ALLIHIES teenager Féile O’Sullivan was one of four young people to receive special achievement awards at the West Cork Garda Youth Awards.

The 13-year-old, who lost both her legs in a farming accident last year, is now on the road to recovery at the National Rehabilitation Centre in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin.

The award was accepted at a function in the Kinsale Hotel & Spa last Friday night on her behalf by her two aunts.

Siún de Brún from Ballineen also won a special achievement award. Judges noted she suffered ‘great personal upheaval in recent years’ and despite having to deal with ‘cruel adversity’ she is now actively involved in jiu-jitsu and soccer and a regular gym-goer.

Cathal Lynch, a transition year student in Coláiste Ghobnatan, received a special recognition award for his ‘positive, enthusiastic and resilient’ attitude having been diagnosed with Spina Bifida and hydrocephalus and using a wheelchair. Kara McCarthy O’Regan from Bandon took the fourth special achievement award. Kara lost several people close to her to suicide, and channelled her grief into something positive walking 180km for her 18th birthday to raise funds for suicide bereavement charity HUGG instead of birthday presents.

Friday’s celebration marked the 30th West Cork Garda Youth Awards, with 17 recipients accepting their accolade in front of a 200-strong audience. The awards were founded in 1995 by Garda James O’Mahony, who was a Juvenile Liaison Officer based in Bandon. He wanted to create a platform to recognise the great work being carried out by young people.

There were several overall winners. Seán Cremin – a recently-appointed climate ambassador under the An Taisce programme – has used social media to highlight issues and is an active member of Macroom Tidy Towns.

Lia D’Arcy, from Ballinhassig, has made a significant contribution to her school and community through leadership and environmental action.

NEWS 17/4/2026 Pictured at the West Cork Garda youth awards at the Kinsale Hotel was Lia Darcy from Ballinhassig with her mum Lorna and Garda Michael Golden, Bandon Grada station. Picture Denis Boyle

Olivia Skrzynska, from Bandon, walked 100km during the month of March 2026 to raise funds for Pieta House. She took on the challenge as one of her peer group died by suicide last year.

Callum  Barry, also from Bandon, won a district award for volunteering every Saturday in an All-Star programme in Bandon AFC to support children with disabilities and additional learning needs.

Another district award winner, Chloe McCarthy from Castletownsend, was recognised for freely giving of her time over the past number of years to help with Skibbereen Luncheon Club. The club operates twice a week, providing meals for the elderly.Hannah and Patrick O’Driscoll from Ballydehob were recipients of a group award for their visits to residents at Schull Community Hospital over the past eight years.

They play a variety of musical instruments and dance as well, and their visits reduce the social isolation of residents and brighten their day. The pair even visit on Christmas Day and other holidays.

An outstanding contribution to youth award was posthumously given to Collette O’Riordan, Macroom, whose unparalleled dedication as secretary of West Muskerry Athletics Club for 26 years saw her take on the role of coach to all ages.

When a young athlete lost her hair due to leukaemia, Collette shaved her own hair in solidarity, and raised over €12,000 for her medical expenses.

The West Cork Garda Youth Awards have been sponsored by SuperValu since their inception. Kevin O’Shea, regional manager at SuperValu, said: ‘We are committed to building inclusive and thriving communities. These inspirational young people share these goals and have worked tirelessly to make their communities better places.’

• More award winners’ stories in our community notes section.