Pupils are award finalists

TWO Lismore pupils have been named as finalists for a prestigious community awards programme.

Year 14 student Conleth Dolan and Barry McCrory from year 11 were nominated by the school principal for the Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards.

Principal, Joe Corrigan said he was delight with the boys’ success and the double accolade this had achieved for Lismore.

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This prestigious awards programme honours young people throughout Ireland for outstanding acts of volunteerism.

Conleth was selected for his involvement in the PIPS suicide charity.

He joined PIPS (Public Initiative for the Prevention of Suicide and Self Harm) following his brother's death over two years ago.

Conleth's personal experience has had a deep effect and has turned his pain into a force for good and found comfort and strength with PIPS. He is now a committee member and uses his own experience to help others in his community.

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Mr Corrigan said: “Conleth is a young man of remarkable resilience. His genuine aspiration to make a difference for those with suicidal notions has been challenging.

"He began his journey at a time of personal turmoil and will testify to the degree of healing he has achieved through this involvement.”

Barry was nominated for his voluntary activities as a representative on the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People’s (NICCY) Youth Panel.

His role involves being part of several committees including recruitment, residential and one to foster links with local government ministers.

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Barry believes strongly in the adage “children are our future” and even at school as a member of the Student Council Barry is constantly championing the cause of young people.

Ken Smyth, NICCY participation manager said: “Barry’s integrity and personal values are very much aligned to NICCY’s values, his personal interactions with other members of the youth panel and staff are excellent.”

Pramerica Systems managing director, Henry McGarvey added: "Young people as inspiring as Conleth and Barry contribute greatly to our society.

“These awards are designed to showcase the tremendous work undertaken behind the shadows by young volunteers. We are inspired by the dedication and commitment demonstrated by Conleth and Barry and the other finalists.”

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The All-Ireland Youth Volunteers of the Year will be chosen by a selection committee chaired by Nobel laureate John Hume.

The programme is organised by Pramerica Systems Ireland in partnership with the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) and the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI).

The boys were presented with a Certificate of Achievement by Ms Sally McKee from GTCNI.

On March 24, Conleth and Barry will join the other finalists from schools across Ireland to be honoured at the awards dinner in Cork.

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They will receive 500 euros and an engraved silver medallion, presented by Tyrone Senior Football manager Mickey Harte.

The winning finalists will be named All-Ireland Youth Volunteers of the Year at the dinner and will receive 1,000 euros for a charity they select, a gold medallion and an all-expenses paid trip to the United States in May to take part in the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards ceremony.

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