Roscommon Longford Garda Youth Awards recognise dedication and resilience

Supported by Longford County Council and Roscommon County Council

Press Release: Friday 12 September 2025

Longford County Council is delighted to have hosted the seventh annual Roscommon Longford Garda Youth Awards ceremony, celebrating exceptional young people whose actions demonstrate courage, compassion, and community spirit.

The ceremony took place at Áras an Chontae this week with a large attendance including nominees, families, schools, and community groups from across Longford and Roscommon.

This year's awards recognised three individuals and two groups across five categories, acknowledging outstanding acts of courage and selflessness by young people in their communities. The awards are supported by both Longford and Roscommon County Councils.

Award Winners

Individual Award winner Sean Gill from Castlerea was recognised for his extraordinary commitment to assisting Pearse Bolger with the care of his guide dog, Quantum. For over twelve months, Sean has voluntarily dedicated his weekends and holidays to walking, grooming, and washing the guide dog, whilst also undertaking household tasks including furniture restoration and technical repairs. His selfless actions have provided essential support whilst demonstrating remarkable leadership and compassion.

The Group Award was presented to Cloonfad Foróige Club, who responded to tragedy with remarkable resilience and community spirit. Following the loss of former members James Daniels and Harry Fagan in a car accident in September 2024, the club organised a wake-a-thon raising €4,000 for both the Foróige Club and the Irish Road Victims Association. The group also secured funding to create a vital community gathering space for current and future generations.

Mario Pompa from Longford Town received the Special Achievement Award for his inspiring recovery and community contribution following life-changing injuries sustained in a 2021 car accident. Prior to the accident, Mario was a gifted footballer and musician. The accident had a major impact on his physical and emotional well-being, yet he faced the long road to recovery with courage and determination, refusing to let his circumstances define his future. After spending a year in the National Rehabilitation Hospital relearning basic skills, Mario has pursued education through Maynooth University's College Connect programme and QQI Level 4 studies. He now volunteers with Longford Volunteer Centre, Longford Tidy Towns, and provides translation support for the Roma and New Communities Community Development Project.

The Community Safety Award was presented to Lus na Gréine Foróige Club from Granard for their initiative addressing children's mental health funding gaps. Understanding the €24,000 annual shortfall in counselling funds, the group organised a 5K forest walk, securing business sponsorship and donations. Their efforts focused not on monetary success but on funding art therapy sessions for children, demonstrating mature understanding of community needs.

The Special Recognition Award was presented to John Nevin from Farnagh, Longford for his unwavering commitment to supporting young people in the community. He has volunteered at the Longford Community Safety Partnership intro to boxing courses as a coach, National Play Day, and soccer programmes. He encourages young people to take up sport as a positive outlet and supports them in taking part in events and activities, never seeking praise or reward. His selflessness, reliability, and positive energy inspire those around him. John does all this while firmly staying committed to his own training with Olympic Boxing Club, Galway. John has won three consecutive All Ireland titles in 2023, 2024 and 2025, also becoming the 2024 U17 Denmark International Box Champion.

The five divisional winners' applications have been submitted to the National Judging Panel for final assessment. Category winners received glass trophies, certificates and €220 One for All gift vouchers, with group recipients receiving €450 in vouchers. All nominees received Certificates of Nomination recognising their achievements.

The judging panel included Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Garry Murtagh, Roscommon County Council Senior Executive Officer Fiona Ní Chuinn, An Garda Síochána Inspector David Cryan, RTÉ Midlands Correspondent Sinéad Hussey and former Roscommon Senior Footballer Dr Cathal Cregg.

Sergeant James Rowan served as Master of Ceremonies, with Chief Superintendent Ray McMahon, Superintendent Michael Dorrigan of Longford Community Engagement Functional Area, Superintendent Jason Miley of Roscommon Garda Community Engagement Functional Area, Inspector David Cryan, Chair of Roscommon Longford Divisional Garda Youth Awards, Inspector Declan McGlynn of Longford Community Engagement Functional Area and Garda Colm Satchwell Coordinator of Roscommon Longford Divisional Garda Youth Awards, Chief Executive of Longford and Roscommon County Councils Paddy Mahon and Shane Tiernan and Local Community Safety Coordinator from Longford County Council, Janine Bartley also attending.

Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Garry Murtagh praised the winners, "These remarkable young people embody the very best of community spirit - their courage, selflessness and genuine care for others creates a ripple effect that strengthens our entire region. They prove that age is no barrier to making meaningful change.

"I extend my gratitude to Roscommon County Council for their continued partnership and to An Garda Síochána for their unwavering commitment to nurturing positive relationships with young people. Tonight's ceremony demonstrates why we can face the future with absolute confidence - our communities are in exceptionally capable hands."

Roscommon County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Liam Callaghan said, “I would like to warmly congratulate all nominees and award recipients. Your courage, dedication and selflessness is something to be greatly admired and valued. You have also enhanced the lives of your families and friends in a way that you may not appreciate.”

Inspector David Cryan, Chair of the Roscommon Longford Divisional Garda Youth Awards, concluded: "These young people represent hope in action. Their commitment to helping others, overcoming personal challenges, and building stronger communities shows us what's possible when compassion meets determination.

"At An Garda Síochána, we recognise that community safety extends far beyond crime prevention - it encompasses the wellbeing, support networks and positive initiatives that make our towns and villages places where everyone can thrive. These award winners are creating exactly that foundation, inspiring others through their example and proving that positive change often begins with a single caring act."