibly proud of our students in Coláiste Mhuire on receiving this National Garda Award. Their road safety video highlighting the dangers of mobile phone use while driving has reached over two million people online and made a real impact.

"It is inspiring to see our young men use their creativity to promote such an important message. Their success reflects the potential and leadership we see in them every day.”

Assistant Commissioner Gunne, said An Garda Síochána are delighted to publicly recognise hard work, commitment and enthusiasm. “Our communities are seeing the benefit of the contribution they are making. Each winner here today represents the very best of what young people in our communities can achieve. They are all inspirational.”

Assistant Commissioner Gunne opened the ceremony, while guest of honour Miriam O’Callaghan introduced each award category, and guest speaker, 2025 International Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins, was interviewed by Miriam O’Callaghan during the ceremony.